Jazz is one of America’s most famous and popular exports, yet many Americans have little exposure to it. We want to change that by offering you a chance to learn something from a master teacher—for free.

The Jazz Port Townsend workshop is widely regarded as one of the best in the country. Why? Because Artistic Director John Clayton invites artists to the faculty who are excellent performers and teachers. You’re invited to experience these masters for yourself and learn something that will deepen your understanding and enjoyment of this famously American art form.

The following are workshops and clinics, not performances. All sessions are free and open to the public!

July 29, 2016 Friday Workshop Blowout!

9:00 – 10:15 a.m.

• “Wrapping Your Ears Around A Tune” Learn to internalize the melody and harmony of a standard tune by breaking it down into its components and singing each one. Bring your vocal cords (even if you think you can’t sing!). (Randy Halberstadt) Wheeler Theater
• “Saxophone Summit” Master class and discussion. (JD Allen, Jeff Clayton, Grace Kelly, Gary Smulyan) 204 Rm. 10

10:30 -11:45 a.m.

• “The Life and Music of Duke Ellington” A look at one of Jazz’s most significant artists by a master teacher. (Joe LaBarbera) Wheeler Theater
• “Trumpet Summit” Master class and discussion. (Sean Jones, Terell Stafford, Jay Thomas) 204 Rm. 10

11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.  Lunch

12-1:00 p.m.

• Workshop Participant Big Band Performance Directed by Clarence Acox. Outside at the Commons.

1:15-2:45 p.m.

• “An Inside Look At Two Of The Great Bands Of The Big Band Era.” Jim Wilke moderates a panel of experts with real-life experience playing in big bands led by Woody Herman and Count Basie. An excellent primer for Saturday afternoon’s concert. (Jim Wilke, John Clayton, Jeff Hamilton, Joe LaBarbera, Bill Ramsay, Gary Smulyan, Jim Wilke). Wheeler Theater.
• ” The Art Of Jazz Vocal Accompaniment” Pianist George Colligan has worked with a multitude of vocalists (Cassandra Wilson, Vanessa Rubin, Janis Siegal) and will share and demonstrate insights and techniques: not only with the Pianist/Vocalist relationship but for philosophies in general on “comping.” (George Colligan) 204 Rm. 10

3:00-4:30 p.m.

• Making It Real: Storytelling Through Song” The technique is an easy and fun three-step process for the creation of song interpretation and storytelling. Participants learn how to create a story fully charged with emotion and based on a song’s lyric—making a deeper connection with their audiences attainable. (Dee Daniels) 204 Rm. 10
• “The Good Ol’ Good Ones!” This presentation will take us on a journey through the history of the songs we all like to sing, but specifically those that Louis Armstrong helped to make popular.  Louis Armstrong referred to them as “(one of) the good ol’ good ones…” We will present several of these gems and also include a few new compositions that may one day be categorized as one of the Good Ol’ Good Ones. (Wycliffe Gordon) Wheeler Theater