Caribbean Jazz Institute

June 15 - June 23, 2020

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The Caribbean Jazz Institute provides college, graduate/postgrad—level jazz instrumentalists with an intensive 10-day program of study led by international artists Ron Blake and members of Dion Parson & the 21st Century Band.

Program participants focus on small ensemble performance, the introduction of rhythms of the Caribbean through the adaptation of original and standard jazz repertoire as a vehicle for improvisation, creative practice techniques, ear training, theory, & listening sessions.

Master classes are provided daily on the fundamentals of jazz improvisation, along with small ensembles coached by the faculty, and performances through the course of the camp.

Ample time scheduled for practice and other activities.

Program Highlights

Providing participants with the necessary tools to pursue creative outlets in music and jazz improvisation.
Combos, private lessons, and performances.
Specific focus on creative and healthy practicing, listening, and mastery of instruments.
An intimate and supportive environment for networking with peers and professional staff.
Affordable tuition includes lodging, meals, and recreational equipment/facilities.

Caribbean Jazz Institute 2019 Brochure

2020 Caribbean Jazz Institute poster

Faculty

Ron Blake, Program Director, The Juilliard School , Saturday Night Live Band, Christian McBride BigBand.

Dion Parson, 21st Century Band leader, United Jazz Foundation, head, Jazz at Lincoln Center, University of Virgin Islands, Artist in Residence.

Victor Provost, Steel-Pannist, George Mason University, Paquito D’Rivera Band

Application Requirements

Participants must be over the age of 18 and are selected on the basis of ability and supporting materials. As the application process is on a rolling basis with a maximum of 20 students, we encourage you to apply early.

Audition Requirements

Preformed Ensembles (Preformed combos are encouraged to apply) Please submit all auditions as Youtube video links or mp3 files. In some cases a live audition may be possible.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition includes non-refundable $50 application fee

8 days – all-inclusive (instruction, meals, housing, and on-campus activities) - $1400

Additional Information

Transportation:

Travel to Sidney, Maine and to the Snow Pond campus can be achieved in several ways: Auto, Air, or Bus. If traveling by air, connections can be made through Boston, (MA), Portland or Augusta. Easy connections via Cape Air or Concord Coach to the Augusta Transportation Center can also be arranged. A representative from SPMF will be available to take participants to to the Snow Pond campus. Snow Pond is located in the Belgrade Lakes region and on the shore of Messalonskee Lake, and between the cities of Augusta and Waterville.

Program Schedule

Arrival Day:
3:00–5:00pm	Registration
5:30pm	Dinner
Evening	Orientation and Evening Gathering
Daily Schedule:
8:00am	Breakfast
9:30–12:00pm	Studio Classes/Flexible Time, Individual Practice Classes (Listening, Practice Development, Repertoire) Individual lessons (2/3 2 hour lessons during the week will address each student’s improv, short/long range goals & how to implement)
12:30–1:30pm	Lunch
2:30–4pm	Conducted Small Ensemble Rehearsals Flexible Time, Individual Practice Recreation
4:30–5:30pm	Small Ensemble Rehearsal
5:45pm	Dinner
Evening	Evening Master Classes – Listening Sessions Lectures-Extra-musical influences, Implementing New Practice Methods Recitals – Faculty performances Individual Practice Off-Campus Activities Other Group-initiated Activities, Social Activities
Departure Day:
8:00–10:00am	Breakfast and Departure

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