BRATTLEBORO — The Vermont Jazz Center (VJC) will host a new 10-week session of classes, beginning the week of Feb. 13.
This semester the jazz center will offer two courses aimed at the general public: a gospel choir for anyone who loves to sing, and a listening class for anyone who wants to understand a bit more about what goes on in a jazz musician's head while listening to some of the greatest jazz ever recorded.
Along with its successful youth and intergenerational ensembles, the VJC will also offer a course in ear training designed especially for singers, and a saxophone master class.
On Tuesdays, VJC Artistic Director Eugene Uman will offer an ensemble designed especially for youth at 3:30 p.m., and at 5:15 p.m., Anna Patton will offer a six-week “ear-training” course specifically designed to help singers identify intervals to create beautiful harmonies.
Patton will continue her successful Women's Jazz Harmony Vocal Ensemble, a small, a cappella chorus that revels in singing harmonized songs of the Swing Era as well as original tunes modeled after the Swing style on Tuesdays at 7 p.m.
Latin Jazz Ensemble, led by instructors Julian Gerstin and Uman, leads off the Wednesday schedule at 4:15 p.m., followed by Bebop Boot Camp led by George Kaye at 6:15 p.m.
Larry Tutt will offer saxophone master-classes on Thursdays, where participants will learn warm-ups, tips on tone production, jazz styling, instrument care, and technique and improvisation. The class will run from 4:30 to 6 p.m.
Also on Thursdays, Moonlight Davis will lead a gospel choir, choosing from his vast repertoire for those who have ever dreamed of singing gospel music. No auditions, everyone is welcome. Classes run from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
“Inside Jazz: A Jazz De-Mystification Course,” presented by George Kaye, covers basics of jazz and answers questions like: What is swing? What is the function of the rhythm section? and What happens during a jazz solo?
No one will be turned away due to lack of funds. Call the jazz center at 802-254-9088 to find out about scholarship and extended payment options.
Private lessons with the VJC instructors are also available by appointment.
The VJC's Community Jam Sessions, recently voted the Best Jam Session in New England by Yankee magazine, will continue on Wednesdays from 8 to 10 p.m.