|
|
|
| From September 24th through December 3rd, pianist/composer and jazz faculty member Armen Donelian led "The Rhythm Section Plus One," a bi-weekly jazz master class series supported by The National Endowment for the Arts, at the Mannes/New School Jazz Performance Space. The recipient of six grants from the NEA, he has applied the last four grants to this unique master class program. With performances and workshops from world-class guest artists, students are able to interact and perform with established jazz musicians in an informal and intimate setting. "It is an informative and entertaining series for students, while providing a pool of artists that are available to the school." |
 |
|
The 1996 master class series featured Claudio Roditi, Datevik Hovanesian, David Finck, Portinho, Eddie Gomez, Dewey Redman, Matt Wilson, Cameron Brown, Ratzo Harris, Lewis Nash, Gene Bertoncini, Michael Moore, Ron Vincent, Dick Oatts, Barry Danielian, Dean Johnson, and Horace Arnold. While many faculty members, such as Reggie Workman and Arnie Lawrence, have participated in past series, guest artists also often become involved with the Jazz Program on other projects, including performances, classes, and private lessons. With the elimination of all individual grants from the NEA in 1997, programs like "The Rhythm Section Plus One" will cease to exist. Disturbed over depriving students of such an invaluable resource, Mr. Donelian's "main challenge now is to find alternate sources for funding. It is such a worthwhile project which involves a service to the music community at large."
Photo Credit: Stephanie Berger |
