FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: AUGUST 20, 2012
Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Swing University
Fall 2012 course Schedule
Jazz Historian Phil Schaap, Trombonist Vincent Gardner,
and W.C. Handy Descendent and Educator Edwina Handy DeCosta Lead Jazz Education Courses.
Free Open House on September 19
WHO/WHAT/WHEN
Jazz at Lincoln Center (JALC) ushers in the 25th anniversary education season with a new and enhanced Swing University Fall term. New courses include The Evolution & Development of Big Band Jazz led by JALC Curator and renowned historian Phil Schaap, and W.C. Handy led by Handy’s great-granddaughter and educator Edwina Handy DeCosta.
Swing University, led by Schaap, offers a deeper understanding and appreciation of jazz through courses for everyone – from novice to aficionado. Insight and expertise are shared by award-winning jazz scholars, historians, and musicians who have witnessed the history first-hand. The fall term courses are led by some of the most respected names in the jazz community: Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra trombonist Vincent Gardner, educator Edwina Handy DeCosta, and Phil Schaap.
Fall 2012 term course descriptions and schedule:
- Jazz 101 with Vincent Gardner8 Wednesday Nights: 10/3, 10/10, 10/24, 10/31,
11/7, 11/14, 11/28, & 12/5; 6:30pm-8:30pm
One of today’s best introductory courses to the world of jazz, Jazz 101 teaches through engaging lectures by Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra trombonist Vincent Gardner, paired with recordings by the legends who created this music. This course will provide you with an understanding of the foundations of jazz, and the ability to learn more at your own speed.
- Jazz 201 with Phil Schaap
8 Wednesday Nights: 10/3, 10/10, 10/17, 10/24, 10/31, 11/7, 11/14, 11/28;
6:30pm-8:30pm
For students ready to take their knowledge of jazz history up a notch, Jazz at Lincoln Center’s curator Phil Schaap offers Jazz 201. Following the same storyline as Jazz 101, this course offers deeper listening, provides more listening instructions, and discusses a greater breadth of jazz musicians.
- NEW – The Evolution & Development of
Big Band Jazz with Phil Schaap
6 Tuesday Nights: 10/2, 10/9, 10/16,
10/23, 10/30, & 11/6; 6:30pm-8:30pm
Ninety years ago, jazz big bands were 10-piece ensembles with two distinct horn sections. Why? How did texture and repertoire get decided? What role did arranging and arrangers play? Curator Phil Schaap is your guide in this brand new Swing University course, covering an overlooked topic in this exciting period of music.
- BEBOP with Vincent Gardner
6 Tuesday Nights: 10/2, 10/9, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30, & 11/6;
6:30pm-8:30pm
BeBop, a renegade style in the jazz world of 1945, nearly dominated the music by 1950. It is a rare, and perhaps the most recent, instance of triumph in the avant-garde: BeBop succeeded in becoming “garde!” Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra trombonist Vincent Gardner will take you through this extraordinary style.
- NEW – W.C. Handy with Edwina Handy DeCosta
4 Monday Nights: 10/15, 10/22, 10/29, & 11/5;
6:30pm -8:30pm
Edwina Handy DeCosta, the great-granddaughter of W.C. Handy (1873-1958) takes you on an intimate journey of Handy’s musical legacy as the “Father of the Blues.” Ms. DeCosta, an educator/lecturer, knew her great-grandfather during her childhood and has helped to continue his legacy by working with Handy Brothers Music for the past several decades. Join us and learn more about this seminal figure in American Music
WHERE
Irene Diamond Education Center at Frederick P. Rose Hall (5th Floor), home of Jazz at Lincoln Center, Broadway at 60th Street, New York, NY.
HOW
Courses from $150 to $200. To enroll online, visit jazz.org/swingu. For more information, call 212-258-9922.
Single class tickets, from $30-45, are available for cash purchase at the door on the evening of each class.
OPEN HOUSE
Swing University’s free open house is on Wednesday, September 19, 6:30 pm at The Agnes Varis and Karl Leichtman Studio at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s home, Frederick P. Rose Hall. As part of the open house events, instructor and early jazz specialist Terry Waldo will perform music by W.C. Handy, notably ‘Memphis Blues” which celebrates its 100-year anniversary this year. For more information and to RSVP, email swingu@jazz.org.
SPONSORSHIP
Bloomberg is the lead corporate sponsor of Swing University.
Jazz at Lincoln Center gratefully acknowledges The Irene Diamond Fund for its major support of programming in the Irene Diamond Education Center.
High res photos available upon request.