ASYO JAZZ

An exciting jazz combo program from the ASYO/AFTA

INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Jason Slaughter

ASYO Jazz is a small-group jazz program designed for motivated middle and high school musicians who want to develop their improvisation, creativity, and understanding of jazz in a collaborative setting. Rather than functioning as a traditional large jazz ensemble, the combo emphasizes the skills that define jazz performance—listening, interacting, and creating music in the moment.

Students will work in a hands-on environment that focuses on:

Jazz improvisation and solo development
Understanding chord progressions and jazz harmony
Playing by ear and developing strong listening skills
Interpreting lead sheets and jazz standards
Small-group communication and musical interaction
Jazz styles, articulation, phrasing, and rhythmic feel
The history and traditions of jazz

Through weekly coaching, students will build confidence as improvisers while learning the musical vocabulary needed to perform a variety of jazz styles. The combo setting allows each student to receive individualized instruction and frequent opportunities to perform, making it an ideal environment for musical growth.

Throughout the season, guest artists and professional jazz musicians from the Asheville area may join rehearsals for clinics and masterclasses, providing students with valuable mentorship and real-world musical experiences.

The class is open primarily to high school students, with advanced middle school students encouraged to audition. Auditions are used to assess each student’s current playing level and experience so instruction can be tailored to create the most rewarding experience for every participant.

Whether you’re new to improvisation or looking to take your jazz playing to the next level, the ASYO Youth Jazz Combo offers an exciting opportunity to explore one of America’s greatest musical traditions in a supportive, creative, and engaging environment.

The ASYO Jazz program is offered in conjunction with the Asheville Academy for the Arts and meets on Tuesday Evenings from 6:30-8:00 at AFTA (5 Oak St, in Asheville).

WHERE DO I GO?

Enter AFTA in the marked door (there is also a sign out front).

Tell the person at the registration desk that you're there for Jazz Combo

They will direct you UPSTAIRS to Crocker Auditorium (you can use stairs or the elevator if you have a large instrument).

If you are going to miss a rehearsal, please submit that at www.asyo.info/absence.

REGISTER FOR ASYO JAZZ HERE

DOWNLOAD THE ASYO JAZZ CALENDAR HERE

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