Northwest Arkansas Jazz Society

Promoting Jazz Music and education throughout Northwest Arkansas

NWA Youth Jazz Ensemble

Now in its fourth season, the NWA Youth Jazz Ensemble (a program of the NWA Jazz Society) 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.

DONATE NOW to the NWA Youth Jazz Ensemble!

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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 1 & 2, 2020 at Walton Arts Center

Rehearsals: Sundays beginning February 9 through April 26, 2020 at Crisp Recording Studio

Performances: A performance in Starr Theater at Walton Arts Center and a professional recording session of the ensemble’s repertoire (date TBD)

Contact: Robert Ginsburg, Executive Director of the NWA Jazz Society, robert@digjazz.com

SUPPORT PROVIDED BY:

Walton Family FoundationNWA Jazz Society

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.