JAZZ ROCK and BLUES DEPARTMENT
Wendy Klein, Department Chair
2009-2010 AUDITIONS
Openings still available in most ensembles! For more information or to schedule an audition contact Susan Curzio at scurzio@riphil.org or 401.248.7038
JAZZ AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
The Jazz & Rock Department offers a complete program of training for students interested in jazz or rock performance. Each student is assigned to an ensemble based on his or her ability. Ensembles are organized so that each student is placed appropriately and can progress from one level to the next.
All Jazz and Rock Department ensembles rehearse at the Carter Center for Music Education.
Adult Jazz Combo
Participants will work on their ensemble and improvisational skills as they develop a repertoire of jazz standards. Minumim enrollment of 4 required.
Instructor: Bill Miele ; Thursdays, 7:15- 8:15 pm
RIPYJazz: Rhode Island Philharmoic Youth Jazz Ensembles
Big Band
This ensemble encourages the performance and appreciation of jazz by high school students. The big band performs at such events as the Bright Night, First Works Kids and the Rhode Island Philharmonic Ball.
Instructor: Wendy Klein; Wednesdays, 7-8:30 pm
Paul Murphy Touring Ensemble
This 5-8 piece R&B ensemble features horns, guitar, bass, drums, keyboards and vocals. Membership is open to advanced high school and college age musicians by audition. This performance-oriented group was formed in honor of the late R&B guitarist Paul Murphy.
Instructor: Greg Takemoto; Thursdays, 7:30-9 pm
Jazz Performers Combo
This challenging performance-oriented ensemble is designed for advanced high school jazz musicians.
Instructor: John McKenna; Mondays, 7-8 pm
Funk and Fusion
This group specializes in music with jazz harmonies and the rhythmic complexity of funk. There are opportunities to play multi-horn arrangements and to improvise.
Instructor: Greg Takemoto; Thursdays, 6:15-7:15 pm
Music Majors Jazz Combo
This group is for high school students who plan to major in
music in college and pursue music as a career. With
the guidance of the teacher, students select the
repertoire and create their own arrangements of the
music they perform.
Instructor: Jeff Cashen; Tuesdays, 4:30 – 5:30 pm
Classic Jazz Combo
This group is for
students with an interest in building repertoire,
working on improvisational skills and learning to
do their own rrangements from lead sheets.
Coach: Greg Takemoto
Tuesdays, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
Rock Combo
Students develop their technique, ensemble skills and solo performance ability
while working on great rock standards. Students are
encouraged to bring their own compositions and
arrangements to class.
Coach: Greg Takemoto
Tuesdays, 7:35 – 8:35 pm
Jazz Improvisation Combo
This small ensemble of 4-6 high school students (2
horns, 3-4 member rhythm section) work to develop
their improvisational skills in the jazz tradition.
Goals focus on the function and development of the
rhythm section and their interaction with the
soloists and the use of chord scales, improvisational
techniques and practice routines.
Coach: Ron Sanfilippo
Wednesdays, 7:00 – 8:00 pm
Junior Jazz Improvisation Combo
This small ensemble for students in grades 6 – 8
shares the same goals and focus as the Jazz
Improvisation Combo for high school students. (see
page 11)
Coach: Ron Sanfilippo
Wednesdays, 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Young Performers Combo
This group is made up of dedicated young musicians in grades 7-9. Students will work on jazz repertoire with an emphasis on improvisation. This group performs in all Jazz Department recitals.
Conductor: Ron Sanfilippo; Section A - Tuesdays, 6:00-7:00 pm. Section B - Tuesdays, 7:00-8:00pm
BIOGRAPHIES
Wendy Klein, Jazz Department Chair and Conductor, RIPYJazz Big Band
B.A., Phi Beta Kappa, Brown University: B.M. Berklee College of Music; M.M. New England Conservatory
Ms. Klein conducts the RIPYJazz Big Band and teaches Early Childhood classes at The Music School. She is an Associate Professor in the Writing Division at Berklee College of Music. Ms. Klein is a member of the chamber music trio Intermezzo, as well as a member of a Music School Faculty ensemble that performs in the schools. For twelve years she was a composer and performer with the Joe Parillo Ensemble.
Ron Sanfilippo
B.M., Cum Laude, Berklee College of Music
Ron is the founder and conductor of the Young Women's Contemporary Music Ensemble. He teaches jazz piano at Brown University and Rhode Island College. He has studied with nationally renowned artists including Charles Binacos, Harvey Diamond, Hal Crook, Dean Earl and Kenny Werner. Ron has over twenty- five years of performing experience at some of the most famous mansions, hotels and restaurants in the New England area. He has performed with such internationally acclaimed artists as George Benson, Alan Dawson, Greg Abate and Dan Moretti. He has performed at the Newport Jazz Festival (1988) and toured England with the Big Nazo's (2000). Ron is a recording artist for North Star Records.
Gregory Takemoto
In addition to his position at The Music School, Greg is also an instructor at More Than Music. He has performed with the jazz fusion band Orbis Rex, the Kim Trusty Band, the Rhode Island College Jazz Ensemble and the Rhode Island College Jazz Combo. He attended Chico State University and is currently a candidate for a B.A. in Jazz Performance from Rhode Island College.
For more information please contact
Susan Curzio , Youth Ensembles Coordinator at (401) 248-7038 or scurzio@riphil.org
Wendy Klein, Jazz Department Chair at (401) 248-7026.