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| Alys Stephens Center "Fun with Jazz" Faculty For the first time, the Alys Stephens Center presents a free educational program that brings the arts to students at their schools. The Alys Stephens Center is collaborating with local jazz singer and pianist Ray Reach to present “Fun With Jazz,” for grades 1-12 and beyond. In these free, one-hour lessons, Reach will come to a school or organization and introduce students to the exciting world of jazz music through a combination of live music and interactive lessons. With the help of one to six accompanying musicians, Reach demonstrates the unique qualities that make jazz a truly American art form. A school can bring in the first program only, or sign up for all of them. The program can be tailored for individual schools' or organizations' special needs. For reservations call Kimberly Kirklin, director of education and outreach at the Alys Stephens Center, at 205-934-0862. Some examples of the programs are: 1) Fun With Jazz: In this class Reach will discuss the history of jazz, improvisation, the instruments played, famous musicians and more. 2) Fun With Jazz, The Musicians: Students will learn about the most important musicians in jazz history. 3) Fun With Jazz Today: The students will learn about jazz vocalists, the life of a contemporary jazz musician and what types of music have evolved from jazz music. 4) Workshops on Jazz Styles and Improvisational Techniques: This service is offered to middle school, high school and college jazz bands. Reach and his jazz faculty will present a one or two day intensive workshop, unlocking the “secrets” to learning how to perform and improvise jazz. For the “Fun With Jazz” series, Ray Reach has assembeled a formidable faculty, including: TOMMY STEWART - Trumperer / arranger / composer - Tommy has been a practicing jazz musician for over 50 years, and has performed with and arraged for Duke Pearson, Sonny Stitt, Ray Charles, and many others GARY WHEAT - Saxophones - Gary is a graduate of the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa, majoring in Jazz Studies. He is known as one of the finest young saxophonosts in the Southeast. DAVE AMARAL - Saxophone / flute / clarinet - Dave is one of the finest jazz musicians in Alabama. He also holds a law degree and works as a judicial administrator. CLEVE EATON - Bass - Cleve ios a veteran of the Ramsey Lewis Trio (11 years)and the Count Basie Orchestra (16 years). He has been playing jazz for over 50 years. ABE BECKER - Bass - A graduate (in composition) of Indiana University, Abe is Bass Instructor for the UAB Department of Music and for the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. JOHN NUCKOLS - Drums - John holds a degree in percussion from the University of Alabama. He also studied drums with Alan Dawson, drummer for Dave Brubeck. CHAD FISHER - Trombone - CHad is a member of the well-known Tuscaloosa Horns, and leads his own ensemble, The Chad Fisher Group. CARLOS PINO - Guitar -Carlos holds the Bachelor of Arts degree from UAB and the Master of Music degree in Jazz Studies from Rutgers University. RAY REACH - Pianist / vocalist / arranger / composer - Ray is the creator and Director of the ASC “Fun WIth Jazz” Series. write your comments about the article :: © 2007 Jazz News :: home page |