BEA EIDSNESS JAZZ SCHOLARSHIP

The Bea Eidsness Jazz Scholarship Application is now available.

DEADLINE EXTENDED - JULY 1, 2004

With the advent of the first annual Portland Jazz Festival in 2004, Ms. Eidsness has established a scholarship to support a student enrolling in the jazz studies program at Portland State University. The excellent faculty and students who comprise this program are a core component of Portland's jazz community and this scholarship is intended to strengthen and preserve this tradition.

Eligibility: Applicants must incoming students of the Portland State University Jazz Studies program. Students need not be accepted at time of application (see form). This is a one-time award made in the student's first semester.

FESTIVAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS

The Portland Jazz Festival and Jazz Society of Oregon presented a series of education programs for youth and adults. These programs connected local and festival musicians with the community through school assemblies, workshops and lectures, Feb. 2-9, 2004.

MASTER CLASS WITH REGINA CARTER

On Friday, February 6, virtuoso jazz violinist Regina Carter worked closely with advanced music students in a special master class. The master class format allowed students of one type of instrument to focus on the challenges and possibilities particular to that instrument. Because the violin is relatively underutilized in jazz, this class should stretch string players' concepts of the possibilities of their instruments outside the classical context. Carter also spent time with a high school jazz ensemble, focusing on improvisation, phrasing and style by rehearsing several pre-selected charts with students.

WEEKLONG ACTIVITES

During the week leading up to the festival, four middle schools will celebrate Black History Month by going on an "Incredible Journey of Jazz." This 75-minute program tells the story of jazz from its roots in African music and culture, through its development in the United States, to its current role as one of America's most treasured contributions to world culture. The program features a jazz combo and a narrator using musical illustrations from different eras and styles, characterizations of historical figures, and participatory songs and dances to give students a living experience of the jazz art form. Darrell Grant of the Leroy Vinnegar Jazz Institute at Portland State University, and Ethos, Inc.,a non-profit music education provider, will assist in delivering these assemblies.

On Friday, Feb. 6, jazz violinist Regina Carter will be sharing her time and talents with more advanced music students in a special workshop and master class. The master class format allows students of one type of instrument to focus on the challenges and possibilities particular to that instrument. Because the violin is relatively underutilized in jazz, this class should stretch string players' concepts of the possibilities of their instruments outside the classical context. Carter will also spend time with jazz students focusing on improvisation, phrasing and style by rehearsing several pre-selected charts.

During the weekend, the general public is invited to two "Jazz Dialogues" with festival artists. These interactive Q&A sessions allow for a greater understanding and appreciation of the art form through moderator-led conversation. Regina Carter and Gary Burton will each take part in a Dialogue, giving the audience an opportunity to ask questions and gain insight into the talent and inspirations of these artists.

These programs are supported by the Bea Eidsness Jazz Scholarship Fund, Qwest, Amtrak, and the Jazz Society of Oregon. Jazz Dialogues are open to the public. For more information, contact our Education Coordinator.