Tuesday, June 18 – Friday, July 12, 2013
Classes on the UVM campus and Flynn Center for the Performing Arts, Burlington, Vermont
This summer, explore the cultural history and performance practices of Latin Jazz with some of the hottest professionals in the field. This weeklong intensive features ensemble-in-residence, Jazzismo, with pianist/composer/bandleader Arturo O’Farrill
Program Description
This intensive 3-credit course combines a classroom experience with hands-on performance for both experienced musicians and novices. Dubbed “la combinacion perfecta,” Latin Jazz fuses the sophisticated harmonies, melodies, and improvisations of North American jazz with the complex rhythms and chordal vamps of the Afro-Caribbean. After studying its roots in Afro-Cuban, Caribbean, and Brazilian traditions, this course examines the influence of Latin dance music on the popular music of the United States. Latin Jazz is explored from its inception in New York City during the 1940s to the present. The 3 – credit course fulfills the D-1 requirement.
UVM Summer University and the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts/FlynnArts offer a unique opportunity to explore Latin Jazz through both class work and performance:
WEEKS ONE and THREE will run Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (Jun 18, 19, 20 and July 2 & 3) from 12:30-4:00 pm on the UVM campus (classroom TBD.) Class sessions will focus on historical and cultural background through lectures, readings, listening, discussions, and video.
WEEK TWO will run Monday to Friday (June 24-28) from 12:30-5 and take place at the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts. This section will be led by special guest artist Arturo O’ Farrill, Director of the Lincoln Center Afro-Carribean Jazz Orchestra and one of the most highly regarded Latin Jazz musicians performing and teaching today. This week will offer hands-on workshops in ensemble playing and hand percussion. There is no experience required for the hand-percussion track but participants must be willing to participate in skills-building workshops. The class culminates in a performance at the FlynnSpace on Friday, June 28.
WEEK FOUR students will work independently off campus focusing on a course project of their own design for submission on July 12.
Some reading is required prior to the first day of class. Students may be asked to attend some evening performances.
Interested in JUST the intensive performance week? Students who are not seeking credit and wish to only attend the performance week (June 24 -28) may register through FlynnArts by clicking here.
Students may choose one of the following performance workshops:
- Latin Jazz Performance Ensembles: Big Band and Combos (some experience with an instrument necessary)
- Latin Jazz Hand Percussion Workshop (no experience necessary)
The full, four week session is available for 3 Credits through the University of Vermont, and fulfills Fine Arts and Diversity 1 requirements for UVM Students.
Available for non-credit (week 2 only) through the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts
Who Should Attend:
Those seeking to:
- Musicians who wish to study with world-class faculty both through a classroom opportunity and live performance experience.
- Lovers of music who wish to explore this exciting genre in a participatory way through learning hand percussion techniques and playing in an ensemble.
- College students seeking to fulfill their Fine Arts and Diversity requirements through an active and hands on class.
- Vermont High School Students who may be eligible for free or reduced tuition (click here for more information.)
