BRATTLEBORO — The Vermont Jazz Center's 10-week winter-spring semester begins the week of Sunday, Feb. 10, offering something moving for musicians of any age.
Courses include an expanded youth program for ages 10-16, a guitar workshop, and a saxophone ensemble.
Consider joining a combo and learn how to perform classic jazz compositions with guidance from one of the VJC's professional faculty. A lack of experience in improvising is not a problem, as there are opportunities for all - including classical musicians intrigued by jazz's structure and improvisational richness.
Young people with a knack for improvising or playing by ear might consider a class taught by Windham Southeast Supervisory Union music instructor Jim Kurty and VJC Director, and pianist, Eugene Uman. The Youth Ensemble gives young people a chance to “jam” under expert supervision, with attention paid to chords, scales, and music's potential to move audiences.
For those interested in Latin rhythms, studying with percussionist William Rodriguez, a native of Santiago de Cuba, Cuba, gives aspiring and advanced hand drummers a feel for how Afro-Cuban music's many parts blend in an energetic whole. This is an ideal opportunity for all interested in playing congas and other percussion instruments: the elemental heart of salsa.
In a bonus for guitarists this semester, VJC offers group lessons taught by renowned guitarist Draa Hobbs (www.draahobbs.com). In this 10-week-long Sunday afternoon workshop, students learn to arrange standards and jazz classics in a relaxed setting. Participants will develop their skills in voice leading, harmonic vocabulary, and the use of creative scales. Limited to eight students.
No one will be turned away due to lack of funds, so ask about the VJC's scholarship and extended payment options. Assistance is available thanks to a generous matching grant from the Thompson Trust.
The Vermont Jazz Center, at 74 Cotton Mill Hill, is an internationally recognized institution providing jazz education, programming, and outreach, and is now in its 37th year. The VJC features a summer jazz workshop, a monthly concert series, Wednesday night jam sessions, and frequent collaborations with area schools, arts organizations, and businesses.