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The Nash will be holding open auditions for area students on August 28 at 3 pm for two instrumental ensembles.
The Nash, Phoenix's popular jazz venue, is committed to the future of jazz and fostering new talent. The downtown club has become a vibrant center for developing jazz, with young musicians of all ages working with instructors throughout the year through workshops, classes, and performance opportunities.
The Nash offers several programs for high school students including
The Nash Legacy Ensemble, led by Michael Kocour, Associate Professor of Jazz Studies at Arizona State University and a new program, The Nash Future Ensemble, for younger teens, led by Eric Rasmussen, Director of Instrumental Music at Scottsdale Community College. These ensembles are comprised of 5 to 6 instrumentalists, selected from a competitive audition process.
Both ensembles are fully-funded and tuition-free, with students selected for the Ensembles performing regularly throughout the year and producing a CD of original work.
Recommendations of students from area teachers and musicians are welcomed and encouraged. An open audition for both The Nash Legacy Ensemble and The Nash Future Ensemble will be held on Sunday, August 28 at The Nash at 3pm. Those auditioning should be prepared to play and improvise on a blues in F (concert) and rhythm changes in the key of Bb (concert) with other auditioning students.
Rehearsals for The Nash Legacy Ensemble will occur at The Nash on Mondays from 4:30-6:30pm, while rehearsals for The Nash Future Ensemble will occur at The Nash on Tuesdays from 5-7pm.
Those who are interested in participating in this program (or educators that wish to refer students) should contact Jeff Libman at
jeff.libman@thenash.org. About Michael Kocour
The Nash Legacy Ensemble is led by Michael Kocour, Associate Professor and Director of Jazz Studies at Arizona State University. A pianist and organist, he has performed extensively with such jazz luminaries as Benny Golson and James Moody. Kocour's most recent release, Spiffy, reached the top 20 on the Jazz Week chart.
About Eric Rasmussen
The Director of the Nash Future Ensemble is Eric Rasmussen is Director of Instrumental Music at Scottsdale Community College. Rasmussen, an alto saxophonist, is a Steeplechase and Fresh Sounds recording artist who has also recorded with such artists as Paul Bley, Danilo Perez, and Billy Hart.
About The Nash
The Nash is named for the most valuable player in jazz (Modern Drummer Magazine) and Phoenix native, drummer Lewis Nash. Located in the heart of downtown Phoenix on Roosevelt Row, The Nash offers a full calendar of live performances and ensures the future of the iconic art of jazz through its educational and outreach programs. The Nash hosts classic jazz and new music concerts; performances by student musicians, local pros and touring artists; weekly jazz jam sessions; workshops; master classes; and clinics. Educational programs offer programs to develop emerging jazz musicians and public appreciation for this original American art form. Find more information on The Nash's programs and performances online at
www.thenash.org or on Facebook and Twitter. |
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