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Time:

Thursday
December, 19, 2019
03:00 PM - 04:00 PM

Location:

Meeting Room W192

Clinician(s)

Christopher Dorsey

Christopher Dorsey

Concept-Based Big Band Rehearsal with Improvisation

Clinic Synopsis:

The objective is the provide specific techniques for teaching improvisation as a normal part of every rehearsal, creating a non-threatening environment. This can be accomplished daily n a full jazz band rehearsal and in non-jazz combo settings. Band directors will learn to include theory, history and develop the student's listening skills and critical thinking abilities, through the demonstrated rehearsal techniques.

Christopher Dorsey - Biographical Information

Christopher Dorsey is the Director of Jazz and Contemporary Music Studies at Dillard Center of the Arts in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Dorsey holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Jackson State University (1983) and a Master of Education from the University of Florida (1986). His focus is on developing the Jazz program to compete on a State and National level while providing opportunities for students to pursue careers in music and be accepted at the nation’s top music schools. Mr. Dorsey’s Jazz Program focuses on developing improvisation and learning the various styles of jazz. The DCA Jazz Ensemble, under Mr. Dorsey’s direction, has earned the reputation as one of the finest jazz bands in the country. The following are a few of their accomplishments: Finalists of the Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019. Essentially Ellington First Place Winners: 2011, 2012 and 2018. Swing Central Jazz Competition and Workshop First Place Winners: 2010, 2011 and 2012. Annual Cannonball Adderley Celebration Concert - Guest artists: Nat Adderley, Jr., Nicole Henry, Louis Hayes, Sean Jones, Wycliffe Gordon, Victor Goines. Performances at the 67th Midwest Clinic - December 2013; 66th Midwest Clinic Demonstration Band for Wynton Marsalis - December 2012. Jazz band members have participated in: Grammy Band, Jazz Band of America, Next Generation Jazz Orchestra, NYO Jazz, FMEA All State Jazz Band and FBA District 15 All County Jazz Band. DCA Jazz graduates awarded scholarships to major schools in the United States i.e. Julliard, New School, Manhattan School of Music, Michigan State, Berklee College of Music, etc... Chris is an active member of FBA, FOA, MENC, and FMEA. He is an FBA Certified Adjudicator, Conn-Selmer Educational Clinician and Jazz at Lincoln Center Regional Festival Clinician and Adjudicator. Chris is an Arts Teacher of the Year (2017) – ArtsEd Forever! Recipient.

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