The History of Jazz
4 Mondays, 8:00 PM: Oct. 29, Nov. 19, Dec. 10, Jan 7
EMJC Welcomes you to its Fall season of contemporary education with Explorations of the History of Jazz Music in 20th Century America.
In this course, we will discuss the origins of Jazz music, the innovators of the style, the scenes of the music's incubation, and the interactions the music has had with broader American culture. Sample topics include the birth of Jazz in New Orleans and the Louis Armstrong story; the rise of the "big band" and bandleaders such as Duke Ellington and Count Basie; the bebop evolution and subsequent rebranding of jazz as art music; Jazz in the 50's and 60's; and the varied nature of what jazz music sounds like today.
Lecturer: Alexander Clough
$40 members, $50 non-members
Alexander Clough is a Brooklyn-born-and-bred jazz pianist, composer, and instructor. He attended The Rabbi Harry Halpern Day School from kindergarten until 8th grade and began studying piano in the 3rd grade (performing as a youth in a few of the school's annual talent shows!). He recently completed his Masters degree in Jazz Studies at SUNY Purchase's prestigious Conservatory of Music and holds his Bachelor's degree from Tufts University, where he graduated cum laude with a BA in both Economics and International Relations. Alexander has studied with a who's-who of great jazz pianists, including Kevin Hays and David Hazeltine. He performs around New York City with his working trio and as a sideman for an assortment of great bands and artists. He also works as a private teacher throughout the tri-state area.