Session 2

Jazz

Perform and Learn about Jazz

The Pacific Jazz Camp will provide participating students the opportunity to perform in ensembles, listen to classic recordings and learn about jazz history from various periods of its development. Under the guidance of Pacific alumni, faculty and established jazz artists, students at Pacific’s Summer High School Institute will experience and be immersed in the process of creating and performing jazz.

The jazz program is intended for students who play an instrument in their school band and are interested in playing jazz at the Summer High School Institute.

Curriculum

During Jazz Camp, students will:

  • Collaborate with fellow students and Pacific faculty members through large and small jazz ensemble performances
  • Develop skills in improvisation, theory and style through learning the standard jazz repertoire
  • Listen to and analyze significant recordings across the historical spectrum of jazz
  • Learn instrument specific techniques through masterclasses with Pacific faculty members

A sample daily schedule follows:

9 a.m.–10:50 a.m. | Jazz Ensemble Rehearsal
11a.m.–11:50a.m. | Instrument Master Classes
12 p.m.–12:50 p.m. | Lunch
1 p.m.–1:50 p.m. | Jazz Combo Rehearsal
2 p.m.–2:50 p.m. | Listening Session
3 p.m.–4 p.m. | Jazz Ensemble Rehearsal

People playing trumpet and and saxophone
Planned Topics

Topics covered will include the following:

  • Jazz performance within an Ensemble
  • How to Listen to Jazz
  • Jazz Improvisation
  • Solo Transcription

Over the course of the two weeks students will explore each of these topic and learn how the connect with the art of improvisation.

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Joe Mazzaferro
Faculty Lead
Joe Mazzaferro

Associate Director of Jazz Studies, Conservatory of Music

B.M. in Music Education | University of the Pacific (2006)
M.M. in Jazz & Studio Music | University of Tennessee (2009)

As a trumpeter, educator and composer, Mazzaferro is active in the Northern California jazz scene and in demand as a guest artist and clinician across the United States. In November 2017, Mazzaferro released his debut album "In Terms Of..." (Joe Mazz Music) which features saxophonist Jeff Clayton along with special guests drummer Carl Allen and pianist Donald Brown. As an active freelance performer and collaborator, Joe has had the opportunity to perform with many jazz greats, including Dave Brubeck, Christian McBride, Stefon Harris, Eddie Gomez, Donny McCaslin, Donald Brown, Wycliffe Gordon, Jeff Clayton, Ingrid Jensen, Lewis Nash, Montez Coleman and Jim Snidero.

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