Centrum’s 2010 Big Band workshop was held Oct. 28 – 31 and was a rousing success. Composer, arranger, bandleader and educator Fred Sturm and the 18.jpgece band hit the ground running at the first rehearsal Thursday evening and didn’t stop until the last note was played on the Saturday night concert. The audience gave them a well-deserved standing ovation for all they’d accomplished during the workshop.

Fred brought a wealth of experience to the workshop. Having led dozens of professional and amateur bands around the world, he knew exactly how to get a lot of work done in a short amount of time and still make it all fun. The workshop participants responded enthusiastically to his high standards and warm personality, as evidenced by their performance on Saturday night.

Joining Fred as faculty on Thursday and Friday was veteran big band saxophonist Bill Ramsay. An alumnus of the Count Basie Orchestra and many other bands, Bill provided the participants with priceless insights on playing in a big band.

The weekend wrapped up Sunday morning with a reading session of a brand new arrangement by workshop participant and tenor saxophonist Kevin Lane. Everyone agreed that Kevin, now a jazz major at Central Washington University, has a bright future.

Next year’s workshop has already been set for October 6 – 9, 2011. Stay tuned for more information!