What: NIU Jazz Jam Session

When: 9 p.m. to midnight each Wednesday

Where: The House, 263 E. Lincoln Highway

Admission: $1

On Wednesday nights, some jazz students go to class at The House, 263 E. Lincoln Highway, where an audience gathers to observe and appreciate their work.

One of the most prominent elements of jazz is improvisation – the ability to spontaneously create music. The NIU Jazz Jam Session offers people a chance to get together with other musicians and play for audiences.

Being able to play live in front of eager and sometimes critical ears gives musicians experience that cannot be gained in a classroom or private practice.

“See, jazz is all about swinging. It doesn’t matter how much you practice, if you can’t swing and make the audience snap their fingers, then you’re not getting it,” said Fareed Haque, NIU music instructor and internationally acclaimed guitarist who created the NIU Jazz Jam Session 10 years ago.

Graduate music student Marcus Evans said he uses the jam to experiment with techniques he’s been practicing. Frequently playing a drumset at the jam, Evans said he enjoys the opportunity to see how others will respond to his playing.

“Jam sessions are the best things a jazz musician can do besides listening to music,” Evans said. “Most of all, I love getting the energy from the audience and giving it back.”

The NIU jam differs slightly from other jazz jams usually found in larger cities.

“Some of the others are more competitive instead of being a learning experience where musicians get together to share musical ideas,” said Tim Shadley, trombone player for The Big House Band. “It’s not about showing each other up, it’s about learning from each other.”

Nate Rigg, a freshman at DeKalb High School and the youngest jam participant, shows no fear when getting on stage with the older musicians.

“I don’t feel intimidated at all,” Rigg said. “It’s a pretty comfortable environment.”

Inspired by an NIU jazz arranging class taught by Joey Sellers, the students have added another element to the jam. While the second half of the session still is dedicated to letting different people jam, the first half showcases original tunes written by NIU students and area musicians.

The Big House Band, led by Mr. House (junior music major Doug Stone), plays the four-horn compositions, arranged for tenor sax, alto sax, trombone, trumpet and rhythm section.

Haque, who sometimes plays at the jams, said he’s glad students took the initiative to take things a step further.

“This gives them a chance for their own tunes to receive responses, it’s a two way street with the audience,” Haque said. “Instead of just getting a grade from a teacher or just playing for each other, well, this is the true test.”

Shadley wrote a be-bop tune called “Remedy,” which The Big House Band has played.

“I think it’s a good place for students to show off what kind of music we’re into,” Shadley said. “It’s cool that we are musically free to bring in non-mainstream stuff.”

Some of the music is not mainstream, but the jam session seems to be becoming a mainstream weekly event for both musicians and audience members. Often standing room only, these jams offer a laid-back environment and some smokin’ jazz.

The NIU Jazz Jam Session runs from 9 p.m. to midnight each Wednesday at The House. Admission is $1.