Photos from the 2005 Hands on Jazz class at the Seattle Center Academy. The class included young musicians of all levels. That's instructor Bill Anthony on the left coaching a student who is performing one of his first improvised solos.

For the past 14 years Earshot has produced the "Hands on Jazz" program in collaboration with the Seattle Center Academy. In this summer program, middle-schoolers of varying levels of instrumental experience work with local professional jazz musicians over a two-week period. During these daily workshops, students utilize individual and section work to recognize and learn a variety of jazz styles -- ultimately gaining the skill and confidence to improvise in the context of a big band jazz group. The two weeks culminate in a concert that allows the students to exhibit the knowledge, confidence and skill gained.

Through this program of intensive study, practice, and improvisation, students emerge with a newfound feeling of accomplishment and a deepened understanding of the music's history. The Hands on Jazz program cultivates jazz appreciation and talent in each generation of Seattle's aspiring, young musicians. Participants in this program have continued on to play in award-winning ensembles in high school, college, and even join the professional jazz circuit.

Instructors

Clarence Acox, drummer and co-director of Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra, recipient of National Educator of the Year Award form Down Beat magazine, and director of the award-winning Garfield High School Jazz Ensemble, has led the "Hands on Jazz" program since its inception. Acting as mentor and peer, Acox and other professional musicians and educators, instill in program participants an astounding self-assurance and creativity that is essential to the improvisatory process.

Bill Anthony, lead trombone with Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra, has performed as a soloist with bands on both coasts of the U.S., including the J.J. Johnson band in New York and here in Seattle with the Clarence Acox Sextet, Roadside Attraction, and Bochinche. He instructs at both Garfield High School and Washington Middle School.

Registration

The summer program is open to residents of King County who were in 7th and 8th grade during the preceding academic school year. Bus transportation, lunch and snacks are provided. Scholarships are available. Applications accepted in the spring, next application deadline is April 27, 2007. Click here for more information.