We’re pleased to announce that our 2011 Big Band Intensive Workshop will take place October 6-9, 2011.
This will mark the workshop’s third year. Artistic Director John Clayton led our first Big Band workshop, which was an immediate hit, and John is returning to lead the band again this year. You’ll find his deep musicianship and high standards coupled with his warm and supportive approach to be inspiring and enjoyable.
Who should attend the Jazz Big Band Intensive?
This workshop is designed for experienced players looking for concentrated experience playing in a big band. You may be a player whose primary connection to jazz is through big band playing, and you’re looking for a way to improve your chops as a soloist. Or you may be someone who plays mostly in small groups, and who would like to be in the middle of the incredible intensity a big band can create. Either way, you’ll be in a band with 17 other musicians playing great jazz.
In describing his vision for this program John said,
"Using the model that has been established by the classic, historic big bands, the Workshop Big Band will be comprised of soloists whose voices are honed to collectively produce a unique sound. Duke Ellington, Woody Herman, Count Basie, Thad Jones-Mel Lewis et al, were all bands comprised of musicians who could improvise. This successful formula will be explored in our workshop."
We’ll have just one band this year, and will be accepting only enough players to fill it. Be sure to apply soon as you can for the best chance of acceptance. Applications are due August 26, 2011, and notification will be given by September 2nd.
Who are the faculty?
John Clayton is one of today’s leading voices in big band performance and composition. As co-leader and director of the renowned Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, John’s skills as a composer, arranger and conductor all combine to elicit a sound from the band that ranges from swinging and bluesy to smoking hot. John will direct the band and work with the rhythm section in sectionals, as well as participating in the improvisation sessions.
Sectional coaches TBD.
Workshop Schedule
Thursday, October 6
- 3 - 5:30 pm: Check-in
- 5:30 - 6:30 pm: Dinner
- 7 - 9:30 pm: Welcome and Rehearsal
- 9:30 pm: Reception
Friday, October 7
- 8:00 - 9:00 am: Breakfast
- 9:00 - 10:30 am: Rehearsal
- 10:30 -10:45 am: Break
- 10:45 - 12:00 am: Rehearsal
- 12 - 1 pm: Lunch
- 1 - 5 pm: Rehearsals and Sectionals
- 5:30 - 6:30 pm: Dinner
- 7 - 9 pm: Rehearsal
Saturday, October 8
- 8:00 - 9:00 am: Breakfast
- 9:00 - 10:30 am: Rehearsal
- 10:30 -10:45 am: Break
- 10:45 - 12:00 am: Rehearsal
- 12 - 1 pm: Lunch
- 1 - 2 pm: Dress Rehearsal and Sound Checkl
- 2 pm: Additional Rehearsal If Needed
- 5:30 - 6:30 pm: Dinner
- 7:30 - 9 pm: Public Performance
- 9:30 pm: Reception
Sunday, October 9
- 8:00 - 9:00 am: Breakfast
- 9:00 am: Final session, wrap up
- 11 am: Checkout
