Community Engagement

Master Class Series: Adventures in Jazz Education
For over a decade Kuumbwa’s Master Class Series has contributed to the cultural health of our community. Students of all ages, musicians and music lovers are all encouraged to attend, observe and learn. These classes help area musicians with technical questions, students with practical concerns and curious folks who just want to know how this music ticks. Musician/educators have helped participants learn more about specific elements in jazz such as Brazilian rhythm, Cuban rhythm, jazz small combo functions, jazz ornamentation, piano styles, bass styles, guitar styles, drum styles, vocal styles, jazz improvisation, jazz history, jazz writing, auditioning for jazz programs and many others. Master Classes are offered either as a lecture, a lecture plus a demonstration, or a hands-on workshop. Look for “bring your instruments” if you are not sure about what style of Master Class is being presented.

Past clinicians have included Ray Brown, Paul Contos, Smith Dobson, Peter Erskine, Mimi Fox, Murray Low, Mike Marshall, Alan Pasqua and Claudia Villela. Thanks to generous donor contributions this class is offered at no cost or a nominal fee.

The next Master Class will be Tuesday, February 21st at 7:00pm. Stan Poplin will continue his lecture on the workings of the bass players roll in the performance setting.

½ Price Night for Students
Since 2009 Kuumbwa is proud to encourage young jazzers to attend concerts by offering monthly ½ Price Night for Students. Tickets for this series are offered at the door only with valid student I.D. Tickets are subject to availability. Check our calendar for monthly student specials.

Pre Concert Talks with Artist-in-Residence Renata Bratt
As part of our jazz education programs, Kuumbwa Jazz Artist-in-Residence, Renata Bratt, will be presenting a series of pre-concert talks preceding selected concerts. The Talks will begin at 6:30 pm and last approximately 20 minutes. Pre-concert talks help give the audience a deeper appreciation of the music and are free to ticket-holders. Check the Calendar to see when the next one is scheduled.

A Pre Concert Talk was held on Thursday, January 19th prior to the Mads Tolling Quartet: A Tribute to Jean-Luc Ponty. Renata explored the concept of “The Jazz Violin, a short history” for this Pre Concert Talk.

A Short History of the Violin in Jazz
By Renata Bratt, Ph.D.

Partial List of Jazz Violinists:
Check with iTunes, Amazon or other music websites for sound examples.