Rhythm Section is under-appreciated in jazz bands?

In a jazz setting, the rhythm section is only noticed during solos. Your role as a bassist is just to set up the base for the rest of the band to build a good sound on. if you like the limelight, you might wanna switch to a different genre.

The rhythm section should be appreciated. It definitely depends on the instructor though. It should not dominate the sound at all though. The band and audience need to hear the beat and underlying chords, but that is not necessarily the most important part of the song. People like to hear the melody and harmony, something that the rhythm section doesn't provide. A good instructor should definitely give attention to the rhythm section. Maybe your instructor isn't giving your rhythm section because he sees more issues with the rest of the band. It might be a good thing that he hasn't said anything. It's really hard to get individual attention in school bands. I can tell you that the most important thing as a bassist is to be in perfect union with the drummer and set an impeccable tempo every play-through. If you do feel like you need attention though, there's nothing wrong with going up to the band director and asking "I noticed that you haven't been giving much attention to the rhythm section lately- is there anything we can improve on?" or "I think the rhythm section is having an issue with XXX- could you possibly help us sort it out in a future rehearsal?"

"It dont mean a thing if it dont have that swing" is ALL about the rhythm section. Look at bands like Garaj Mahal (Kai Eckhart/bass & Alan Hertz/drums) when they completely carry the band. Its amazing music. Larger bands means less space to work in so it seems the rhythm section is buried but without them, the music would be totally empty. I like a horn section as you can hit that 16th note with the brass section and bounce people out of their chairs. I dont know about your instructor but have a conversation with him and you may be surprised at his answer and learn something that will give you more understanding & appreciation.

It isn't under appreciated by real musician's. And really that's all that matters to me. I don't play to impress the average person, I want to be respected by my musical peers, not someone that doesn't even play or some drunkass in a bar.