The Conservatory announces NEW Jazz Performance Program

Aspiring young musicians now have the opportunity to participate in a unique Jazz Performance Program! The Conservatory has completely redesigned its Jazz Ensemble to create an Intermediate to Advanced Performance Program unlike any other program in the area.

Students participating in the Jazz Performance Program will gain the experience and techniques they need to successfully understand and perform Jazz music in an ensemble setting. Through teamwork and collaboration in a small group setting, participants will be exposed to advanced music theory concepts, sight reading and improvisation techniques, formal audition experience, and multiple performances including an offsite public concert at the end of the school year. Additionally, Bill Gottshall, Jazz Performance Program Director, develops individualized arrangements for each student.

To kick off the Jazz Performance Program, several participants will be playing a Jazz Showcase at The Underground in Lansdale alongside professional musicians for a family-friendly concert on Saturday, September 15 at 8:00pm. “While performing in an auditorium or theater is a thrilling experience, I feel it’s important that young musicians get the chance to play popular music in a club setting. The feedback from the audience is much different than what you’ll find in a concert hall. There’s no waiting until the end of the song for the crowd’s reaction to our playing, it’s instant and spontaneous,” says Bill Gottshall.

The Jazz Showcase will provide a unique type of mentoring for the student musicians. Every so often, a professional musician will take a seat and a young protégé will take over his/her place on stage while at least half of the band will still be professional musicians. This provides support for the young musicians while letting them experience the interplay of improvisation that takes place in a jazz band. Tickets for the Jazz Showcase are $8 and can be purchased here.

The Jazz Performance Program runs September 11, 2018 – May 30. 2019, with the Advanced Ensemble rehearsals on Tuesdays (6:30pm – 8:30pm) and the Intermediate Ensemble rehearsals on Thursdays (7:00pm – 9:00pm). Registration for this program ends October 31, 2018. Participants do not need to be private lesson students at The Conservatory in order to join.

To schedule an audition call The Conservatory at 215-340-7979.

The Conservatory, a non-profit 501(c)3 center for the arts, offers a broad range of individual and group lessons in music, performance and therapy. The Conservatory also provides the community with recitals, ensembles, workshops, outreach projects, concerts, studio space and booking services for musicians. The Conservatory is a member of the National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts, the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce, and the Arts and Business Council of Greater Philadelphia.