2008 Woodie Awards
Jazz camp hosts another great performance
Ashley Gruner
Staff Writer
Issue date: 6/11/07 Section: Fine Arts
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Smooth jazz and outstanding performers, all in a relaxed environment, signaled the beginning of yet another Gulf Coast Jazz Camp at the University of South Alabama.
The tenth annual Gulf Coast Jazz Camp was held this past week at the Laidlaw Performing Arts Center. The week long music camp was a part of the Jim Widner Jazz Clinic Series, which instructs musicians throughout the United States.
The camp featured musical instruction for all ages, focusing on jazz improvisation and ensemble playing for the beginning to advanced musician. The campers attended daily jazz theory and improvisation classes with guest artist instruction.
According to Greg Gruner, camp director and USA department of music chair, the camp was established to offer as many opportunities to the students as possible. "Encouragement is the key, as well as providing a safe environment for beginners to experiment and make mistakes," Gruner said.
The Jazz Camp also hosted a series of faculty concerts throughout the week.
The Tuesday night concert featured the Jim Widner Septet. Guest artists included: Jim Widner, bass; Tracy Heavner, woodwinds; Larry Panella, woodwinds; Dave Scott, trumpet; Ken Kehner, piano; Cody Henry, trombone; Clancy Newell, drums; and George Prsha, guitar.
All guest artists are recognized as the country's finest musicians, performers and clinicians. They have performed with several jazz notables and participated in hundreds of performances throughout the country.
Widner, artistic director of the camp, believes the campers will benefit from the week long instruction and performances.
"The Jazz Camp helps young student musicians gain a much better insight and knowledge into the study and performance of jazz. Students are able to study one on one with world-class performers who are also great educators," said Widner.
When you think of jazz music, fast tempos and upbeat rhythms immediately come to your mind. Tuesday night's concert proved that jazz exemplifies a variety of other forms as well.
The tenth annual Gulf Coast Jazz Camp was held this past week at the Laidlaw Performing Arts Center. The week long music camp was a part of the Jim Widner Jazz Clinic Series, which instructs musicians throughout the United States.
The camp featured musical instruction for all ages, focusing on jazz improvisation and ensemble playing for the beginning to advanced musician. The campers attended daily jazz theory and improvisation classes with guest artist instruction.
According to Greg Gruner, camp director and USA department of music chair, the camp was established to offer as many opportunities to the students as possible. "Encouragement is the key, as well as providing a safe environment for beginners to experiment and make mistakes," Gruner said.
The Jazz Camp also hosted a series of faculty concerts throughout the week.
The Tuesday night concert featured the Jim Widner Septet. Guest artists included: Jim Widner, bass; Tracy Heavner, woodwinds; Larry Panella, woodwinds; Dave Scott, trumpet; Ken Kehner, piano; Cody Henry, trombone; Clancy Newell, drums; and George Prsha, guitar.
All guest artists are recognized as the country's finest musicians, performers and clinicians. They have performed with several jazz notables and participated in hundreds of performances throughout the country.
Widner, artistic director of the camp, believes the campers will benefit from the week long instruction and performances.
"The Jazz Camp helps young student musicians gain a much better insight and knowledge into the study and performance of jazz. Students are able to study one on one with world-class performers who are also great educators," said Widner.
When you think of jazz music, fast tempos and upbeat rhythms immediately come to your mind. Tuesday night's concert proved that jazz exemplifies a variety of other forms as well.
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