UMD Jazz Enters the Duluth Community

Live music is an art form that is very personal. It’s a hobby that requires hard work and dedication. When thinking of the live music scene, rock and country are often first thought about. Students in the jazz program here at UMD share their talents with folks in the Duluth area.

Beck Fulin soloing the trumpet. Image by Greta Feist

They consistently play at a variety of locations here in Duluth. Those include breweries, a speakeasy and cafe’s. Having that opportunity can be crucial for students to get a jumpstart at potential careers in the music industry. This also gives the students the ability to learn to interact with a live audience, share their talents, and gives them independence with organization. Having the experience to share this genre with equally as passionate individuals is such an exciting privilege.

Live jazz music brings a relaxing demeanor at any of the venues. It’s a music form that relies heavily on expression, but has an incredibly flexible playing style.

“You’ll never hear the same thing twice in a live setting,” UMD Sophomore Beck Fullin, leader of the Becktet group said.

The group assembled themselves, and decided to take on the act of live performance on their own accord. The percussionist of the group, UMD Sophomore Craig Visnovec has also taken away valuable insight from this experience.

“Playing for a live audience feels more relaxed and personable. I’m able to just be myself and do whatever comes to mind, and not worry too much,” Visnovec said.

The small band was started this year by Fullin approaching Visnovec backstage during one of the school’s big band concerts last year. She inquired about the possibility of putting this together. A few short months later, Fullin was taking responsibility and reaching out to venues to begin some gigs.

“I literally just got off stage after our big band concert, ran into Beck, and she proposed the idea with a small introduction. I felt flattered because I didn’t know her very well at the time. All I knew is that she was an insanely talented freshman. In all honesty I was star-struck. As time passed, she sent out requests to venues and it wasn’t too long until we got a residency at the Rathskeller,” Visnovec said.

“If you want it done, you gotta do it yourself,” Fullin said. With all that being said, there is lots of hard work that goes into making all of this possible. The group rehearses frequently, and polishes up tunes to ensure their readiness for whatever gig they have next.

“Rehearsal is different, as it’s all about refinement. It’s not about relaxing or entertaining a crowd, but it’s all focused on being diligent. And being critical in an effort to get closer to ‘perfection’,” Visnovec said.

Overall, the entire experience is incredibly rewarding for all of the players involved. It gets the community involved, and it’s such a positive atmosphere. No matter what they’re playing. “Ballads tend to get good reactions from crowds,” Fullin said.

You can catch Becktet, alongside other UMD student-led groups playing gigs at places like Rathskeller, Duluth Cider and Empire Coffee.