This workshop is geared toward the non-saxophonist teacher / director that would like to better understand how to help their saxophonists gain a strong grounding in fundamentals, with a particular emphasis on developing a clear and focused sound. Topics covered will include: embouchure, breath support, throat and tongue position, articulation, and vibrato.
Published composer and veteran music educator, Terry White, is a frequent adjudicator at virtually every jazz and band-related event in the state of Maine. In his session titled Programming and Preparing Your Ensembles for Festivals, Terry will share a wealth of experience from teaching students of all ages, and his many years of adjudicating junior high and high school jazz bands throughout New England. This is an ideal opportunity to connect with one of Maine’ s most widely known and respected adjudicators.
Two jazz reading sessions will be offered at this year’ s conference. Fryeburg Academy choral director, Mimi Rohlfing will present a vocal jazz reading session once again this year. Mimi’ s efficient style of presentation will explore a vast diversity of vocal jazz repertoire ranging from easy middle school repertoire, to advanced high school repertoire. South Portland High School’ s instrumental director, Craig Skeffington, will share his knowledge of big band repertoire, gained through years of heading his successful jazz program, and his experience as a published, widely acclaimed jazz composer. Craig’ s big band reading session will include a live big band composed of music educators, and some notable special guests.
Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Southern Maine, Dr. Chris Oberholtzer, will present and clinic geared toward novice jazz teachers titled, Beginning Jazz Improvisation- Adaptable Teaching Techniques for Young Improvisers. Dr. Oberholtzer, who has extensive teaching and performing experience, has developed a methodic pathway leading young musicians toward fluency in jazz improvisation. This session is not to be missed for those who are beginning a jazz program or those who wish to refine their method of teaching improvisation to junior high school and high school musicians. No jazz experience is necessary to benefit from this clinic!