For Tariq Gardner, drummer of the ensemble performing at CHS’ masterclass on Sept. 3, 2025 in Craft Theater, drumming is the purest expression of joy on the bandstand. He hopes to make a positive impact on anybody who is listening, similar to award-winning author Jean Alicia Elster’s approach, who read her fictional stories, influenced by her grandfather, in accompaniment of the band.
The masterclass began with a statement by Jack Wagner, director of the CHS Jazz ensemble, that it would not be like other masterclasses. The ensemble opened with a piece titled “Lucky So And So,” followed by Elster reading aloud corresponding excerpts from her trilogy, including “Who’s Jim Hines,” “The Color Car” and “How It Happens.”
CHS Master classes, organized by Wagner, are a common but special occurrence. The free in-school masterclasses are unique to CHS because no other high school in Ann Arbor hosts them to the extent of CHS, bringing in multiple Grammy-winning artists. Guest artists who have taught include Victor Wooten, a five-time Grammy award-winning bassist; Joshua Redman, a saxophonist who has played with Stevie Wonder; Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea; Peter Ersekin, an American drummer who has played in over 600 albums and has been inducted into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame; and many more.
The entire performance consisted of Marion Hayden, a jazz professor and bassist from the University of Michigan, accompanied by her son Gardner, her first cousin Elster and Detroit pianist and singer Alvin Waddles.
Among the pieces they played, two of which were written by Hayden, was an arrangement of a polka titled “Who Stole The Kishka,” a tribute to a section about Polish culture in Detroit. The quartet approached this section in an unusual manner. Beginning slowly, Waddles laid down the foundation of the song, gradually speeding up. Next, Gardner joined with the accompaniment of a New Orleans Funk Groove played on the snare drum. Finally, the rest of the band joined. Throughout the piece, the band played a variety of beats, drawing from Latin and African-American inspirations.
Elster has African American family roots in the southern part of the U.S. When Elster was a young child, she could often be found writing short stories. At the age of six and upon learning cursive, Elster was naturally drawn to literature, which progressed her writing. As she got older, Elster focused on writing historical fiction. She promptly figured to draw inspiration from her grandfather.
“[I wanted to] share these stories because my grandfather’s story is unique in that he came up from the south not to work in the factories but as an entrepreneur,” Elster said. “So I wanted to make sure that more people knew that there was more than just the one story of coming to Detroit to work in the factories. I wanted to share that there were folks like my grandfather who were also entrepreneurs and made an impact on the city. So I wanted to use historical fiction to get that point across.”
Helio Fong, senior jazz pianist from one of CHS’ top jazz combos, was in the audience, observing the performance meticulously. His band director from Huron High School, Mr. Ash, knew Hayden and recommended him to attend. Fong figured the masterclass was worth going to. He anticipated that it would leave a profound impact on him.
“It was very impactful for me to see the pianist playing with such soulful playing,” Fong said. “[Waddles] played with such grace, and I was really blown away by his attention to detail in his playing.”
With many more master classes to come, CHS’ Jazz program offers numerous opportunities for students to meet experienced and often famous musicians. Fong believes that these masterclasses can be a beautiful addition to school and have the potential to touch a lot of people’s hearts.
