At noon today, students from the the Red Wolf Brass Band of Riverdale Middle School in Old Jefferson will be performing in the 'OZ studio. It's the latest installment of Cuttin' Class, made possible by Coventry Health Care of Louisiana.

 

The program is named for informal, impromptu musical competitions, or 'cutting contests' were important to the early development of jazz in New Orleans. Prevailing in these competitions (among both individuals and groups vied for musical supremecy) required both musicianship and improvisational skills.

 

More on Cuttin' Class.