Jazz@Chapman

Concert Dates

Jazz@Chapman was conceived and brought to life by Gary Matsuura in 1994. By 2005, the program had grown beyond the capacity of one director. Experienced arranger and saxophonist Albert Alva was brought on board to conduct the Big Band and Intermediate Jazz Combo, allowing Mr. Matsuura to focus on directing the Saxophone Ensemble, instructing private students in saxophone and jazz improvisation (for all instrumentalists and singers), and lecturing in woodwind pedagogy and beginning jazz improvisation. For more information on these courses, please contact Gary Matsuura at matsuura@chapman.edu

Since 2005, Mr. Albert Alva has taken the Chapman University Big Band and Jazz Combo to new musical heights. Besides performing standard repertoire in all genres of jazz, Chapman University Big Band students are very fortunate to perform original works from the library of jazz drum legend, Louie Bellson. This is made possible through the generosity of Mr. Bellson, with whom Albert has a close association as arranger, saxophonist, copyist and librarian. Albert also writes original compositions and arrangements specifically for the students, challenging them to reach higher levels of musicianship.

In the Jazz Combo, students receive “hands on” training in small group jazz by honing their improvisation skills, collaborating in group arrangements and composing and arranging original works for the Jazz Combo. Students have their original works showcased in public concerts performed by the Jazz Combo.

Performance opportunities include concerts in Chapman’s historic Memorial Hall, noon time campus concerts and community concerts for outside organizations.

Jazz@Chapman invites music majors, non-music majors, all instrumentalists and singers to participate in making America’s indigenous art music, jazz.

For more information on the Chapman University Big Band and Jazz Combo, please contact Albert Alva at alva@chapman.edu.

Courses:

Beginning Jazz Improvisation
For students with little or no experience in jazz improvisation
Open to instrumentalists and singers
Tuesdays, 10:00am to 11:50pm, room OH 103 (Crean Hall)
Code: MUS 322-09, Small Ensemble, Beginning Jazz, 0.5 unit
Instructor: Gary Matsuura

Intermediate Jazz Improvisation (Jazz Combos)
For students with previous jazz improvisation experience wishing to perform in jazz combo formats of quartets, sextets, septets and octets
Open to all instrumentalists and singers
Tuesdays, 12:00pm to 1:50pm, room OH103 (Crean Hall)
Code: Mus 322-10, Small Ensemble, Intermediate Jazz, 0.5 unit
Instructor: Albert Alva
Audition/Assessment at the first class meeting

Big Band
For students wishing to perform in the Big Band format: five saxes, four trombones, four trumpets, piano, bass, guitar, vibraphone, and drums
(Also open to french horn, tuba and singers by arrangement)
Fridays, 12:00pm to 1:50pm, room OH103 (Crean Hall)
Code: MUS 322-06, Small Ensemble, Big Band
Instructor: Albert Alva
Audition/Assessment at the first class meeting

Private Instruction in Jazz Improvisation
For students who desire a detailed learning experience in jazz improvisation, all levels accepted
Open and instrumentalists and singers
Code: MUS 323-84 Adv Orch Inst: Jazz Improv
Instructor: Gary Matsuura

Saxophone Ensemble
For saxophonists wishing to explore jazz and classical repertoire in the format of saxophone quartets, trios, duos and choir
Code: Mus-322-08 Small Ens-Saxophone
Instructor: Gary Matsuura

For more information, please see Gary Matsuura or Albert Alva in Oliphant Hall B09, call (714) 744-7023 or e-mail matsuura@chapman.edu.