Langley musicians organize jazz workshop for all ages and skill levels

A Langley non-profit wants to jazz up the local music scene, and share expert knowledge with emerging and professional artists.

After having to postpone and reschedule the jazz education workshop several times due to the pandemic, the Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival is finally hosting the workshop at the end of thismonth.

Led by Vancouver’s A-list of jazz musicians and educators, the workshop is suitable for young, emerging, or professional jazz music enthusiasts, said Karen Zukas, co-founder and executive director of the festival.

All levels of jazz instrumentalists and vocalists are invited to register for the workshop.

Workshop faculty includes Jodi Proznick (bass), Bill Coon (guitar), Craig Scott (drums), James Danderfer (woodwinds), Miles Black (piano), Steve Maddock (vocals), and Vince Mai (trumpet).

“The workshop gives musicians of all levels the chance to play with pros and peers to boost their improv skills in a supportive, no-pressure environment,” said Proznick, workshop facilitator and bass instructor.

“It provides them with the opportunity to receive feedback, insights, and knowledge to level up their musicianship while forging relationships with A-list pros and other musicians.”

Workshop attendees will start the day with a faculty performance, followed by master class breakouts by instrument, and end with improvisation ensemble sessions.

First offered in 2018, the workshop runs along with the annual jazz festival, which will start July 21 this year. The workshop was last offered in-person in 2019 and had to be moved online since the pandemic.

“We are really excited to be able return to in-person classes,” Zukas said of the non-profit that hosts the festival and related events.

Initially available only for youth, the workshop has expanded to include emerging and professional artists. Zukas said that the decision was taken based on the feedback organizers received from the community.

Festival co-founder and artistic director Dave Quinn agreed that the workshop offers valuable service and expert knowledge to all the artists in the community.

RELATED: Langley music school invites public to music concert

“The workshop will provide young and emerging artists with an opportunity to play with the pros and peers. They would be able to enhance their improvisation skills while working in a collaborative and non pressure-type environment,” he said.

A jazz musician himself, Quinn plays clarinet and saxophone. He first picked up the instruments in Grade 4.

“Jazz is like classical music of today. Jazz is made up of different genres. R&B, blues, soul music, gospel music… all have elements of jazz in it,” Quinn commented.

Both Langley residents, Quinn and Zukas started the Fort Langley Jazz and Art Festival in December 2017. The project grew, and a total of 10 bands and 150 musicians performed in front of about 5,000 people at the 2018 festival.

READ MORE: Songwriters to sing and share stories at a live music event in Langley

Soon, they added the workshop and invited industry leaders to share knowledge with artists.

To offer the attendees a chance to interact with the experts directly, the workshop is limited to 50 people. Close to 25 spots are available for the Sunday, March 27 workshop.

The four-hour-long session starts at 1 p.m. and will take place at Chief Sepass Theatre in Fort Langley. Registration is $75. To register and for more information, people can visit the non-profit’s website at fortlangleyjazzfest.squarespace.com.

.