Instrumental Program, August 4-10, 2024

   

NOTE: First-time applicants, please send your audition recordings before registering.

The VJC Jazz Instrumental Program was initiated in the mid-1970s by VJC founder and world-class guitarist Attila Zoller and developed by Eugene Uman and Elsa Borrero in 1997 with Dr. Bebop (Howard Brofsky) and Gene Rush. The objective of the workshop is to give musicians the opportunity to learn practical jazz concepts and apply those skills immediately during hands-on playing and listening situations such as ensembles, jam sessions and concerts.

Sunday, post-community meeting instrumental audition is TBA

Daily Schedule

7:00 Optional morning yoga/meditation

8:00 Breakfast

9:00 – Music Theory (several options to choose from)

10:30  Masterclasses on your specific instrument

12:00 Lunch

1:00 Listening Hour – faculty members perform or share influential recordings 

Participate in one, two-hour ensemble session
(either 2:00-4:00 or 4:00-6:00)

2:00 Faculty-lead ensemble, session I

4:00 Faculty-lead ensemble, session II

6:00 Dinner

8:00 Special Topics, Jam Sessions & Concerts

Thursday evening: Faculty Concert @ 8:00 pm

Friday afternoon and evening: Participant Concert, Set 1 @ 3:00 and Set 2 @ 8:00

“I came in with little jazz knowledge, and left with head and hands full of great music and ideas that I will develop over my lifetime.”

 

— Andrew LeCuyer, instrumental program participant

Core Faculty

Anabel Gil Díaz – flute
Stacy Dillard, Michael Zsoldos- saxophones
Haneef Nelson, Rob Freeberg – trumpet
Ben Barnett – trombone
Harvey Diamond, Ray Gallon, Franz Robert, Helen Sung, Eugene Uman – piano
Freddie Bryant – guitar
Cameron Brown, Malik McLaurine, David Picchi – bass
Brian Shankar Adler, Claire Arenius – drums
Julian Gerstin – percussion

 

Faculty participation may change due to touring and other factors