
UJAM Summer Jazz Workshop 2023

Our 5th annual Summer Jazz Workshop wrapped up a few weeks ago with some great performances by our various student combos and ensembles. Over 50 musicians gathered at Selkirk Montessori School for a week of jazz classes covering a wide variety of topics and interests. Key note speaker Don Thompson was an inspiration, as were evening performances by our faculty and special guests Tom Vickery, Jeremy Wong, and John Lee, who ably stepped in with his trio for an ailing Barry Sorenson.
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A very special thank you to the Selkirk Montessori School for hosting us and to our sponsors including Allison Piano, Tempo Trend Music, Taber Music, and Tom Lee Music. Our Summer Camp would not be able to happen without their help along with support from B.C. Gaming and our donors private and corporate.
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We were especially fortunate to have a great faculty including Ashley Wey, Louis Rudner, Dave Flello, Joe Hatherill, Kim Greenwood, Joey Smith, Damian Graham, Carol Sokoloff, and many other talented folks.
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There were a great many magical moments and special memories. See some of our camp pics here.
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"Speaking of Jazz...”
U-JAM CAMP DREAM - We strive to enrich and enhance the understanding of jazz music, to connect the community around jazz and develop as individual musicians.
The U-JAM Summer Workshop is a place where you will be learning fundamentals, musicianship, and the skills of playing jazz together! This is a great opportunity to study with and learn from local working musicians as well as internationally recognized artists. You will gain knowledge and wisdom on improvisation, theory, and ensemble playing within the jazz idiom.
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Special master classes will feature distinguished artists.
Outcomes: Principles that will guide the experience
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Learn to structure and fine-tune your practice routine? Let’s hot rod your practicing!
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“Technique Transcription and Tunes” - We will cover topics such as transcribing and playing along with records, theory, ear training (Major Minor and Rhythmic Transcription, Voice Leading, Scales, Modes).
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Gain tricks and licks that are key to improvising on your instrument. Here's your chance to hone fundamentals of Studying Jazz (ear training, time, feel, harmony, transcribing, bandstand communication, music history)
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Get inspired, and not discouraged… Effortless mastery!
What to expect in a day?
The ABC’s of Jazz!
A. Instrument and Vocal Fundamentals
B. Jazz Fundamentals - theory, ear training, improv, songwriting and more
C. Listening / History session / Blues / Standard (Structure and form)
D. Large ensembles and Master Classes with interesting folks
E. Small Ensemble (communication and improve your skills)
F. Evening concert with Jam Session following
Our repertoire for this year's camp has released!
Here's what you can expect to play at camp:
Centerpiece - Lambert, Hendricks & Ross
I Wish You Love - Charles Louis Trenet
When the Saints - Unknown, popularized by Louis Armstrong
Summertime - George Gershwin
Up Jumped Spring - Freddie Hubbard
Corcovado - Antônio Carlos Jobim
Little Sunflower - Freddie Hubbard
Watermelon Man - Herbie Hancock
Additional Vocal Repertoire:
Tenderly - Walter Gross with lyrics by Jack Lawrence
Mack The Knife - Kurt Weill with lyrics by Bertolt Brecht
My Favorite Things - Richard Rodgers with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II