"New-Millennium Monk"
SFJAZZ High School All-Star Ensemble with special guest Stefon Harris
Sunday, June 3 • 7pm
$15 GA Adult
$10 GA Ages 18 & under
“To have your own voice at 16 or 15 – that’s remarkable.” –Dr. Dee Spencer
Program Notes
It is rare for high school students to interact intimately with their studies. You read the work of reclusive authors (Catcher in the Rye or To Kill a Mockingbird anyone?), and study the lively exploits of long-passed political and scientific figures. But music education is an exception, providing students the opportunity to work one-on-one with active, influential musicians.
SFJAZZ strives to facilitate that meeting of the musical minds with its High School All-Stars program. Culled from high schools throughout the Bay Area, the 20+ student musicians who make up the All-Stars get firsthand, first-class experience in all aspects of the jazz world. In addition to a regular rehearsal schedule with esteemed educator Dr. Dee Spencer, each season the All-Stars gain insight into the lives of working musicians through a number of innovative programs: master classes taught by SFJAZZ Collective Members and other jazz musicians at the top of their game; informances by the Collective, where students pick up tips on composition and arranging; and mentoring session with artists like Ravi Coltrane and Yusef Lateef.
Any jazz education would be incomplete without live performances that bear out all that arduous practice. As part of the Spring Season’s Monk Project, the All-Stars mirror the SJAZZ Collective’s repertoire, paying tribute to Thelonious Monk and his innovative compositions. Additionally, tonight the All-Stars welcome special guest Stefon Harris, “one of the most important young artists in jazz” (Los Angeles Times). The acclaimed vibraphonist appeared at last fall’s San Francisco Jazz Festival, working through songs from his tribute album to Duke Ellington, African Tarantella. He will have his hands full with these talented kids, who are “testimony to the continuing persistence of the creative spirit” (Los Angeles Times).
Personnel:
- Dr. Dee Spencer, Director
- Band to be announced from stage
