Jazz Classes
The Vermont Jazz Center is pleased to announce new class offerings in 2008. Offerings now include on-going ensembles and periodic workshops with visiting musicians. The Jazz Center is pleased to work with multi-generational combinations - all ages are welcome; high school and junior high school students are especially encouraged.
8-10 week sessions begin the week of February 3rd, 2008.
All Classes will be held at The Vermont Jazz Center, 72 Cotton Mill Hill, #222, Brattleboro, VT
TO REGISTER OR FOR MORE INFORMATION
Please call 802-254-9088 or email Beth Kiendl
YOUTH ENSEMBLES NEW IN 2008!!
- Beginning level for 7th-9th graders
- Advanced level for 10th-12th graders
Jazz Ensemble - Beginning (7-9th grades)
Come create music with others in a band! In this class, we will learn tunes from the diverse jazz repertoire: blues, swing, Latin and funk. Musicians will be taught how to read jazz “charts” and how to listen to others. In addition, students will experience the joy of improvising while being supported by their fellow bandmates! Beginning jazz ensemble is also a great way to make connections with other young musicians, some that may become lifelong musical collaborators. Reading music for your instrument is required.
8 weeks Saturdays: 11:00am - 12:30pm $160
Jazz Ensemble - Advanced (10-12th grades)
An extension of the beginning jazz ensemble, this class will further develop skills through learning tunes in the jazz repertoire: swing, Latin, funk and 12/8. Additionally, we will develop our solo work, and the idea of “trading fours.” Basic chord theory will be discussed, and how to apply these concepts to our improvising. Enjoy the camaraderie of making music with others, jamming and sounding good! Reading music for your instrument is required.
8 weeks Saturdays: 1:00pm - 2:30pm $160
Jazz Classes offered in:
| Day |
Class |
Time |
Instructor |
|
MON
|
Jazz Ensemble |
6:30- 8:00pm |
Jamie MacDonald |
|
TUE
|
Saxophone Ensemble |
6:00- 7:00pm |
Scott Mullett |
|
TUE
|
Jazz Ear Training |
7:00- 8:00pm |
Scott Mullett |
|
WED
|
Latin Jazz Ensemble |
4:00- 5:30pm |
Eugene Uman |
|
WED
|
Jazz Theory & Improv |
5:45- 7:15pm |
Eugene Uman |
|
SUN-
|
Jazz Ensemble |
7:30- 9:00pm |
Claire Arenius |
| TBA |
Understanding Rhythm |
|
Julian Gerstin |
Additional ensembles will be added if necessary
Ensemble Program
The VJC will resume its popular intergenerational ensemble program open to instrumentalists and vocalists over 12 years of age; these combo classes culminate in a student concert at the Jazz Center on December 13th. Participants will be matched with regards to ability levels in combos of 4 to 7 musicians; their experience will be both challenging and rewarding.
Jazz Ear Training
Scott Mullett will direct the Jazz Ear Training class - it is open to vocalists and instrumentalists. Participants will engage in interval training, call and response, basic Solfege and harmonic recognition. The result is that participants will enhance their ability to hear and communicate in the jazz idiom.
Jazz Theory and Improvisation
Eugene Uman will lead a course that takes aspiring improvisers through a program that emphasizes the relationship between chords and scales along with the study of melody. These are the building blocks of the improvisational process. This is a practical class that will give participants a useful grasp of the language of jazz.
Understanding Rhythm
For all musicians and vocalists: an in-depth workshop led by Julian Gerstin on rhythm applicable to any instrument. Develop your sense of rhythm, timing, accuracy, and creativity. You’ll begin with your body (clapping, stamping, walking) and you’ll also get an introduction to some African and Latin percussion instruments. For most of the course, however, you’ll be working with your own axe, be it a horn, piano, bass, drum set or voice. You’ll play rhythmic games, practice rhythmic exercises, and gain both an analytical and practical mastery of rhythm. You’ll expand your sense of rhythmic comfort as well as the power of your improvisations.
Private Instrumental and Vocal Instruction
The VJC also offers private lessons for the following instruments:
INSTRUMENT - INSTRUCTOR
- Saxophone - Scott Mullett
- Bass - Jamie MacDonald
- Voice - Samirah Evans
- Guitar - Draa Hobbs
- Trumpet - Steve Sonntag
- Drums - Claire Arenius
- Piano - Eugene Uman
Jam Sessions
The Vermont Jazz Center believes that the missing feature in jazz education today is the venerable tradition of the Jam Session. Stories such as Charlie Parker's epiphany at the Reno Club in Kansas City (where Jo Jones reputedly through a cymbal at his feet!) abound and attest to the importance of the jam session as an educational tool. The jam session was the place where jazz masters in their early years gained an understanding of the language of jazz.
Recently hi-lighted on Vermont Public Radio, the jam sessions are a way for musicians to get to know one another and to try out techniques and tunes that they are studying in a real-world environment with supportive listeners and encouraging peers. The sessions are for young and old, novices and advanced players. Everyone gets a chance to play. If you are a beginner, just make sure that you have at least one tune prepared so that you feel more comfortable, a blues would be perfect. The public and aspiring musicians are also welcome to come just to listen. We ask for a modest $3.00 donation from listeners and players alike.
Jam sessions are the cornerstone of the Vermont Jazz Center's community outreach program. They are held every Wednesday evening from 8:00 until 10:00 P.M. at the Vermont Jazz Center.
The VJC periodically offers lessons and workshops with visiting professional musicians. Contact VJC for more information.
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