Please click here for a list of Jazzschool ensemble audition requirements.

The Music of Steely Dan
A performance ensemble focusing on the innovative repertoire of the pop/jazz group Steely Dan. The group’s evolution and compositional style are also explored, highlighting their signature choices of harmonies and lyrics. Vocalists and instrumentalists welcome.

Mondays 6:30 – 8 pm
wayne wallace (10 weeks) $365

NEW CLASS!
The Music of Weather Report
An intermediate/advanced ensemble focusing on the adventurous music of Weather Report. Class develops repertoire from various periods of the group’s work. From the early, more open-ended pieces to the later funkier compositions to Zawinul and Shorter’s signature cinematic sound, Weather Report was one of the most influential jazz-fusion group of the 1970’s and early 1980’s.

Thursdays 8:15 – 9:45 pm
frank martin (10 weeks) $365

Party Dance Band
Let’s have some fun! If you plan to make money playing (or just have a blast), this class provides a great overview of tunes you’ll need to know for party gigs.
Material will include well-known funk, rock, blues, pop and Latin selections by artists such as Aretha Franklin, Van Morrison,
Luther Vandross, Ray Charles, Jimmy Buffet, Stevie Wonder and Elton John. Rhythm section players will learn to read everything from detailed charts to lyric/chord sheets, and extract some parts from the provided CD. Horn players will read complete horn arrangements as well as compose original backgrounds and horn lines. Vocalists will learn parts from lyric sheets and coordinate background harmonies. There will be lots of solo room for everyone, as we prepare for our final recital/dance performance at the Jazzschool. Open to one each: piano/keyboard, guitar, bass, drums, percussion, trumpet, alto, tenor, baritone, trombone, and up to four vocalists (men & women). Prerequisites: intermediate/advanced facility on your instrument and some reading ability.

Wednesdays 6:30-8pm
jean fineberg (10 weeks) $365

Instructor/saxophonist Jean Fineberg is the founder of Saxophunk, co-founder of DEUCE and asst. director of the Montclair Women’s Big Band. She has played and/or recorded with with Laura Nyro, David Bowie, Luther Vandross, Sister Sledge (“We Are Family”), Chic (“Freak Out”), The Temptations, The Four Tops, Martha & the Vandellas, Bo Diddley, and many others, and has over
40 albums to her credit.

NEW CLASS!
The Music of The Meters
An intermediate/advanced ensemble class focusing on the instrumental music of The Meters, one of the most influential funk/R&B groups to come out of New Orleans in the 1960’s and 70’s. Classic tracks include “Cissy Strut,” “Look-Ka Py Py,” and “Pungee.” Emphasis on the total groove, the conversation among all the instrumental “voices,” and how the rhythmic whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Open to organ, drum set, electric guitar, electric bass, and percussion.
Prerequisites: Consultation/ audition with instructor.

Tuesdays 6:30 – 8 pm
jennifer jolly (10 weeks) $365

NEW CLASS!
Funk, Soul, & R&B Rhythm Section Workout!
Open to guitar, keyboards, bass and drums, this ensemble class focuses on developing a deep sense of feel and groove through close study and emulation of numerous classic funk, soul, and R&B recordings. Class focuses on the music of Tower of Power,
Sly & The Family Stone, The Headhunters, James Brown, Parliament and more!

Saturdays 11:45 am – 1:15 pm
joe bagale (10 weeks) $365

Related Workshops

Tune Up Your Performance

You’re on stage. Are you captivating? Inspiring? Creative? Fun? Memorable? Give your audience more than just songs and technique.

Vocal artist Clairdee shares elements that help you deliver great performances with confidence in auditions, showcases, recording sessions, concerts and videos. Learn how these elements keep your audience connected and engaged, creating moments that resonate with them long after the performance.

This workshop is designed for both vocalists and instrumentalists.

Sunday April 11, Noon – 3 pm CLAIRDEE $50