Pacific Jazz Workshop
Runs from July 18th to Aug 1st
CYMC’s Pacific Jazz Workshop offers a unique and challenging journey into the heart of the jazz world. The program will appeal to instrumentalists who wish to expand their knowledge and hone performance skills. Pacific Jazz offers instruction in jazz improvisation, ensemble and big band, history and theory, composition and arranging, instrumental sectionals, plus jam sessions, and exciting faculty concerts. An all-star faculty led by award winning music educator, Dave Proznick, consists of leading Canadian jazz artists presently working in the business. Mr. Proznick has assembled this faculty keeping in mind that not all great jazz players are “good teachers”. This faculty is comprised of jazz musicians concerned with the future development of this wonderful art form called “JAZZ” and value this privilege to work with and mold our future Canadian jazz artists. PACIFIC JAZZ WORKSHOP gives each student attending an extraordinary opportunity to learn with one of the masters of their specific instrument.
Jazz at the Comox Wharf 2010, Photos by Vic Kirby See more pictures here
CYMC Pacific Jazz Workshop is unique in many ways:
- It is the only 2-week intense summer jazz camp for youth in the country.
- It offers instruction in the usual areas of big band, combos, master classes, theory, history, ear training, and improvisation.
- The program offers many opportunities during the workshop for the students to share their jazz talents with the public. Afternoon and evening performances have been planned for those students wanting this experience of performance for an audience. These events have been very well received by the community.
- Daily faculty clinic/concerts where students have an opportunity to see and hear their teachers “do their thing”. This is an informal performance where Q&As are encouraged as well as discussion about how “jam sessions work”.
- Student placement sessions on the first morning guarantees that each student at the camp will have the opportunity to work with others at the same level in a big band and a combo. These placements will also challenge them to develop their instrumental and improvisational skills over the 2 weeks and into the future in their school programs.
Another highlight of Pacific Jazz Workshop is Randy Wedel’s “Elemental Jazz” where very young musicians come together for a half day session with an instructor that has created an incredible environment for playing jazz using recorders, of instruments and basic rhythm section. All students get an opportunity to try many various instruments and the end result in a 2 week period is “amazingly musical”. You have to hear it for yourself to know what we mean.
Eligibility
The program is open to all music students 14 years of age and older (no upper age limit) who can read music, and with a minimum of two years experience on their instrument. Students with less experience may find the program too challenging. Thirteen year old local students with the requsite experience may attended the program.
Students will be auditioned and tested on the first day of classes for appropriate theory and instrumental placement based on knowledge and experience. Theory is a short written test and instrumental placement, which will be done by each master teacher.
2010 Faculty
| Program Director | Dave Proznick |
|---|---|
| Jazz Piano | Chris Sigerson |
| Bass | Darren Radke |
| Trumpet | Bill Clark |
| Trombone | Dennis Esson |
| Guitar | Ihor Kukurudza |
| Drums | Dave Robbins |
| Saxophone | Campbell Ryga |
| Elemental Jazz | Randy Wedel |
| View complete bios |
Typical Day
Classes will run Monday to Friday 9am to 4.30pm
| 7:00 am | day starts, breakfast (for resident students) |
|---|---|
| 9:00 – 12:00 | morning instruction (schedules to be announced) |
| 12:00 – 1:00 | lunch on campus |
| 1:00 – 2:00 | faculty performance workshop |
| 2:00 – 4:30 | afternoon instruction (schedules to be announced) |
| 5:00 – 6:00 | dinner |
| 6:00 – 10:00 | practice, concerts, recreation |
| Weekends | concerts & recreation |