Could the next Diana Krall or Wynton Marsalis emerge from Belleville, Trenton, Campbellford or Oshawa?
The TD Jazz Education Program brings 80 high school jazz musicians from east-central Ontario communities to Prince Edward County for three days, from April 12 to 14, 2013. They will immerse themselves in clinics, performances and workshops with professional, high-profile Toronto jazz musicians.
Each school's band will be paired up with a clinician who will work exclusively with them over the three days and join in their performance at the final concert. It's called "Swing Into Spring," a Regent Theatre matinee featuring one of Canada's greatest jazz ensembles-the Brian Barlow Big Band.
"This work with young people is probably the most important thing the festival has done in its 13-year history," said Barlow, creative director for the Prince Edward County Jazz Festival.
"I'm especially thrilled that we're able to include a band from Trenton this year. Students in Toronto and the GTA have access to so much more than students in smaller towns and rural areas. It's a rare opportunity for a small town teacher and his students who have worked hard to establish a jazz band."
The students will also benefit from a workshop and performance on Friday April 12 by the University of Toronto Jazz Orchestra (UTJO), under the direction of Gordon Foote.
Participating schools are Centennial Secondary School in Belleville, Campbellford High School, O'Neill Secondary School in Oshawa, and St. Paul's Secondary School in Trenton.
The clinicians
- John Johnson. One of Canada's most sought-after woodwind players in studios, clubs, concert halls and theatres. Faculty member for Humber College jazz program.
- Jason Logue. The most in-demand lead trumpet player in Toronto. Mohawk College faculty member.
- Kelsley Grant. Trombone graduate of the Manhattan School of Music. Faculty member, Humber College.
- Mike Francis. First-call studio guitarist, writer and producer. One of Canada's most recorded musicians.
- Scott Alexander. Internationally-renowned bassist whose resume includes The Boss Brass, Alanis Morrissette, Oliver Jones and Zoot Sims.
- Barbra Lica. Recent graduate of the University of Toronto vocal jazz program where she also majored in medical sciences.
- Brian Barlow. Drummer, arranger, producer. Long-time member of the Boss Brass. Creative director of the PEC Jazz Festival.
"Swing Into Spring" performance
The Brian Barlow Big Band with vocalist Barbra Lica and four top student ensembles.
DATE: Sunday, April 14
TIME: 2:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Regent Theatre, Picton
TICKETS: $30 ($20 parents and students)
For more information, please contact:
Kerry Donnell, Communications Officer, 613-966-1170 or 1 800 267-4350, extension 2354, [email protected]