The Jazz & Rock Department offers a complete program of training for students inter�ested in jazz or rock performance. Ensembles are organized so that each student is placed ap�propriately and can progress from one level to the next.

RIPYJazz Big Band
RIPYJazz Big Band encourages the performance and appreciation of jazz by high school students. As the regional touring band of The Music School, RIPYJazz performs at such events as the Bright Night, Chowder Fest and the Waterfront Festival.
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

Introduction to Improvisation
This group is for intermediate players in grades 7 - 9. Students will learn jazz repertoire with an emphasis on improvisation, and perform in Jazz Department recitals. Students should have had at least two years of instruction on their instrument.
Conductor: Ron Sanfilippo; Tuesdays, 6:30 - 7:30pm

Jazz Combos

These ensembles are for players of all instruments who want to learn jazz-style improvisation. Skills in building melodies, playing over blues changes and developing the ability to play by ear are all included. Students will learn how to analyze standard jazz tunes, play on modal tunes, develop motifs and build interesting solos. These combos require a mini�mum enrollment of 4 students. Players will be grouped by age and level of experience.

PROVIDENCE COMBOS

Section A Instructor: Greg Takemoto; Thursdays 6:15 - 7:15pm

Section B Instructor: Jeff Cashen; Thursdays 6:45 - 7:45pm

Jazz Performers Combo: Chris Lopes; Mondays, 7:00 - 8:00pm

EAST GREENWICH COMBOS
Location: United Methodist Church, 214 Main St.

Section A Instructor: Greg Takemoto; Tuesdays 6:30 - 7:30pm

Section B Instructor: Greg Takemoto; Tuesdays 7:45 - 8:45pm

Section C Instructor: Jeff Cashen; Mondays 6:45 - 7:45pm

Location: United Methodist Church, 214 Main St East Greenwich

Membership is open to students entering 7^th-12^th grade and placement is by audition.

For more information please contact Wendy Klein at (401) 248-7026.

All RIPYJazz ensembles, except the East Greenwich Jazz Combos, are held at the Central Branch.

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, Conductor, Rhode Island Youth Jazz Ensemble Junior Division 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 Peter Bianca at pbianca@riphil.org