Jazz Insight Programs for Other Venues
Performances
Conventional Concert The concert program includes standards, jazz classics, originals, and a mix of grooves, styles and arrangements. Tunes from our latest CD are included. An optional pre-concert lecture, or a meet and greet post-concert session can motivate audience members to inquire into the art of listening. Band size - 2-5. |
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"Mike
and Laura are accomplished, talented and very personable performers."
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Jazz Alive! Every element in jazz has its counterpart in life. Through the fascinating interactions in pieces like Countin' the Blues, Feelings, Jazz Sandwich, I Love Jazz and Jazz Scenes from Life, all of the basic features in jazz are brought to life. Jazz classics like Summertime and Bye Bye Blackbird round out the program. Topics include improvisation, scat singing, swing, song form, the blues, instrument roles, interactions in the band and listening skills. This show is tailored to audience size and age range, and is presented at all venues. Band size 2-5. Go to Jazz Alive! |
| The Song
Is You! An interactive, co-creative jazz concert where the audience
is the inspiration! This innovative program calls upon anyone with imagination
and a sense of adventure to come join the fun. In the spirit of comedy improv,
the audience is given a variety of scenarios to work with. The band calls
for suggestions and participation within a context they set out. Examples
are:Feelings (you name them, we play them) Conversations (you
describe the scenario) The Story (you define the setting, characters,
etc.) Interactions also include call and response scat singing, learning
a jazz standard, and several chances to be the percussion section and backup
vocals. Several jazz standards and originals are included as well, to give
everyone a chance to relax and enjoy a traditional jazz concert. Band size
3-5. Ages 12 and up. Shammy and the
Wizards of Jazz Experience the MAGIC of jazz. Jazz is magical
in the sense that jazz, like all spontaneous living, is full of surprise
and wonder. This program demonstrates the magical elements of jazz in the
context of entertaining skits that magically explain the art of jazz listening.
Costumes, drama and comedy join forces with great music and sound pedagogy
to provide a solid learning experience. Band size 3-5. Grades K-12 or family
show. Audience size - up to 250. Jazz and the Art of Creative Listening See description below. |
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".
. . totally professional in every respect, and, even more importantly, has
the rare ability to captivate an audience. Mr. Kolodny and his band have
my heartfelt recommendation."
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Workshops Jazz and the Art of Creative Listening Based on our CD, Jazz and the Art of Creative Listening, this inspiring program introduces the elements of jazz using many examples from our CD such as: Jazz Conversations, The Jazz Accent, Embellishing a Tune, and Scatting the Blues. Participants get right inside these elements as they listen, sing, clap, drum, move and groove with the music. Listening skills are discussed and explored. There is ample time for questions and discussion, and to share insights and views about jazz. Designed for anyone over age 10, those involved in the arts or education will be especially interested. This program is available in either the concert or workshop setting. Improvising
Jazz This class is offered to amateur jazz instrumentalists
and vocalists at all levels of experience. Experienced players will revisit
basics from a fresh perspective, and get advanced techniques in light of
these basics. The class covers basic improvising skills such as playing
by ear and memorization. Scales, patterns, rhythms and harmony are explored
in the context of imaginative games. Jazz application involves simple folk
tunes, authentic jazz riffs and blues, jazz standards, grooves, vamps and
drones. The emphasis is on student experience. Process and awareness are
valued above "product." This approach helps the student's appreciation
of their own style and fosters self confidence in practice and performance.
Practice techniques for a lifetime of study are provided. The Playful Voice
- Exploring Vocal Improvisation |