Monday, July 27 - Friday, July 31, 2009
Flynn Center for the Performing Arts, Burlington, Vermont

This summer, explore the cultural history and performance practices of Latin Jazz with some of the hottest professionals in the field. This weeklong intensive features ensemble-in-residence, Jazzismo, with trumpeter Ray Vega, and culminates with a celebratory performance that gives students the opportunity to play on-stage with the pros at the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts.

Program Description

UVM Summer University and the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts/FlynnArts offer a unique opportunity to explore Latin Jazz through both class work and performance:

3 credit class meets for both AM and PM sessions; non- credit class meets from 12:30-5:00:

• Mornings: 8:45–11:45 a.m. — Classroom Experience: Culture and History
• Morning coursework: Beginning with its roots in Afro-Caribbean religious chants and drumming, Latin dance music, and straight-ahead North American jazz, this course explores Latin Jazz from its fusion with cutting-edge bebop in 1940s New York City to the present. Taught by UVM Music Faculty Alex Stewart.
• Afternoons: 12:30–5 p.m. — Workshop Experience: Music, Drumming and Dance
• Afternoon workshops: Instrumental performance, vocal performance and hand percussion at the Flynn Center with internationally acclaimed Latin Jazz trumpeter Ray Vega, Saxophonist Alex Stewart, Trombonist Rick Davies, Percussionist Steve Ferraris, and other expert teachers in the Latin Jazz form.

Students will be asked to attend some evening performances.  All students will have the chance to perform in a final performance at the Flynn Center on July 31st, 2009.

Students may choose one of the following afternoon workshops:

• Latin Jazz Performance Ensembles: Big Band and Combos (some experience with an instrument or singing necessary)
• Latin Jazz Hand Percussion Workshop (no experience necessary)

Available for 3 Credits through the University of Vermont, and fulfills Fine Arts and Diversity 1 requirements for UVM Students.

Available for non-credit through the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts

Who Should Attend:

Those seeking to:

• Understand the culture and history that have shaped Latin Jazz
• Improve instrumental skills in the Latin Jazz style
• Experience the rhythms of Latin Jazz through hand percussion
• Learn rhythm based dance forms of Latin Jazz