This session will outline the steps it takes to ensure sucess in jazz improvisation and in building a beginning elementary jazz band. The hands-on workshop will demonstrate foundation techniques with the students of Ms. Ellis from Dixon Elementary school. (No Handout Available)
Diane Ellis
- Biographical Information
Diane "LiL Sax" Ellis is a master musician and solo recording artist on the alto saxophone. She has been tutored in jazz by such master musicians as Sonny Stitt, Hank Crawford, Jimmy Ellis, David "Fathead" Newman, and Houston Person. She has performed on the road with organist Jimmy McGriff and Charles Earland and as a soloist at the world jazz festival in Ochio Rios, Jamaica and for two years at the October Fest in Ingostat, Germany. On the encore trip to Germany, Diane was the opening act for the late great Ray Charles. In addition to leading her own group, Diane currently performs with the Tony Smith Show, The Morris Ellis Jazz Orchestra, and freelances with small combos around the Chicagoland area. She teaches music appreciation and band to over 650 children during the course of a week at the Arthur Dixon Elementary School in Chicago.