On Friday afternoon, we finished off the Fifth Annual University of Washington Jazz Workshop with a student concert in Brechemin Auditorium on the UW campus. This teaching experience is always one of the highlights of my summer, and this year was no exception. I usually end up working with the beginners, which is always tough because their levels tend to be so varied, but they end up sounding like a real band when they opened the concert with Duke Ellington's "C Jam Blues" and "Take the 'A' Train". I always end up learning new things about playing and teaching, and I'd like to think the kids go away with something, too! If you know some late middle or high school kids interested in learning more about playing jazz, or just want to see what we've been up to out at the UW, visit the
UW Jazz Workshop website and watch the highlights video from this year's workshop.
Welcome one and all to my newest weblog endeavor, and a very Happy 4th of July to you. I have recently moved back to the great Northwest after nearly six years in New York City, and I can only say that it is both a pleasure and honor to return to the best music scene in the country. I recently finished coursework for my Doctorate of Musical Arts in Jazz Arts Advancement at Manhattan School of Music, but have been dying to get back in the trenches playing music. And so, after nine months with no television, roommate, internet connection, or social life, I'm back in the saddle again, as they say. I'll be using this space to comment and elaborate on my personal music happenings, as well as anything else that seems connected to -- Music in Seattle.