A note from Rob Ewing, Jazzschool Community Music School Director

I did not have that natural fluidity, and was not the type of person who just looks at the scene and through some intuitive process, immediately produces a finished product. I had to build my music very consciously, from the bottom up. My message to musicians who feel the same way is that they should keep at it, building block by block. The ultimate reward might be greater in the end, even if they have to work longer and harder in the process.  — Bill Evans

Fall quarter is the beginning of our school year at the Jazzschool, and always feels like a time of renewed commitment, both on the part of our staff and faculty in continuing to develop the best program of music study we can, and on the part of our students dedicating themselves to serious study and improvement as musicians. Fall quarter is also when all of our ensembles are opened up for any interested musicians to audition. Once ensemble members are placed in the fall, students have the option of continuing on in their ensembles throughout the school year, from quarter to quarter, so if you’re interested in joining an ensemble, fall quarter is the best time to audition. As always, this quarter sees the introduction of a variety of new courses and short-term workshops. Just a few highlights to give you a sense of the range of courses offered:  Erik Jekabson leads a Jazz Composers Ensemble, Jean Fineberg introduces an ensemble dedicated to the music of Tower of Power, Andrew Emer leads a jazz rhythm section class, and Ben Flint offers a class on stride piano. Please read on for full descriptions. I welcome your thoughts on what’s being offered at the Jazzschool, and your ideas for new courses that we might present in the future. Please email me anytime at rob@jazzschool.com.