Summer Jazz Intensive

The Summer Jazz Intensive is a six-week program at the Albuquerque Academy. This extraordinary camp offers young musicians (ages 12-18) a comprehensive and challenging introduction to jazz in a supportive and stimulating setting. Jazz theory, improvisation and ensemble work make up the core of the program, but time is also allotted for listening and discussing jazz traditions and the notable artists and trends in its history. Students also enjoy a weekly clinic with local artists and ensembles.

Pre-Grades 7-12
June 7 - July 16, 2010

Monday - Friday 1:40-3:30pm

Albuquerque Academy Course #472-67
Periods 6-7
Tuition: $430

Registration is handled through the Academy's summer program:
http://www.aa.edu/summer/home/catalog.asp


ELIGIBILITY

The jazz intensive welcomes students of all abilities. Students are placed according to age and experience in one of three levels. Adjustments in placement, designed to pair students with complementary talents, will be made throughout the session at the discretion of the instructors. Previous experience playing jazz is NOT a requirement. Eligibility is based on technical proficiency on an instrument and the desire to focus intently on the jazz idiom.

For eligibility questions, please contact the New Mexico Jazz Workshop.


CURRICULUM

• IMPROVISATION
Using a variety of jazz styles, students focus on improvisational lessons that build confidence in the art of soloing. Music theory lessons provide the foundation for constructing good solos. Plenty of "laboratory" time is allotted for musical exploration and ear training.

• JAZZ TRADITIONS
A portion of the day is reserved for listening to and discussing recordings representative of major jazz trends, notable artists and landmark sessions in the history of jazz.

• SMALL ENSEMBLES
Small ensembles provide students with an opportunity to apply theoretical concepts through improvisation, interpretation, arranging and soloing. The combo work integrates skills in improvisation and reading with an emphasis on group interaction and listening.

• PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
Students will present their work for parents and friends during the final class session.

• CONCERT ATTENDANCE
Attendance of live concerts is encouraged. All students receive a free pass to the New Mexico Jazz Workshop's weekly events at the Albuquerque Museum Amphitheater.


FACULTY

• MAUD BEENHOUWER
A versatile bassist, Ms. Beenhouwer is best known for her association with the salsa bands, Charanga del Valle and Terra Plena. She is equally adept playing blues and bebop having performed with the Albuquerque Jazz Orchestra and various local blues bands. Ms. Beenhouwer has taught at the Summer Jazz Intensive since 2003 and serves as the Executive Director of the New Mexico Jazz Workshop.

• AARON LOVATO
Aaron Lovato is rapidly garnering a reputation and a strong presence as a tenor saxophonist in New Mexico. He has performed with the Albuquerque Jazz Orchestra and the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra. Lovato appears on the 2008 recording, “Texas Jazz Giant” with the Grammy-nominated University of Texas Two-O’clock Lab Band. He teaches elementary music for APS at Lavaland Elementary School.

• CHRISTIAN PINCOCK
Christian has produced and collaborated in a multitude of diverse musical, multidisciplinary and multimedia projects all over the world, and has degrees in Jazz Studies from New England Conservatory and Manhattan School of Music.  Since moving to Albuquerque, he has produced a number of solo concerts, formed SPOONM (The Soundpainting Orchestra of New Mexico), and joined the Albuquerque Jazz Orchestra.  He also directs the High School Honors Jazz Bands and the Adult Big Band at the New Mexico Jazz Workshop, and performs with many of the prominent local jazz musicians such as Bobby Shew, Stu McAskie, and Glen Kostur.