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Presented by Jazz Aspen Snowmass in association with The Frost School of Music at the University of Miami

 

July 10 - 24, 2022 - Combo/Small Ensemble Sessions
July 24 - August 7, 2022 - Individual/Big Band Sessions

 

Following an extraordinary inaugural collaboration in 2019, the JAS Academy offers an experience of a lifetime in your quest for a professional career in music. The JAS Academy will now include a new "Combo/Small Ensemble Session." This two-week intensive workshop will be followed by the highly-acclaimed JAS Academy "Individual/Big Band Session," led by JAS Academy Artistic Director Christian McBride. McBride will work in tandem with Frost School of Music Dean Shelly Berg and Academy Program Director Chuck Bergeron, who will work on both sessions. 

The goal of the JAS Academy is to identify and assist the most talented artists embracing jazz fundamentally while exploring myriad related & unrelated forms of music at the highest level of quality.

 

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"For almost three decades Jazz Aspen Snowmass has been a great presenter of concerts and educational programs. The Frost JAS Academy will incorporate the Frost School’s innovative teaching and educational strategies, and serve as a boot camp to launch the career of the world’s most talented emerging jazz artists."

--Dean Shelly Berg

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Combo/Small Ensemble Sessions

For the Combo/Small Ensemble Session, JAS/Frost is seeking group applicants from existing ensembles with unique repertoire and/or arrangements. Additionally, groups interested in exploring a new or specific artistic vision are encouraged to audition for The Academy.

 

Accordion Group

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  • Repertoire

    We are interested in groups whose musical repertoire may include elements of:

    • Traditional or Mainstream jazz/swing
    • Bop & Post Bop
    • Contemporary
    • Instrumental, vocal lead or vocalist as member
    • Classical
    • World music
    • Soul & Funk

    The Academy equally values groups with a more narrow musical genre focus as well as those who by definition seek to present a wider diversity of material & genres.

  • Group Size

    The JAS Academy will accept applications from any group, without limitation as to instrument, as small as (3) members and as many as (6) members.

  • Application Guidelines

    • All student musicians must be enrolled in or a graduate of a college music program (previous Academy participants will not be eligible).
    • Application and audition videos must be submitted via GetAcceptd by March 1.
    • $15 submission fee to be paid through GetAcceptd site.
    • Please identify ONE group member for correspondence.

  • Audition Information

    Audition to include the following:

    • Two video recordings demonstrating the current instrumentation and repertoire of the group. These can be “live” or studio recordings.
    • One letter of reference from someone familiar with the group’s work.
    • A short essay highlighting your group’s artistic direction and accomplishments. Please include a statement regarding what you hope to gain from the JAS Academy experience.

  • Deadlines

    Activity Deadline
    Finished Application March 1
    Notice of Acceptance April 1 
    Accept or Pass on Invitation April 15 

Individual/Big Band Sessions

For the Individual/Big Band Sessions JAS/Frost are seeking individual applicants able to perform proficiently in both combo and big band settings. Strong reading skills, experience with improvisation, doubling, and familiarity with multiple styles of jazz music are prerequisites.

Daily Program activities will include a blend of coaching from JAS Academy jazz masters & faculty members along with individual group time for rehearsal & recording. Select Frost School of Music Curricula will be introduced, addressing topics essential to developing well-rounded musicians with the tools to succeed in the 21st-century music industry. Classes in recording techniques, arranging, production, touring, agent representation, artist management, contracts, website development, and digital rights will be included.

This program is full-scholarship, with all travel, lodging, tuition, and meals paid and provided by Jazz Aspen Snowmass.

Application Criteria

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  • Positions

    The positions to be filled:

    • Four trumpets (1 lead), 
    • Two pianists,
    • Three bassists,
    • Three drummers,
    • Four trombones (1 bass), 
    • One guitarist,
    • Five reeds (2 altos, 2 tenors, 1 baritone) doubles may be required, list doubles at which you are proficient,
    • One vocalist

  • Application Guidelines

    • All student musicians must be enrolled in or a graduate of a college music program (previous Academy students are not eligible).
    • MUST be able to read charts at a high level.
    • Application and audition videos must be submitted via GetAcceptd by March 1.
    • $15 submission fee to be paid through GetAcceptd site.

  • Audition Information

    Audition to include the following:

    • Two video recordings demonstrating ensemble and improvisations skills in different music styles. State the melody, then at least two choruses of improvisation. Time feel, groove, and musical interaction are essential elements, so please use live musicians for your recordings.
    • One video of a large ensemble performance, preferably a big band.
    • One letter of reference.
    • The option of an additional video highlighting secondary competency (additional instruments you play).
    • A short essay highlighting your musical and academic achievements and what you hope to gain from the JAS Academy experience.

  • Deadlines

    Activity Deadline
    Finished Application March 1
    Notice of Acceptance April 1
    Accept or Pass on Invitation April 15

"Boarding their respective planes in Aspen, each of the 23 students left with some significant feats on their résumé from the past two weeks alone: they’ve written and recorded original music, performed (and intimately rehearsed) with Christian McBride, and received professional tips from some of the best names in the business. In their notebooks are the intricate details of publishing and recording; in their hands is a priceless experience – and maybe a few blisters!”

…Jazzed Magazine

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