The Seminar’s program is aimed to any instrumentalist, focused on the performing of different gender of jazz -straight ahead, be bop, Latin, fusion, etc.-, ten days of uninterrupted academic activities, offering classes of jazz theory, ear training, instrumental labs, arranging, clinics, conferences, master classes, ensembles and a big band that each year is integrated by the best Seminar’s instrumentalist, which perform during the Encounter. 

Program

  • Jazz Theory – Harmony/ Ear training

    Applied to improvisation, theoretical-practical tools will allow the student to gain a better understanding of the different technical aspects of harmony language and its application in performance (harmony analysis, scale-chord relation, etc.). Students will work on the importance of trusting their abilities and ear, harmony and melody dictation, scales, intervals, and the transcription of some of the most representative solos in jazz.
  • Improvisation techniques

    A practical class applied to every instrument; focused on improvisation, motive development, rhythm shift, question-answer and basic vocabulary in the improvisation of different jazz styles.
  • Arrangement techniques for ensembles and big band

    Students will learn how to write for the rhythm section as well as the different aspects of writing for different textures and combinations of instruments, voicing, drop 2, 3 and 4, basic techniques of re-harmonization. Participants can bring their own projects for analysis, review and eventual performance in ensembles.
  • Labs

    Piano, bass, guitar, drums, and percussions, will work on different performance techniques and accompaniment in style fusions such as Latin and Brazilian jazz, jazz-funk, jazz-rock etcetera.
  • Ensembles and big band

    In this class groups with different styles, instruments and soloists will be divided into intermediate and advanced levels so as to perform in a concert during the festival. Students will have to audition to play with the big band.
  • Master classes and clinics

    Presented by famous musicians and faculties of well know jazz programs and artist endorsing different brands of instruments, open to all instrumentalists.

SCHEDULE

Tuesday 5th

 

9:00am
Music school
Registration
Welcome Ceremony, info meeting
*
Placement Tests      
                                

Wednesday 6th - Friday 15th
 

10:00am-1:00pm
Music school
Theory classes and labs
4:00-7:00pm
Ensembles

Tuesday 5th – Saturday 16th

 

8:30pm
Concerts & Jams
Stages-tba

Wednesday 6th - Friday 15th

 

 

2:00-4:00pm
Music school Auditorium 
Clinics, Master classes and Lectures

Sunday 10th 

 

 

Music school Auditorium 
Scholarships and Auditions

Wednesday 13th, Thursday  14th  y Friday 15th.

 

8:30pm
Ensembles and Closing Concerts
Stage tba

Curricular credits are backed by the Continuing Education Department of the Universidad Veracruzana.

Early bird registration April 30th.

* Every student has to take a theory and instrument placement test in order to get in his/her class and ensemble. Participation of ensembles and big band depends on the expertise and technical ability on the instrumentalist (reading, improvisation, etcetera).

Drummers, percussionists, bassists, guitarists and pianists have to bring his/her instrument and amplifier if needed for personal study and/or rehearsal. Vocalists have to bring their own microphone.

The International Jazz Fest, the Universidad Veracruzana and the Veracruz’s Culture Institute reserve the right to make changes to the program without any further notice.