Small Group Program
CCJA's core program groups students from all over the metro area in small (7-9 piece) jazz ensembles*, who are directed by professional musician mentors. These mentors are all accomplished professional musicians, who have a wealth of real experience to share with students. These ensembles meet weekly (in 3 ten-week sessions) to rehearse, play, and perform together as they study jazz improvisation, technique, style, theory, and history. Students are also given opportunities to compose and arrange for their groups.
For some students, the program serves as a tool for exploring jazz as a college major and/or a career path. For others, it is a great way to connect and play with other students who have an interest in the music. For everyone, it is a path to further self-expression through music. Over the past eight years, the program has attracted amazing young players who have become integral players in their respective school groups, members of All-State Jazz Band, and recipients of impressive scholarships to major music programs across the country. Students have also connected with other players through CCJA and have formed working bands.
* CCJA also has a special 12-piece Latin Jazz Ensemble (one of the only ones in the region for teens!) In the Winter and Spring, there is also an audition only CCJA Big Band that performs at local festivals.
Logistics:
The School Year Program is broken into three 10 week sessions:
Fall 2011 Session
Denver, Highlands Ranch & CU-Boulder: Tuesdays, August 23 - October 18; October 24 & 25 concerts
Winter 2011-12 Session
Denver, Highlands Ranch & CU-Boulder; Nov. 8 - Dec 13, and Jan. 3 - Jan. 17; January 23 & 24 concerts
Spring 2012 Session:
Denver, Highlands Ranch & CU-Boulder: Tuesdays, Feb 7 -April 10 (with one week off for Spring Break...March 27th), April 17th tentative concert date
Groups meet at three different locations:
- University of Denver, Newman Center for the Performing Arts
Tuesday evenings from 7-9
- Thunder Ridge High School in Highlands Ranch
Tuesday evenings from 6:30 - 8:30
- CU - Boulder Macky Auditorium Building
Tuesday evenings from 7-9
Concerts are held at local jazz venues during the last week of each session.
Fees for each 10 week session are $300, or two payments of $150. We offer other some need-based scholarships, so please let us know if you are interested in applying for one.
At this time we welcome musicians from the ages of 12-18, who have been playing their instrument for at least two years and have some experience playing jazz. If you are interested in applying for the program,click here for an application form. There is a one-time $15 registration fee that can be mailed or paid online. Upon acceptance you will receive a registration confirmation. Sometimes there are waiting lists for certain instruments, and auditions are then held. Questions? Call Paul Romaine at 720-201-6885.
AUDITIONS
Currently, there are more applicants for rhythm section players than there are spots at most locations. If that is the case at the end of the registration period for each session, auditions will be held, based on the following requirements:
Piano: Be prepared to demonstrate II-V-I voicings, and play a jazz tune of your choice.
Guitar: 1. Play head, comp and solo on a blues. 2. Play these chords: Major 7, Dominant 7, minor 7 3. Play these Scales: C Blues, C Major
Bass: Walk 3 choruses of blues in F with these changes: F7 |Bb7 |F7 |F7 |Bb7 |Bb7 |F7 |D7 |G-7 |C7 |F7 D-7|G-7 C7:| 3x, do some sight reading, and then play something that you feel shows your strengths
Drums: Be prepared to demonstrate you ability to play and solo over the following time feels: bossa, swing, funk, afro-cuban, and cascara.
Also, be able to play the melodic outline of a blues tune (head) on the drums (your choice of tune.) There will also be some sight-reading.
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