Jazz in July Summer Music Programs is an internationally celebrated, thriving educational program at the Fine Arts Center. Soon, we will have the distinction of two decades of experience teaching jazz improvisation to hundreds of talented musicians from all levels of training and musical backgrounds.

As Jazz in July prepares for its 20th anniversary season in July 2001, we look back on our past accomplishments. Year after year, well-known music educators from across the country provided both instruction and inspiration at Jazz in July - including the Billy Taylor Trio, vocalist Sheila Jordan, and the Turtle Island String Quartet. Jazz students from around the world attended our programs each summer to perfect their skills in improvisation. Many have gone on to establish notable careers in the performing arts, and are now amongst the country's top talent. This tradition of success continues next summer as great music fills the performance spaces and classrooms of the University of Massachusetts Fine Arts Center.

The 20th Annual Jazz in July Summer Music Programs (July 9 - 20, 2001) is an intensive performance-based jazz education program. Three programs of study, diverse approaches to teaching and performing jazz, and an emphasis on small ensembles, makes Jazz in July unique from other summer programs. All Jazz in July participants have the opportunity to join with other musicians in combined lectures, clinics, conversations, film & video screenings, performances and jam sessions.

Originally modeled after New York's "Jazzmobile," the two week Instrumental Workshops in Improvisation/Small Combo Program (July 9 - 20) led by the new Billy Taylor Trio, emphasizes individual improvisation within small instrumental combos. Participants are assigned to combos that are coached by the artist faculty, and attend master classes according to applied instrument.

The two week Vocal Jazz Soloists with Resident Trios (July 9 - 20) offers vocalists a supportive environment to explore concepts of jazz phrasing and rhythms, preparing lead sheets, and vocal improvisation including scat singing. Coachings and master classes with Sheila Jordan & Jay Clayton combine with rehearsal and performance opportunities accompanied by two in-residence instrumental trios.

The one week Jazz String Chamber Music Program (July 16 - 20) offers aspiring jazz string players an intensive opportunity to study the art of playing jazz on bowed string instruments. Members of the acclaimed Turtle Island String Quartet will lead string players in exploring jazz technique and improvisation in small string chamber music settings as well as in master classes for each instrument.

For more information, including an application, visit our website; write: Jazz in July, 123-125 Hasbrouck, 666 N. Pleasant St., Amherst, MA 01003-9300; or phone: 413.545.3530. Preliminary deadline is March 20; additional participants may be accepted after the date if space exists.

Photo Top: Jazz in July faculty Sheila Jordan, Genevieve Rose and Jeff Holmes with a voice student.

Photo Bottom: Dr. Billy Taylor