Tuesday, May 08, 2012

Newport Festivals Foundation Jazz Workshop

Led by Jon Faddis at Salve Regina University

On Saturday, May 5th, 25 students from nine different high schools took part in a program called Pathways to Jazz — presented by Newport Festivals Foundation and Salve Regina University. Led by trumpeter, composer, conductor and educator, Jon Faddis, along with jazz musicians/educators Metro Narcissi (saxophone), Mac Chrupcala (piano), Mike Renzi (piano), Joe Parillo (piano), Alan Bernstein (bass), Mike Coffey (drums), and Gene Rosati (guitar), the students worked in small groups throughout the day and ended with a short performance for family and friends.

Jon Faddis said, "I was extremely impressed and thrilled by the level of musicianship and dedication of the students who attended the Master Class. They were eager to learn, fast thinkers, hard workers and all of them, at this point, are looking forward to building careers in music. From a 12-year-old pianist to high school seniors, all of the musicians displayed admirable chops and I look forward to following them professionally in the future. I also enjoyed working with the faculty as well as with the Newport Festivals Foundation."

Special thanks to Peter Davis, Leland Brown, the Salve Regina Department of Performing Arts and the students who assisted during the Master Class.

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