NWA Jazz All-Stars Youth Ensemble
2021 will be the fifth season of the NWA Jazz All-Stars Youth Ensemble (a program of the NWA Jazz Society). This exciting jazz education program offers its members the chance to participate in a unique musical community of like-minded, passionate young musicians at a pivotal point in their personal development. The program gives students an opportunity to take techniques they learn in rehearsals and apply them to concert performances and professional recordings.
High school students are selected by audition. As part of the program they:
- receive one-on-one training from professional jazz musicians,
- learn how to play and IMPROVISE in a jazz Big Band,
- participate in a professional studio recording session with bandmates,
- and give a concert performance with the All-Stars at Walton Arts Center.
Use this button to watch the professional music videos developed by the 2019/2020 Jazz All-Stars!
Eligibility: Students must be in grades 9-12 and reside within the Northwest Arkansas region. At least 2 years’ experience on the instrument or comparable proficiency (exceptions may be made based on skills and experience)
Instruments: Saxophones (alto, tenor, bari), trumpet, trombone, guitar, piano, bass, drums
Auditions: February 2021
Rehearsals: February through April 2021
Performances: A performance in Starr Theater at Walton Arts Center and a professional recording session of the ensemble’s repertoire
Contact: Robert Ginsburg, Executive Director of the NWA Jazz Society, robert@digjazz.com
SUPPORT PROVIDED BY:
NWA Youth Jazz Ensemble Instructors:
Matt Beach
Trombone / Tuba / Drums, University of Arkansas graduate in music performance.
Chase Cavalier
Bachelor's degree in music performance from University of Arkansas, store manager at Palen Music.
Ben Harris
Guitarist, music instructor, master's in music composition from University of Arkansas, Director of Operations and Annual Giving at SONA.
Darren Novotny
Drummer, recording engineer, graduate of University of Arkansas, has been recording and teaching professionally since the mid 70's.
Rick Salonen
Saxophonist and music professor at University of Arkansas.
Claudia Burson
Pianist, jazz instructor at University of Arkansas, widely considered the matriarch of jazz piano in NWA.
Austin Farnam
Saxophonist and music instructor at New School, professional musician.