Chicago Jazz Philharmonic presents its second annual International Masters of Improvisation Workshop, featuring all-star lineup Clarice Assad, Victor Garcia, & Melvis Santa.
Improvisation Workshops program designed to build cross-cultural bridges while bringing Latin music, and artists, to the forefront Chicago Jazz Philharmonic (CJP) continues its commitment to education, improvisation, and community through its second annual International Masters of Improvisation Workshops (IMIW) series. The program is designed to build cross-cultural bridges while bringing Latin music to the forefront and understanding ourselves through the world of improvisation.
Each session will include 90 minutes of bi-lingual presentation, including opportunities for participating students to meet and interact with the presenter and each other. The program aims to be informative, inspiring, and affirming. This year’s series features three sessions led by Latin American artists that aim to inspire and teach young musicians through improvisation. The workshops each feature a theme representing a different aspect of life and music; “Overcoming Fear of Improvisation” with famed classical and jazz composer Clarice Assad on January 15, 2022, “Rhythm and Modes in Improvisation” with GRAMMY nominated trumpeter Victor Garcia on February 26, and “Women in Improvisation” with Havana born composer, pianist, actress, and educator Melvis Santa on April 23.
The mission of the workshop is to “discover identity though music.” The workshops are created to help students navigate the confusing duality of Americanness and Latinidad. Recognizing that music, and specifically improvisation, allows young people to help reconcile their cultural struggle, the workshops aim to help other Latinx, and all youth, navigate their personal and cultural journey through
music and shared experiences. Improvisation is a human form of expression, one which can connect and speak to people regardless of age, language, or background.
This is a rare opportunity to meet people from different cultures and explore improvisation with the masters. In addition to the grades 6-12 students enrolled in Jazz Academy, CJP invites students from Mexico, Puerto Rico, Panama, Cuba, and Argentina to participate. Highschool students from across the United
States can register for the workshops via a virtual format.
WHAT: International Masters of Improvisation Workshop series
WHERE: Chicago State University (in-person), Online (virtual)
TIME: 2:30-4PM CST
DATES:
January 15: Clarice Assad - Overcoming Fear of Improvisation
February 26: Victor Garcia - Rhythm & Modes in Improvisation
April 23: Melvis Santa - Women in Improvisation