Monday, February 18, 2008

On Monday, February 21st, 2008 we will be hosting first annual Eastern Illinois University Honors Jazz Combo Festival.  Several talented high school students will be selected to participate.  The day will include rehearsals, private lessons, opportunities to sit in with the EIU Jazz Ensemble, and finally, perform with their peers as well as the EIU jazz faculty.  There is no fee.

Our faculty includes Paul Johnston, piano, Allan Horney, trombone, composition and arranging, Scott Hesse, guitar, Dave Fink, bass, Mark DeGoti, trumpet, and Sam Fagaly, saxophone. Drummer Darren Scorza will also be joining us for the day.

Students wishing to participate must apply. Applications must be received by December 14, 2007.

Application procedure:

1. Nomination from director or instructor

Qualified sophomores, juniors, and seniors are eligible, and a nomination from a music director or private instructor is required. Click here to download the nomination form.

We will be able to accommodate two students on each of the following instruments: alto sax, tenor sax, trumpet, trombone, piano, guitar, bass, and drums.  Of course, if an outstanding student who plays another instrument is nominated and selected, we will welcome him or her.

2. Recording

Students should submit a CD or cassette recording to document brief examples of their command of their instrument and jazz improvisation.  It need only be three to five minutes in length and recording quality is of secondary importance.  Students may record themselves playing with a play-along track if that is most convenient.
All contact information and the student’s grade should be included with the recording.
 
When the selection process has been completed in early January, all directors and students who apply will be notified.  Those selected will receive further details regarding the event. Please send materials to:

Sam Fagaly
Director of Jazz Studies
Professor of Saxophone
Eastern Illinois University
600 Lincoln Avenue
Charleston, IL 61920