About Jazz in July | Listen to our Students | Admission |  Fees | 
University Credit |  Scholarship |  Age Requirement |  Sponsorship | 
Questions? | Friends and Sponsors | Such Sweet Thunder | Blog |

About Jazz in July

July 7 - 18, 2008
Immerse Yourself In Our 27 Year Jazz Legacy!

Jazz in July has always been a summer oasis for the performance and study of jazz improvisation. Every July, musicians from surrounding communities and around the world bear witness to the fact that Jazz in July is a special place where jazz history is created and studied. Consider that for years, the legendary percussionist Max Roach taught on our faculty, sharing his knowledge about the music and musicians of the bebop era that he helped define. Our tradition of honoring the past by bringing it into the present continued just last summer at a lecture performance on the music of Mary Lou Williams given by Billy Taylor (who knew Williams personally) and Geri Allen (who studied and performed her music extensively). Vocalist Sheila Jordan often tells of what it was like to sit in with the late Charlie Parker, but her stories are given real meaning when Sheila demonstrates what she learned from "Bird" by singing a tune at a Jazz in July concert.

When you sign up for Jazz in July, you will be joining an illustrious network of current and former artist faculty and participants, many of whom we've listed in this brochure. At Jazz in July, we offer three programs of study: instrumental ensembles, vocal jazz soloists with trios, and teacher training. Because programs run at the same time, high school, college and adult participants will also be able to join with other participants for combined lectures, master classes, jam sessions and performances. Regardless of the program you choose, you will be immersing yourself in the latest chapter of the jazz legacy that is Jazz in July. Application for 2008 are taken online at: www.jazzinjuly.com.

An application can be found by clicking here.

Instrumental Ensembles

Originally modeled after New York's "Jazzmobile" program, the Instrumental Ensemble Program emphasizes individual improvisation on all instruments. Ensembles include both small combos (5 - 8 members) coached by the artist faculty, and a big band (9 - 22 members), in addition to master classes according to applied instrument.

Vocal Jazz Soloists with Trios

The Vocal Jazz Soloists with Trios Program offers singers a supportive environment to explore concepts of jazz phrasing and rhythms, preparing lead sheets, vocal improvisation, and scat singing. Coachings and master classes with Sheila Jordan and Dr. Catherine Jensen-Hole combine with rehearsal and performance opportunities accompanied by two in-residence instrumental trios.

Teacher Incentive Program

A one-week program (July 14 - 18) designed for music educators interested in teaching methods and materials, as well as practical approaches to the study of jazz improvisation. In addition to opportunities to attend lectures, participate in master classes, and to observe and critique student and faculty performances, afternoon sessions address various topics of jazz education and jazz program development. Teachers also have the option to attend any of our other three programs the week of July 7 - 11.

There are several other add-on options specially designed for teachers working toward re-certification or professional development, including graduate level academic credit, Massachusetts Department of Education-authorized Professional Development Points (PDP's), and/or tuition waivers based on recruiting students to Jazz in July. Contact Us for complete details!

Listen to our Students

Instrumental Ensembles

Geri Allen's Ensemble "Donna Lee" by Charlie Parker/Miles Davis
Piano: Christian Sands
Bass: Maya Cavallaro, Chip Jackson
Drums: Mike Marcinowski
Saxophone: Lee Godleski
Trumpet: Chazz Canney
Violin: Mari Black, Yu Manabe
size: 2.63 MB

Vocal Jazz Soloists with Trios

Vocalist Sarah Elizabeth Charles "Lullaby in Birdland" by Weiss/Shearing
Piano: Jeff Holmes
Bass: Genevieve Rose
Drums: Gregory Caputo
size: 2.03 MB

Admissions

Jazz in July offers Fast Track Acceptance (applicants will be pre-admitted to the program of their choice by postcard notification within two weeks of receipt of application and registration fee). Applications should be postmarked on or before March 21st, however, late applications are considered if space exists. Admission is decided on the basis of a written application and a CD, or digital audio files(.mp3, .wma, and .m4a only) by email.

Fees

Application & Registration fee: $75 before March 21, $100 after March 21, as space permits.
Make checks payable to: University of Massachusetts Amherst

*Tuition:

• per week: $600
• auditor/per week: $400

(payable in full by June 1, DOES NOT INCLUDE room & board)
University housing and meal plans are available at an additional cost. Details are mailed upon acceptance to program.

Pay your registration fee online by clicking here.

University Credit

Jazz in July offers optional academic credit through the Division of Continuing Education. Students may elect undergraduate or graduate credit in vocal or instrumental theory, composition/arranging, or Teacher Training. Fees are $140/1 credit, $240/2 credits, $340/3 credits. Course descriptions and requirements are mailed upon acceptance.

Scholarship

At Jazz in July's discretion, talent and financial need-based scholarships are occasionally offered to participants applying to the small combo and vocal programs. We assume that everyone applying wishes to be considered for a scholarship unless otherwise indicated.

Age Requirements

Although Jazz in July admits a broad range of participants, the minimum age for admission is 15 with parental permission. Staff members are available to assist all participants during workshop activities and evening/weekends in the assigned residence hall.

Sponsorship

Jazz in July is a program of the University of Massachusetts Fine Arts Center, sponsored in cooperation with the Department of Music & Dance. Jazz in July is funded in part by a grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and is a patron member of the International Association of Jazz Educators. Announced faculty and programs may change without notice.

Questions?

Call: 413.545.3530, Fax: 413.545.0132 
e-mail: jazzinjuly@acad.umass.edu

Jazz in July Staff
Frederick C. Tillis, Artistic Director
Jeff Holmes, Associate Artistic Director
Mark Baszak, Administrative Director
Mandy Burry, Assistant Director

Friends and Sponsors

Friends of Jazz in July

1794 Meeting House
Vam & Joan Abbott
John Blake Jr.
Steven Coombs
Joseph L. & Kathleen M. Diveglia
Mindy Domb and Matthew Sadof
Jacob Epstein
Nnenna Freelon
Fran and Steven Goldsher
Peter Grimaldi
Nancy and Paul Hamel
William Harris
Molly Harrison
Charles “Chip” Jackson
Nicole Kamra
John V. and Catherine L. Lombardi
Renee Moss & Eric Bachrach
Mari Mennel-Bell
Stephen Page
Emilie Phelps
Allen and Alva Weinberger
Dr. Billy Taylor
Frederick C. & E. Louise Tillis
Paula and Steven Zeitlin

State and Business Sponsors

University Sponsors

College of Humanities and Fine Arts
Hampshire Hospitality Group
Department of Music & Dance
Division of Continuing Education

Community Arts Partners

Community Music School of Springfield
Ed Cohen Photography
Greenfield Community College
Holyoke Community College
Northampton Community Music Center
Pioneer Valley Performing Arts High School

Media Sponsors

Want to see your name on this list? Donate to Jazz in July! Fill out the Donation form on the FAC website by clicking here . When you get to the second page of the Donation form select Fine Arts Center from the drop down menu, and be sure to note Jazz in July in the subcategory field!

Such Sweet Thunder

Such Sweet Thunder: Views on Black American Music (Fine Arts Center Press, 2003) is a book of essays, panel discussion transcripts and photography, edited by Mark Baszak, with photography by Edward Cohen. The book features some of the most respected authors of black music, and represents firsthand accounts of the music (jazz, blues, and gospel) and performers given tribute at annual Black Musicians Conferences and Festivals at The University of Massachusetts from 1989 – 1999.

Consider purchasing a copy of Such Sweet Thunder, and/or joining us next summer for the next edition of Jazz in July. An application and book order form can be found at: www.suchsweetthunder.com .