A diverse group of 25 students, ages 12 to 17, have been studying jazz with virtuoso jazz bassist and composer Brian Torff this week at Fairfield University. On Friday they will get to show off their talent when they perform at the Pepsico Theatre on campus at 11:30 a.m.

All serious musicians, each with at least three years' experience, their time together was enriched by the wonderful diversity of the group, says Patricia Brunetti, director of non-credit programming. "Three students are from Iran originally, one student is Asian and another African American. In addition we have a young man from the Netherlands who has lived there most of his life and expects to spend only two years here before going back."

The students come from several Connecticut towns, including Bridgeport, Fairfield, Greenwich, Weston, Wilton, Southbury, Meriden Ridgefield, Norwalk and Darien.

Brian Torff has toured throughout the United States, Europe, Brazil and South Africa and has had his compositions recorded by top musicians. He serves as music program director at Fairfield University and was a co-chairperson for the music advisory board for the National Endowment for the Arts.

A grant from the Mockingbird Foundation, formed by fans of the alternative music group, Phish, made it possible for the Summer Jazz Workshop, now in its eighth year, to offer six scholarships this year.

If you are interested in covering this event, please call Nancy Habetz, director of media relations, (203) 254-4000, ext. 2647.

Posted On: 07-10-2002 09:07 AM

Volume: 35 Number: 3