The Dana School of Music at YSU invites high school jazz musicians (on all instruments), saxophone students, music educators, college students, and others to bring your instruments and join us for Saxophone and Jazz Day on Saturday, November 4, 2023, in YSU's Kilcawley Center from 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM.
YSU Saxophone and Jazz Day will feature Guest Artist Clinicians Branford Marsalis and Valentin Kovalev, with additional clinics and performances by YSU faculty.
The day includes:
- Jazz and classical masterclasses and performances.
- Improvisation clinics for all instruments at all levels.
- Classical saxophone coaching by Russian saxophonist Valentin Kovalev.
- Combo coaching by the world-renowned jazz artist Branford Marsalis.
Branford Marsalis continues to thrill audiences worldwide while racking up achievements across diverse musical platforms, even after four decades in the international spotlight. From his initial recognition as a young jazz lion, he has expanded his vision as an instrumentalist, composer, bandleader, and educator, crossing stylistic boundaries while maintaining an unwavering creative integrity. In the process, he has become an avatar of contemporary artistic excellence, winning three Grammy Awards, a Tony nomination for his work as a composer on Broadway, a citation by the National Endowment for the Arts as Jazz Master, and a 2021 Primetime EMMY nomination for the score he composed for the Tulsa Burning documentary.
Classical saxophonist Valentin Kovalev is one of the leaders of his generation in developing the musical and technical possibilities of the saxophone. Valentin is the first Russian saxophonist who entered the prestigious Paris Conservatory as an undergraduate and the first Russian saxophonist to be admitted to the historic graduate program at the University of Michigan, which possesses the oldest and most celebrated saxophone program in the United States. Kovalev, who recently won the Naumberg Competition, will conduct classical saxophone masterclasses for participants.
Saxophone and Jazz Day will include opportunities for music teachers including “The School Band Saxophone Student and Section: Foundations for Success” by guest clinician Varden Armstrong.
Registration is open to all high school and college students, teachers, and others on all instruments. Bring your instrument! We will have music store displays with horns and equipment to try. There will be performances by YSU faculty and Big Blitz, an open jam session, and breakout clinics for beginning and intermediate improvisers, jazz drummers, jazz guitarists, jazz pianists, bass players, and more!
This event is free.
QUESTIONS
Don't hesitate to contact Dr. James Umble at jcumble@ysu.edu with any questions.
Free parking will be available via the Wick Avenue entrance of the M30 parking garage adjacent to Bliss Hall (#25 on campus map). Be sure to mention to the parking attendant that you are here for the Saxophone and Jazz Day.