Day of Jazz planned for high school students

The third Day of Jazz, an annual event at the School of Music designed for intermediate to advanced, high school instrumentalists interested in jazz improvisation, will be presented at SUNY Fredonia on Saturday, Nov. 12.

Prospective student attendees must be nominated by their instructors by Saturday, Oct. 1. The teacher  nomination form is available online.

Hosted by Assistant Professor Nick Weiser, who is head of Jazz Studies and director of the DownBeat Magazine award-winning New Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Flextet, the one-day workshop in Mason Hall will provide opportunities for students to work on all aspects of small group and combo playing. Topics will include jazz theory and improvisation, learning tunes and specialized techniques for piano, guitar, bass and drum set, among others.

"We are excited to be presenting the Day of Jazz for a third time this November,” Dr. Weiser said. Over 50 regional high school students worked with Fredonia faculty and guest artists and played alongside SUNY Fredonia students during the first two Day of Jazz events.

“It's such a wonderful opportunity for these prospective students to gain firsthand experience by spending time on campus and working with our faculty. Their time with our current students also adds that unique perspective,” Weiser said.

Each of the first two Day of Jazz events were a resounding success, Weiser noted, with participants citing a strong feeling of community and camaraderie within the jazz department. “Jazz is an innately social music, and for these prospective students to feel that at Fredonia is invaluable," he added.

For more information, contact Dr. Weiser via email.