Individual instruction is the cornerstone of music education. The VJC offers private classes and referrals for a wide selection of instruments. Call the Jazz Center to set-up classes with a teacher who best meets your needs.
William Armando Rodriguez is a native of Santiago de Cuba, Cuba. He graduated from Conservatorio de Musica Esteban Salas, Rodriguez and then went on to teach at Escuela Vocacional de Arte Jose Maria Heredia where he advanced to become chair of the percussion department. He joined the popular musical group Septeto Tipico Tivoli with whom he toured England and the United States. William is a highly regarded instructor of son, salsa, bachata, merengue, bolero and other popular and traditional rhythms.
Sign up by contacting Jane at the VJC (802) 254 - 9088 or jfindlay22@yahoo.com
Now offered at two separate, convenient time slots, Draa Hobbs' ensembles are hands-on applications that focus on how each instrument functions within the context of the small jazz ensemble. The course will include the specific functions of each instrument, listening, working off of and communicating with each other, fours, setups and fills, introductions, endings and styles. All instruments welcome. Will develop a repertoire that allows practical implementation of concepts learned. Will culminate in a performance.
Sign up by contacting Jane at the VJC (802) 254 - 9088 or jfindlay22@yahoo.com
The Vermont Jazz Center is hosting a Jazz Guitar Workshop with guitarist Draa Hobbs, to be held on Sundays at the Vermont Jazz Center in Brattleboro, VT. This is an intensive, ten week session where students will learn how to arrange Standards and Jazz Classics in a relaxed setting. Students will develop their own ideas on each song using harmonic and melodic information such as contrary motion, chromatic and symmetric harmony, proper voice leading, and seldom used scales and chords to expand and develop each tune into a personal statement. The cost of the class is $250.00 for ten sessions,held and is limited to eight students. The class will take place Sundays at the Vermont Jazz Center in Brattleboro Vt. For more information call 802-843-1111.
George Kaye will work with pianists, bassists and drummers detailing the traditional expectations of this fundamental unit. The historical evolution of the piano trio forms a legacy upon which the jazz groups of today firmly stand. From Earl Hines, Teddy Wilson and Nat King Cole to Bud Powell and Thelonious Monk; from Ahmad Jamal, Wynton Kelly, and Red Garland to Oscar Peterson to Bill Evans, Chick Corea and Herbie Hancock; from Keith Jarrett to Brad Mehldau: the piano trio has a history of its own which has deeply affected the history of jazz itself. Come learn about the basic concepts of arranging for this formation and delve into the function that each musician/instrument needs to provide for the group to function properly.
The Valley Jazz Choir is open to singers of all ages & abilities. Don't worry if you don't read music that well; recordings are provided for you to learn your parts at your own pace. This levels the playing field, allowing anyone to participate, not just those who've learned to read music. Repertoire will include the music of Take 6, The Real Group, New York Voices, Cadence, as well as jazz standards, blues, and jazz-rock fusion (e.g. Steely Dan). The group will perform with a professional rhythm section at the end of each season (date TBA). There are NO auditions for this group, but since the music can be a little tricky, it might be better if this isn't your first group singing experience.
Sign up or receive info: www.ValleyChoirs.com
The Valley Rock Choir is open to singers of all ages and abilities. This is less a "choir" and more a rock band with tons of singers! This group is perfect for all you karaoke singers, grade school-chorus dropouts, shower singers, and musicians at heart, though singers with a lot of experience have a lot of fun with us too. The music is easier to learn than the music the Jazz Choir sings, and don't worry if you can't read music--recordings are provided for you to learn your parts at your own pace. Repertoire will cover music from the 60's all the way up to the present. Some artists we may cover include: The Beatles, The Supremes, Paul Simon, C.S.N., Cream, Aretha Franklin, James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne, Steve Miller Band, The Eagles, The Eurythmics, Queen, Journey, The Police, Bonnie Raitt, Toto, Tom Petty, Alicia Keys, Guster, Radiohead, Coldplay, Cristina Perry, Adele, etc. We cap off our season by performing with a professional rock band. It'll knock your socks off! If you've been looking for a way to start singing--again, or for the first time--this is your chance! (And you seasoned choral singers, here's an opportunity to try something a little bit different!)
Sign up or receive info: www.ValleyChoirs.com
Young people learn jazz so quickly! This year the VJC will host a new class where youth from ages 10 to 16 will come together to learn simple, basic tunes and by the end of the semester, they'll be improvising fun, funky arrangements! Jim Kurty will team up with Eugene Uman to co-teach this exciting class, their skills are complementary - Mr. Kurty can assist all musicians on how to play their instrument while Uman specializes in jazz styles, arrangements and improvisation. Young people are asked to have at least a basic skill level on their instrument, with a minimum range of one octave.
Sign up by contacting Jane at the VJC (802) 254 - 9088 or jfindlay22@yahoo.com
First alto of the VJC Big Band, Larry Tutt shares his vast library of music for saxophone: from duets to quintets. The group is open to saxophonists who will read through charts from SuperSax, Benny Carter and others. Be prepared to sight read and take some music home to study. An end of the semester performance will demonstrate the group's efforts. Larry Tutt will work with the group in a masterclass setting many topics will be covered including breathing, sight reading, blending, intonation, tone quality, phrasing and improvisation.
Participants will learn vocal control, how to maximize one's potential within their given range, the nuances of singing in different styles of music, the art of presenting yourself to the audience, and tips on how to feel more confident in your singing. No auditions will be required.
The structure of the class will include individual coaching within the context of a supportive group setting. Because many of us are learning similar lessons, everyone will gain knowledge from each other.
Requirements: Instrumental tracks for three songs of your choice, a recording device, notepad. Sound system will be provided.
Sign up by contacting Jane at the VJC (802) 254 - 9088 or jfindlay22@yahoo.com
Instructors Julian Gerstin (percussionist) and Eugene Uman (pianist, arranger) will help participants develop skills while playing music that uses specific rhythms as their basis.
Emphasized Latin styles will include Cuban Son, Rumba, Bolero and Cha-cha-chá, Brazilian Partido Alto, Samba Reggae, Bossa and Samba, plus Colombian Cumbia.
Sign up by contacting Jane at the VJC (802) 254 - 9088 or jfindlay22@yahoo.com
George Kaye, a New York City jazz bassist of many years, will lead a performance ensemble that focuses on the elements of Bebop, the jazz style most associated with Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie. The course will enable players to better understand and create authentic jazz solos through analysis and drills based on 2-5-1 chord changes in all keys in the swing bop rhythm style. The course also addresses how to solve the problems inherent in ensemble performance with an emphasis on teamwork and trust culminating in a Most Hip concert of Swinging Bebop! Groove on . . .
Sign up by contacting Jane at the VJC (802) 254 - 9088 or jfindlay22@yahoo.com
Jam sessions have historically provided opportunities for musicians of varying ages and abilities to come together and learn from each other. At the jazz center we have continued that multi-generational tradition for 12 years and was awarded Yankee Magazine's "Best Jam Session in New England" in 2009. Listeners and musicians of all levels and instruments are invited to enjoy professionally supervised jam sessions every Wednesday evening from 8:00 to 10:00 PM.
Now offered at two separate, convenient time slots, Draa Hobbs' ensembles are hands-on applications that focus on how each instrument functions within the context of the small jazz ensemble. The course will include the specific functions of each instrument, listening, working off of and communicating with each other, fours, setups and fills, introductions, endings and styles. All instruments welcome. Will develop a repertoire that allows practical implementation of concepts learned. Will culminate in a performance.
Sign up by contacting Jane at the VJC (802) 254 - 9088 or jfindlay22@yahoo.com