Jazz at Centrum

Creating and submitting your audition

Hi everyone.  I want to encourage you to start preparing for your audition for Jazz Port Townsend, if you haven't already.  The deadline for auditions this year is April 13.  Now is too early to panic, but definitely not too early to focus!

We're really pleased at how our new system of submitting auditions is working so far.  Quite a few of you have uploaded your audition files already, which is great.  In case you're a little unsure of how to create and submit your audition digitally, we've prepared the following primer which should help.  As always, feel free to contact me at gregg@centrum.org, or 360.385.3102 x109 if I can be of help.  Thanks!

Gregg Miller, Jazz Program Manager

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 2009 Audition Information

Submitting Your Audition.  You must first register.  After doing so, you will receive an instructional email that includes a log in and password for a virtual folder at box.net.  Follow instructions carefully and remember to upload your audition mp3 file and required .txt audition form to your box.net folder no later than April 13.  To save your audition form as a .txt file go to your “File” menu, then “Save As,” then in the “Save As Type” box choose “Plain Text.”

You can find the specific audition requirements for your instrument or voice at our website, www.centrum.org/admin/auditions.html

Tips for creating MP3 files for submitting your audition.

If you’re not quite sure what this means, don’t worry.  It’s not as complicated as it sounds!

First you’ll need to create a digital recording of your audition.  There are lots of good programs you can download for free that will make this easy for you to do this on your computer.  One of our favorites is Audacity, available at http://audacity.sourceforge.net, which will record your recording digitally, and allow you (via a one-time-only install) to export in MP3 format.  Additionally, there are a number of other devices for making digital recordings, such as minidisc recorders, etc.

Using a good microphone IS important.  Without one you can’t make a good recording.  You don’t need to spend a lot of money, but if you don’t have one it would be a good investment (or you can borrow one).  If the mic doesn’t come with a plug that matches your computer mini jack or USB port you can get an adapter at Radio Shack, Best Buy or another electronics store.

Start by placing the mic c. 6 - 8 feet away from you, or possibly more if you’re playing with other people.  Experiment with different placements to see what sounds the best.  Remember, you need to be clearly heard—it’s YOUR audition!

If you are using Audacity, then you are done. Save your MP3 file and upload it to our box.net site per the instructions you’ll receive when you register.

If your recording device and/or software hasn’t already saved your audition as an MP3 file (ending in .mp3) you’ll need to save it in that format.  If you already have iTunes or Windows Media Player on your computer they can automatically create MP3’s for you.

Alternatively, if you have your digital recording in a non-MP3 format, you can convert it to MP3 for free at www.zamzar.com.

To use iTunes, simply load your audition recording into iTunes.  Then go to the folder that contains your iTunes Library.  (This is NOT the list of your music you see when you’re in iTunes.  All those titles are links to the actual files, which are what you want).  Label your file as follows, using capital letters as follows; Lastname-Firstname-Instrument-1(2, 3, 4 etc).mp3 (Armstrong-Louis-Trumpet-1.mp3).  The process is similar for Windows Media Player.

Once you’ve registered and received an email from us asking you to upload your audition to box.net you’ll be ready to go.  Congratulations!

Be a Part of Jazz at Centrum

If you are reading this post, you are connected in some way to the jazz community here at Centrum. Perhaps you are a workshop participant. Or a music teacher, or an aspiring jazz musician. Maybe you are a concert attendee, a jazz club devotee, a jazz program volunteer--or maybe you just like reading/watching/listening online to what is going on here.

We would like to make it easier for you to connect with each other--and us--online.

I would like to personally invite you to join a new social community network that we have set up at for you. It is a community focused on Jazz at Centrum, and it is located at http://centrumjazz.ning.com.

Centrum is starting to roll out some social networks for each of its major program areas (blues, jazz, residencies, literature, fiddle tunes, and young artists). We're doing this as part of a broader effort to rethink the work we do. We are recognizing and acknowledging that a lot of what we do is centered around creating, and sustaining community. That means that we want and need to provide tools to allow the community to grow and connect.

It's a shift for us, and I'm sure we'll stumble occasionally. But in the end, we hope to serve you all better by doing a better job of listening and learning.

Our intention is to provide a place where folks can network and learn about the people who are coming to or interested in Centrum jazz programs. Beyond that, we really have no specific agenda...we want the network, and the community, to grow and evolve organically.

This main site--www.centrum.org/jazz--will continue to be the "official" site for Centrum jazz activities, but we'll be participating right along side you on the community site as well.

So please dig in and participate. Upload your photos, videos, songs, recordings, and the like.Talk to each other. Jam online with each other. And please feel free to contact me at any time if you have any suggestions, questions, or concerns. My email is keven (at) centrum (dot) org.

2009 Jazz Port Townsend: Open for You!

Artistic Director John Clayton has been en fuego this Autumn putting together a truly spectacular faculty for the 2009 Jazz Port Townsend workshop. We've still got a few pieces to plug into the puzzle, but we have enough pieces in place that we are officially--today--beginning registration for the 2009 gathering.

To sweeten the deal a bit, we are offering a $50 discount to those folks who register and pay in full before the end of the year. Happy Holidays :^)

• Register online today.

As always, we have scholarship support available if you need assistance. We also think you'll like our new audition system this year.

So read on, tell your friends, and get practicing (of course we know you've never stopped practicing!). We look forward to seeing you in 2009.

...and stay tuned for information on two intensives coming in Autumn 2009.

Jazz in the Clubs Venue Map

Jazz in the Clubs showcases intimate jazz in downtown and uptown venues. New this year, is Manresa Castle, which is on Sims Way up by the hospital (in case you get overwhelmed with Jazz Fever!).

Need to know where these clubs are? Our club map is on page 24 of the summer issue of Experience (which also contains full schedule and artist information).

You can also download the club map as a one-page handout.

Now that you know where you're going, it's time to learn who you're going to see:

• Jazz Port Townsend Mainstage Schedule
• Jazz Port Townsend Club Schedule

Upload your jazz photos to Flickr

As part of this new website relaunch, we wanted to create a way for you--whether you were a workshop participant or an audience member--to share photos of your experience.

Using the website www.flickr.com, we think we've done it. On the lower right of the site, you will see a random selection of photos from last year's festival. By clicking on one of them, you'll be able to see that photo, and all of the other photos that we've loaded onto our flickr Centrum Jazz photo pool.

Now it's your turn. If you took photos last year, please join the pool, and upload them for the rest of us to see. We look forward to seeing your photos!

For those of you who bookmark pages, here's the web address for our Group page on flickr: http://www.flickr.com/groups/centrumjazz/ .

FAQ

Who should come?
YOU! Whether you are a playing professional, part of a combo, an aspiring jazz professional, or a committed jazzoid, The Port Townsend Jazz Workshop is the perfect place for you to meet other excellent musicians, soak up a week of jazz in a seaside paradise, and leave knowing you're a better musician.

Do I need to audition for the workshop?
Yes. At the Workshop, you'll be placed in combos with other players. We want the combo experience to be as dynamic and well matched as possible. Auditions help us do that. Click HERE for audition guidelines.

What is the cost?
Tuition is $595. Room and board ranges from $200 to $385.

Where do we stay?
Your home for the week is historic Fort Worden State Park, a turn-of-the-20th century fort that overlooks the Strait of Juan de Fuca, with expansive views of the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges. Meals are served in the park conference center dining facility.

Is financial aid available?
Yes. Check the box on our registration form to receive information on how to apply.

Are drums and guitar/bass amps provided?
We don't provide drums, amps or any other instruments. All participants need to bring everything they need to make music (including a music stand).

How do I know if I'm good enough to come to the workshop?
Participants with a wide range of abilities and experience attend the workshop each year. We have ensembles and classes to fit seasoned professionals, beginning improvisers, and everyone in between. Please note that even the beginning classes are designed for people who already have a reasonable degree of skill on their instrument or voice. The typical high school student (or older) who has been playing since 5th or 6th grade does just fine.

College Credit

Each year, Centrum’s Jazz Workshop makes University of Washington college credit available to all eligible Workshop participants.  This is a 496 level seminar class carrying 3 credits for summer quarter.  If you have participated in the past, you should be aware that there is a 10 credit maximum for 496 courses.  Clock hour credits are also available for teachers needing these.

You will register for credit and pay your fees to The University of Washington at orientation July 22 the evening of the workshop registration.  Fees include a $30 non-refundable registration fee for UW summer quarter, plus a $145 course fee.

David Marriott faculty member at Centrum’s 2007 Jazz Workshop, is the instructor of record for the course.  If you have additional questions about course credit please contact him when you arrive at the Workshop.

We hope that this program will be helpful to you in your continuing education.

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Course Description
MUSED 496:  Special Topics in Music Education
Centrum’s 2007 Jazz Workshop

This Workshop offers participants the opportunity to rehearse, perform and study with leading jazz artists. Emphasis is placed on developing and refining rehearsal and performance skills, as well as developing as a soloist, primarily within ensembles.  Study in jazz theory, history, and diverse  ensembles is also made available to interested students.

Participants will be evaluated based on their participation in ensembles and classes, as well as a paper which discusses the skills, techniques and concepts emphasized in the courses they follow. Topics could include: a comparison of teaching methodologies and approaches observed during the Workshop; a summary of the philosophies of the artist faculty in their approach to jazz performance and instruction; or the application of the content of the Workshop to the participant’s own skill level.

Click here to print a PDF of this information.

Audition Information

Auditions are required of all applicants.

Why auditions? At the workshop, you'll be placed in combos with other players. We want the combo experience to be as dynamic and well matched as possible. Auditions help us do that. Auditions are nothing to be intimidated about—we expect a wide range of abilities in the workshop, and our audition guidelines will tell you exactly what you need to do.

All applicants, including past participants, must submit an audition tape or CD and audition form.  This tape/CD is required regardless of age or musical experience, and must be a reflection of your current work. Acceptance to The Port Townsend Jazz Workshop is based on these audition materials. The sooner you send in your audition materials, the sooner we can confirm your acceptance. Need help with your audition recording? We have an informative Powerpoint presentation available to help you make your demo recording.

Audition materials are due in our office no later than May 11, 2007, and sooner is better.

To register for the workshop:

• Review and download audition materials (see below)
• Register online
• Send audition materials to Centrum

Audition information: Click below to download audition instructions and music samples. (Requires the free Adobe Reader)

• Bass.pdf
• Drums.pdf
• Guitar.pdf
• Piano.pdf
• Sax/Clarinet/Flute/Mallets.pdf
• Trombone.pdf
• Trumpet.pdf
• Vocal.pdf 

If you play an instrument not listed above, please call Centrum at 360.385.3102 or email for audition guidelines.

Financial aid is available. Information and applications will be sent upon request. We offer a 30% tuition discount for combos consisting of college students, which include a bass player and/or a drummer, and who send in their registrations together.

Workshop Schedule

First Sunday

• 3:30-5:30 check in
• 5:00 live auditions
• 8:00 welcome session

Monday-Friday

• 9:00am combos and vocal classes
• 10:45 theory/arranging/advanced topics
• 1:15pm master classes
• 3:00 combos and vocal classes
• 4:15 faculty presents concerts
• 7:00 evening jams and extras
• 8:30 big band rehearsals

Meals

• breakfast    7:15am
• lunch        noon
• dinner        6:15

Thursday-Saturday evenings
Jazz in the clubs

Friday-Saturday
Public mainstage shows

Last Sunday-
Checkout by 11am

Workshop Description

Whether you’re a playing professional, aspiring professional, or committed avocational player, the weeklong workshop at Jazz Port Townsend, July 22 - 29, 2007, is the perfect opportunity to meet other excellent musicians, soak up a week of jazz in a seaside paradise, and leave as a better musician.

You’ll receive focused instruction as you rehearse daily in combos or vocal classes. Jazz Theory sessions provide valuable information for increasing your skills as an improvisor. Master classes are conducted each day by faculty members who cover topics specific to their chosen instruments. “Faculty Presents” concerts each afternoon give you a chance to hear performances in an intimate setting. The workshop culminates in a series of “Students Present” concerts in which all participants have an opportunity to perform.

Applicants must have good technical command of their instrument or voice, as well as elementary improvisation experience or a basic knowledge of music theory. Differing levels of experience are expected, and every effort is made to match players of similar abilities. An audition is required.

Applicants apply at one of three levels: Beginner/Intermediate, Advanced, or Semi-Pro. Semi-pro players have the option of applying for specially themed combos, focusing on specific styles. All participants receive daily instruction from our outstanding artist faculty.

Tuition is $595, and includes admission to all festival events. Room and board options range from $200 to $385.