Prolific jazz educator Jules Estrin will be taking on a new role in teaching the next generation of artists as the jazz music director for Interprovincial Music Camp.
For the past decade, Estrin has been the music director of the JAZZ.FM91 Youth Big Band, a free educational program that gathers a group of middle- and high-school students to rehearse and perform as an 18-piece band. Throughout the years Estrin has led the group in performances with legendary jazz artists like Randy Brecker, Bucky Pizzarelli, Lew Tabackin, Tom Scott, Wycliffe Gordon and Joey DeFranceso.
Now, Estrin will lead IMC’s newest jazz faculty, which is currently accepting registrations for its session this August. The program features master classes, workshops, combos, ensembles and evening concerts.
“It’s a real honour,” Estrin says. “It’s one of the most well-regarded jazz camps in the country, and I’m really pleased to be able to take ownership of such a prestigious music program and bring some new leadership to it.”
He adds it to his already busy schedule as one of Canada’s most in-demand jazz ensemble clinicians, adjudicators and educators.
Estrin says he’s constantly inspired by the eagerness and hard work of the young players he teaches.
“They still have a real thirst to learn the music and understand it and play it to the best of their ability,” he says. “They’re so keen about that whole process, and that’s what gives me the energy to keep working on the education part of it. They’re working just as hard to find their own path.”
Also part of IMC’s new jazz faculty:
- Kelly Jefferson (saxophone)
- Scott Marshall (saxophone)
- Jason Logue (trumpet)
- Aron Doyle (trumpet)
- Andrew Jones (trombone)
- Lauren Falls (bass)
- Adrean Farrugia (piano)
- Mike Rud (guitar)
- Sophia Perlman (vocals)
Canadian saxophonist, pianist and composer Christine Jensen will be IMC’s jazz artist-in-residence for its 2019 season.