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Reviews
Chops (2007)
Great high school jazz!
CHOPS was an incredibly enjoyable film. As a former HS teacher (not music) it was a reminder of how enthusiastic and pleasurable working the students can be. Focusing primarily on one Florida HS jazz band's preparation for competing against other schools at Lincoln Center, it allows you to get to know the primary musicians and their backgrounds. There are brief segments featuring 2 bands from Seattle getting ready for the same competition.
Especially satisfying was jazz legend Ron Carter's visit to the Florida school for a master class. It was hilarious to watch these likable, eager kids, probably assuming they were pretty cool musicians, quickly realize that Mr. Carter wrote the book on cool. The students were coaxed out of their typically teenage passivity and reserve by the teasing, demonstrative motivations of their visiting teacher. Along with the hard work and encouragement of their regular teacher, it almost made me want to be back in the classroom! The students' enjoyment of their New York experience and the performances during the actual competition were a great end to a great film.
A Different Drum (1974)
A short about a young adult trying to find acceptance by his family for his career choice.
I showed this film to my classes while teaching HS on the Navajo reservation during the early 80s. About a young Native American man under family pressure to follow in his father's footsteps, it is a good lesson for letting young people find themselves and choose a life that gives them personal satisfaction. I was initially attracted to the actors, Jay Silverheels (the most resonant voice in film!) and Chief Dan George. The acting by the two well-known actors was as expected, solid and believable. The others were believable as well. Can't remember if Silverheels' character is a college president or faculty member, but the story begins as the family is preparing to go listen to him give a speech at the school. His son gets angry after more pressure to abandon his choice of being an auto mechanic. The family goes without him, so he is left with Grandpa. After discussing the situation, the two decide to race to the school to attend the speech. On the way, the police try to stop them for speeding. During an effort to lose the police, Grandpa begins chanting to the spirit of Quanah Parker. Two great lines result: 1) Son asks Grandpa which road to take. Grandpa stops his chanting briefly to say--The spirit of Quanah Parker says TAKE THIS ROAD"; 2) When they come over a hill to find the police car waiting for them, Son asks "What does the spirit of Quanah Parker say now, Grandpa?" Grandpa deadpans "The spirit of Quanah Parker says 'Nice Try'". I highly recommend this as a short, simple story that a general audience of all ages will find satisfying.