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22nd Annual July 15-26, 2010
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Youth Initiatives News Friends and Partners The Ontario Trillium Foundation | Le Fondation Trillium De L'Ontario
Cosmo Music
YAMAHA Music Canada

February, 2010

All-Ages Student Friendly Jazz Jam


The all-ages, student friendly Jazz Jam continues in February. Held the 1st and 3rd Sunday of every month at the Dominion on Queen (500 Queen St. East) from 4-7pm. The jam is hosted by pianist Robert Scott.

Youth Initiatives and our Schools

For information about how the Beaches Jazz Festival Youth Initiatives can work with your school click here .


January, 2010

All-Ages Student Friendly Jazz Jam


The Beaches Jazz Festival Youth Initiatives Sponsored an Outreach workshop for Malvern C.I. in January. The very talented outreach combo from the University of Toronto Jazz Studies program, lead by Chase Sanborn did a great job working with the Malvern music students. If you would like to have a workshop or clinic at your school contact Julie Christian at youthprograms@beachesjazz.com.


October 15, 2009

Student Friendly Jazz Jam time changes to 4:00 to 7:00 pm in Oct. and Nov.


The Youth Initiatives Next Generation Jazz Jam hosted by pianist Robert Scott continues in October and November (the first and third Sunday of every month) at the Dominion on Queen, 500 Queen St. East, NOW AT A NEW TIME from 4-7 pm.


September 21, 2009

Beaches Jazz Festival Youth Initiatives Program Enters Second Year


We are very excited to be beginning our second year of sponsoring clinics, workshops and jazz jams for youth in the Toronto area. If you are a music educator or would like to enhance jazz studies at your local school, Contact Us to get involved. To read how the Beaches Jazz Festival Youth Initiatives Program can help, click the link to read our letter to music educators for more information.

Jazz Jam Continues

The Youth Initiatives Next Generation Jazz Jam continues at the Dominion on Queen, 500 Queen St. East, from 3-6 pm. (this student-friendly, all-ages Jam is hosted by pianist Robert Scott the first and third Sunday of every month)

2009 Beaches International Jazz Festival - SUCCESS!

The 2009 Beaches International Jazz Festival was a great success. We are so proud to have showcased so many Youth performers and up and coming New Generation artists at Woodbine Park, Streetfest and Kew Gardens. We held 10 free workshops during the festival on a great variety of jazz music topics that were well attended. Check out the media gallery to see some great photos. We'd like to thank all the performers, volunteers, our sponsors, the public who attended and the Ontario Trillium Foundation for helping us showcase these great young artists.


July 10, 2009

FREE TD Canada Trust Workshops

It's the return of our popular Workshop & Lecture Series held July 20-25 during the 10-day Festival period. Intended to complement, diversify and broaden your "jazz experience" with the Festival. Free and interactive.

Student Volunteers

Volunteers are needed to hand out programs and do surveys. If you can spare a few hours please email youthprograms@beachesjazz.com. High School students can apply this to their volunteer hours for school.


June 25, 2009

More Friends and Partners

Yamaha Music Canada and Cosmo Music are supplying pianos for the New Generation and Main Stages at Woodbine Park and the Kew Gardens Main Stage. We are really excited to be showcasing the brand new Yamaha "Avant Grand" pianos at the festival.


June 15, 2009

Celebrating One Year of Youth Initiatives

Bayview Secondary School Jazz Students participating in jam/workshop
Bayview Secondary School Jazz Students participating in a Beaches Jazz Festival Youth Initiatives workshop / jam with Jazz Studies Graduate students from the University of Toronto.

The Beaches International Jazz Festival's Youth Initiative Program has just completed its first year of providing clinic / workshops, jam sessions, mentoring and performance opportunities for music students and young jazz professionals. It has been a busy and successful year. We held over 40 clinics and jams, partnering community and educator groups and local entertainment venues.

We are very excited to begin Year Two of the Youth Initiatives. The year will begin with the 21st annual Beaches International Jazz Festival, its free workshops, youth showcases and more performances by up and coming young professional musicians at the Woodbine ParkYouth Stage and New Generation Stages. We are also featuring many young bands during Streetfest.

Working with young people interested in jazz music and jazz performance has been an invigorating and satisfying experience. We thank the Ontario Trillium Foundation for their support in making all this possible. For more information about the program, please contact Julie Christian, our Youth Initiatives Coordinator.


April 3, 2009

2009 National Jazz Awards

The Beaches Jazz Festival Youth Initiatives is proud to sponsor the 2009 National Jazz Awards Orchestra made up of top students from Humber College, The University of Toronto and York University. These students will perform works from Christine Jensen, Vic Vogel and other great Canadian composers during the National Jazz Awards presentation. These programs are driven by Denny Christianson, Terry Promane and Mike Murley. Below is a list of band members.

  • Jake Koffman lead alto (Humber)
  • Kevin Cato alto (York)
  • Eli Bennett tenor (Humber)
  • Ben Dietschi tenor (U of T)
  • Anthony Rinaldi baritone (U of T)
  • Peter Kim lead trumpet (Humber)
  • Steve Ward lead trombone (U of T)
  • Chris Butcher trombone (Humber)
  • Robin Jessome trombone (U of T)
  • Mike Allentoff bass trombone (Humber)
  • Jonathan Challoner trumpet (Humber)
  • Patrick Boyle trumpet (U of T)
  • James Ervin trumpet (Humber)
  • Ben Promane trumpet (U of T)
  • Demitri Petsalakis guitar (York)
  • Carl Bray piano (Humber)
  • Mark Godfrey bass (U of T)
  • Mackenzie Longre drums (U of T)

Visit the National Jazz Awards website to vote for your favourite Canadian Jazz Artists. The awards ceremony is Thursday, May 14, 2009 at the The Fleck Theatre, (formerly Premiere Dance Theatre), Toronto. Tickets on sale March 6, Voting begins March 15.


March 10, 2009

Two Clinics to be given by Saxophonist Jeff Coffin

Jeff Coffin, photo courtesy of Roxanne Haynes
Jeff Coffin,
photo courtesy of Roxanne Haynes
The Beaches Jazz Festival Youth Initiatives is pleased to help sponsor free clinics given by Saxophonist, Jeff Coffin a member of the Grammy winning group Bela Fleck and the Flecktones and now the newest member of the Dave Matthews Band. He comes to Toronto this week for a show at the Rex and to give the two free clinics.

First Clinic
Date: Saturday, March 14, 2009
Time: 10:00 am - Noon
Location: Royal Conservatory of Music
273 Bloor Street West, 2nd Floor Remenyi Room
Toronto, ON
Registration: mo@michaelocchipinti.com

Second Clinic
Date: Saturday, March 14, 2009
Time:
Location: Cosmo Music Superstore
10 Via Renzo Drive
(off Leslie St. just north of Major MacKenzie Dr.)
Richmond Hill, ON
Registration: No pre-registration required.

Before the clinics Jeff will be appearing Wednesday, March 11 for a show at the Rex Jazz Bar at 9:30 pm. Jeff is one of the most exciting saxophone players around and you can visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJzXy3KIT-Q if you want to see Jeff in action from a Toronto visit in 2007. The band pairs Jeff with
3 Toronto musicians who are nominated against each other at this year's JUNO awards:

  • Michael Occhipinti - guitar
  • Roberto Occhipinti - bass
  • Barry Romberg - drums

February 12, 2009
SPECIAL EVENT!

Nick Marchione, Gary Smulyan in clinic with the U of T Jazz Orchestra

THE VANGUARD JAZZ ORCHESTRA MONDAY NIGHT LIVE AT THE VILLAGE
Nick Marchione and Gary Smulyan, lead trumpet and baritone sax with the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, in performance and clinic with the U of T 10:00 Jazz Orchestra.

Date: Thursday, February 12, 2009
Time: 10:00 am - Noon
Location: U of T Faculty of Music, Boyd Neel Room
Registration: youthprograms@beachesjazz.com
Note: The U of T Faculty of Music is located in the Edward Johnson Building, on University Ave, just south of Bloor St., west side TTC Museum Station. The Boyd Neel Room is in the basement level.

Sponsored by U of T Jazz and the Beaches Jazz Festival Youth Initiatives
Free admission, open to the public.

Advance reservation required. Please send an email to youthprograms@beachesjazz.com to confirm you would like to attend.

January 3, 2009

Humber Community Music School - Lorne Lofsky Artist-in Residence

Lorne Lofsky
The Beaches Jazz Festival Youth Initiatives program is sponsoring an extension of the Lorne Lofsky Artist-in Residence term for the Humber Community Music School.

The Humber Community Music School currently has over 60 students, ages 15-18, playing in the youth jazz combo program which has 14 ensembles. They also have another 25-30 students enrolled in 7 jazz combos in the junior program - ages 11-14 yrs.)

November 18, 2008

John Patitucci Clinic- Friday, December 5, 2008

John Patitucci
Friday, December 5, 2008, the University of Toronto Jazz in conjunction with the Beaches Jazz Festival Youth Initiatives is honored and privileged to welcome world-renowned jazz bassist John Patitucci for a very special clinic. In town to play a concert with Wayne Shorter at Massey Hall, John has graciously made time to present this clinic. John will share insight and demonstrate why he is considered one of the most influential jazz musicians of our time, as he works with some of our top students. U of T Faculty saxophonist Tim Ries will also join the group, offering a glimpse of creative modern jazz improvisation at its finest. Admission is free to U of T faculty and students, all others, $10.00.

Date: Friday, December 5, 2008
Time: 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Location: Church of the Redeemer
NE Corner of Avenue Rd. and Bloor St., Toronto
Contact: youthprograms@beachesjazz.com
Note: * We have a limited number of free tickets for students, please email for info.

November 18, 2008

Next Generation Jazz Jam Continues in December

The Next Generation Jazz Jam and performance continues at Dominion on Queen (www.dominiononqueen.com), 500 Queen St. East, Toronto. Sunday Dec. 7 and 21.

The Next Generation Jam will be held the 1st and 3rd Sunday of every month from 3 - 6 pm. This is an all-ages venue, everyone is welcome to come enjoy the wonderful music and jam with the house rhythm section, lead by master pianist Robert Scott and his special guests. No cover.

Dominion on Queen - Beer Parlor, Kitchen, Jazz & Blues, Comedy & Poetry

October 31, 2008

U of T Jazz Studies promotes Workshop

The Youth Initiatives Program is working with the University of Toronto Jazz Studies Graduate Program to bring a customized Workshop, Performance and Jazz Jam to schools in the GTA. *Click here* for more information on how the Beaches Jazz Festival Youth Intitiatives can work with your school.


October 14, 2008

Next Generation Jazz Jam

Starting Sunday, October 19 , 3 - 6 pm, the Beaches Jazz Festival Youth Initiatives will commence its twice monthly Next Generation Jazz Jam and performance at the Dominion on Queen (www.dominiononqueen.com), 500 Queen St. East, Toronto.

The Next Generation Jam will be held the 1st and 3rd Sunday of every month from 3 - 6 pm.

This is an all-ages venue, everyone is welcome to come enjoy the wonderful music and jam with the house rhythm section, lead by master pianist Robert Scott and his special guests. No cover.

Dominion on Queen - Beer Parlor, Kitchen, Jazz & Blues, Comedy & Poetry
www.dominiononqueen.com

Click this link to view the complete Jam Schedule.
Next Generation Jazz Jam Host, Robert Scott
Next Generation Jazz Jam Host, Robert Scott

Robert Scott is an award-winning master pianist and music educator with over fifteen years of professional performing, composing, and teaching experience. Robert was trained on scholarship at the prestigious Berklee School of Music, graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Music. He also holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto, where he was awarded Music Education Innovator of the Year. From 2001-2004 Robert also worked full-time as Michael Buble's pianist, and has spent time in Vancouver writing with Michael. (http://zebox.com/robertscott/)

Quincy Bullen and Aaron Spink perform at Streetfest
October 2008

Youth Initiatives...

This program is providing opportunities for youth (aged 14-28) as audience members, learners and performers. The activities of this initiative include jazz jams for instrumentalists and vocalists, workshops and master classes for beginner and advanced youth musicians, mentorship opportunities with professional jazz musicians and performance opportunities for young, up and coming performers.

Get Involved...

Youth, aged 14-28 are invited to join our activities. Join our Facebook group (search Beaches Jazz Youth Initiatives) or check the beachesjazz.com/youthinitiatives-news.html website to find out about the year round events being held around the Toronto area and Ontario and during the Beaches International Jazz Festival (July 17-26, 2009). If you are a music educator or organization that serves youth, let’s work together to engage young people in these activities.

Young Singers at Woodbine Park
The Future...

Plans for future years of the program include a recording/CD project and a Beaches Youth Big Band (mentored by professional musicians). The workshops and jazz jams will continue and increase as will the opportunities for up and coming young jazz professionals. Collaboration with other groups serving young musicians will be sought.

Volunteers are welcome. Get in touch if you would like to be involved.

July 18, 2008

The BIJF engages new generation musicians and youth as audience members, music students and performers.

Our Youth and New Generation Stages at Woodbine Park and the Main Stage at Kew Gardens feature up and coming jazz musicians and aspiring artists as young as 14! Some of these artists are students at Canada's best college level jazz and music schools and some are still in high school. All aspire to offer some of the best new sounds in jazz around. Some of our young artists include; vocalist Sophia Perlman, Brandi Disterheft, (a recent Juno winning bassist), Bill King's Young Divas, the Toronto All-Star Big Band, (which features the best high school age jazz musicians from the Toronto area), Alex and Anthony Toth, (two high school age brothers who are causing a buzz everywhere they perform, and 17 year old guitarist Lucian Gray, who is off to Berklee college of Music in the Fall of 2008 on a full scholarship.

Also new this year at Streetfest is the Nu Funk corner, featuring 3 Nu Funk bands: God Made Me Funky, Planet Earth and King Sunshine – featuring some of TO's best up and coming performers highlighting hip hop, funk, jazz, r&b and rock. Other Youth bands include: Rob Christian, now a seasoned 18 year old veteran at the Festival, on sax and flute, with his quartet, newcomer jazz pianist Quincy Bullen, aged 16, with his jazz combo that includes his father, Eddie Bullen, and we are proud to introduce for the first time at Streetfest the jazz/funk band Dr. Payne and the Disease made of graduates from the Humber College Jazz Program.
OTF funding announcement at Woodbine Park by OTF reps and MPP Michael Prue to BIJF staff.


We’re happy to annouce that we've received Ontario Trillium Foundation multi-year funding which enables our Festival to jump-start a year round Youth in Jazz Initiatives Program designed to increase performance opportunities for young up and coming jazz artists from across the GTA.

We'd like this next generation to be equipped to carry forward the legacy of jazz! This can be helped along by young artists receiving a high level of training and education in jazz music; participating in live music performances, master classes, workshops, mentorships, recording projects, volunteer opportunities and music promotion activities.

Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation Presents MUSIC
Mill St. Brewery
Heritage Canada
Funding provided by the Government of Ontario
[ yellow tail ]®
TD Canada Trust
CTV
toronto.com - be in the know
Toronto East General Hospital Foundation
The Ontario Trillium Foundation
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