Aspiring musicians have a chance to hone their skills and perform together at the 2003 Summer Jazz Workshop at Fairfield University. The intensive, five-day jazz experience, led by virtuoso bassist Brian Torff, conductor of the Fairfield University Jazz Ensemble, is accepting registrations for the session, which runs from July 7 through 11.

Sponsored by University College at Fairfield University, the workshop is open to middle school, high school and college-age student instrumentalists. Participants must have at least two years experience on their instruments and have a basic music reading ability.

Summer Jazz Workshop combines jazz instruction, improvisation and theory with summer recreational activities. Students will perform in jazz ensembles and at classes and workshops in theory, improvisation, rhythm, world music, history of jazz, jazz arranging and composition. On Friday, July 11, the students will perform in concert.

Camp counselors will provide full supervision for students.

Torff, director of Fairfield University's Music Program, is a noted bassist and composer, who has toured extensively in the United States, Europe, Brazil and South America. He recently appeared at Birdland in New York City and the French Consulate in Washington, D.C. He is bassist for the jazz-rock band Thunderstick and was a co-chairperson for the music advisory board for the National Endowment for the Arts.

The workshop fee is $300 before May 15 and $350 after May 15. For more information or to register, call University College at (203) 254-4307.

Posted On: 04-11-2003 09:04 AM

Volume: 35 Number: 261