State prisoners enjoy jazz improvisations performed by students
On Monday, Nov. 10 Dr. Maureen Horgan, the GCSU Assistant Professor of Music, led her two all-male jazz improvisation classes to the Bostick Men’s State Prison to share music with the prisoners. Arriving with instruments and music sheets in tow, it took over 30 minutes to transport all the equipment though the barb-wired fences and metal detectors.
Although pre-show jitters are common before any concert, the night air was filled with a different impression of nervousness.
TJ Brown, sophomore Spanish major playing the saxophone, was initially anxious.
“I didn’t know what to expect in the beginning, but I was pleasantly surprised,” said Brown.
The Bostick Men’s Prison is recognized as “the most diverse prison in the whole state”, according to Alexis E.L. Chase, Warden of the Bostick Prison for three years. Filled to maximum capacity, 670 state prisoners reside at Bostick for offenses ranging from murder to pedophilia to robbery. Recently presented the “White Cane Award” for providing blind inmates with phenomenal Braille materials, the prison houses inmates of various ages, ethnicities, and impairments. There are 109 men known as “lifers”, or prisoners who will never leave confinement for the remainder of their lives.
According to Warden Chase, all demographics were represented at the concert with 140 audience members.
Beginning after GCSU students assembled and tuned their instruments, the Thursday Improvisation class opened the first measure. They performed various selected artists pieces, properly allotting each individual musician their own time to shine. Prisoners were especially swept away with “A Child Is Born”, a ballad begun by Chris McKenzie, sophomore trumpet player.
Cody Fox, creative writing major who plays the saxophone, was one of the students performing with the first class.
“I was blown away by how much the prisoners seemed to enjoy it,” said Fox. “I was amazed at how many of the prisoners responded to the titles of the songs and knew the tunes.”
As the Monday Improvisation class commenced with their repertoire, more inmates began loosening up. Men in wheelchairs clapped their hands and others began pumping their heels. The state prisoners got the most excited when Dr. Horgan gave the students permission to “just jam.”
Officer Huff, an employee at Bostick for 16 years, was highly appreciative of GCSU students visiting the men.
“In my 16 years of memory, this is our first time having a band come perform,” said Huff. “(The prisoners) don’t get live entertainment very often. I thought it was a great idea.”
Likewise, Activity Therapist Norissa A. Greaves thought the concert was a learning experience for many men.
“I think music always decreases aggression by giving (inmates) something to dwell on. This will give them motivation to get into the community,” said Greaves.
As Warden Chase explains, some of these men have been locked up for 30 years and have no other means of entertainment except through volunteering bands.
“A lot of inmates begin missing their family this time of year, so the show is a positive distraction,” said Greaves. “There were inmates crying tonight. The show affected them that much. It was very touching.”
A “Token of Appreciation” was presented to Dr. Horgan and GCSU students by Warden Chase for this “rare treat.” Yet, Dr. Horgan was delighted with the opportunity of being able to perform for these men without any recognition.
“Only with a forward-thinking college would I expect the students to be so open to a thing such as this,”said Horgan. “And the prisoners were sitting there completely attentive for the performance. I wish all our audiences were that way.”
Preparing to return in the spring semester, Dr. Horgan is deeply pleased with the concert. As a child, Horgan’s mother encouraged her siblings and herself to sing at the local nursing home every holiday season. She believes this is where her motivation came for visiting the prison with her students. The GCSU musicians were impressed by the charisma of the inmates and await their next visit.
“I really enjoyed playing at the prison,” said Fox. “It was an amazing opportunity to do something that we love and touch the lives of other people at the same time.”
Posted by Colonnade Archives
on Nov 14 2008. Filed under Features.
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