"Oh, Pierre!" influencing Pingree ensemble

Having spent time learning and experimenting with 'Oh, Pierre' in the Pingree School Instrumental Ensemble, I am beginning to see the impact on the students as they improvise in a variety of contexts.  For a concert we have scheduled tomorrow night, the Pingree students are going to play a piece originated by the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble called 'War'.  In rehearsing the 'solo section' of the song, the group started some collective 'jamming' that started to stretch beyond the traditional confines of this three chord groove tune.  They gradually started 'deconstructing' the music, improvising on different ideas inside the song.  At times, I would show a few 'Oh, Pierre' signs in order to suggest a new path in their improvising. I found that giving a cue or two would shift their listening to a more interactive domain.  After signs are given, it somehow puts the ensemble in a frame of mind that then allows for them to listen and interact in ways comparable to when they perform 'Oh, Pierre'.  They have been improvising in a deeper and more empowered way, and seem to be extremely invested in the process.  I am planning to post a link to a recording of the performance they offer tomorrow night.  I am very much looking forward to it.  They've been doing some great work.