The University of the Cumberlands High School Jazz Ensemble Clinic offers a unique opportunity for both high school students AND directors to hone their jazz ensemble skills. The clinic is held in January during the time of year when many schools are getting their jazz ensembles started. This way students and directors alike can use what they learn at the clinic throughout their jazz ensemble semester.

During this one-day event students will:

• Learn to interpret swing and latin jazz styles
• Attend instrumental master classes by an experienced jazz faculty
• Perform music learned during the clinic
• Hear performances by the faculty jazz combo

Also during the clinic directors will:

• Attend hands-on rhythm section clinics by experts on the instruments (rotates year to year)
• Play in an informal reading session for new jazz ensemble literature
• Attend clinics regarding such topics as teaching improvisation, jazz theory, jazz arranging, jazz method books, etc.

Here is what past participants have said about the clinic:

"My students enjoy the University of the Cumberlands Jazz clinic. The clinic is geared toward players of any experience. We have found it to be very rewarding. Students leave the clinic better prepared to play in an ensemble and with more tools to support their improvisational skills.

The directors' clinics are informative. I always come away from the clinic with specific techniques to help my students succeed more rapidly. I can recommend it highly." - Mark Sizemore, South Laurel High School

This year’s clinic will be on Tuesday, January 19, 2010. Directors interested in nominating students for this year’s clinic can do so by using the form found by following the Nomination Form link below. Directors who wish to attend should also fill out the Directors Form found at the link below.

Questions regarding the University of the Cumberlands High School Jazz Ensemble Clinic should be addressed to David Threlkeld at (606) 539-4334 or by e-mail at david.threlkeld@ucumberlands.edu. Come join us!