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NEWS LETTER THE BRUBECK INSTITUTE was established by University of the Pacific in 2000 to honor its distinguished alumni, Dave and Iola Brubeck. The mission of the Institute is to build on Dave Brubeck’s legacy and his lifelong dedication to music, creativity, education, and the advancement of important social issues including civil rights, environmental concerns, international relations and social justice. The Institute achieves its objectives through its five core programs: the Brubeck Collection, the Brubeck Festival, the Outreach Program, the Brubeck Fellowship Program and the Summer Jazz Colony. MISSION Iola and Dave Brubeck, c.1985 Historic photos courtesy of the Brubeck Collection, University of the Pacific Library In August, 18 high school students from Hawaii to New York to Canada arrived on Pacific’s campus to attend the Institute’s Summer Jazz Colony. The SJC is a full-scholarship, weeklong, intensive educational program in jazz performance for the most talented teenage jazz musicians in the country. Colonists engaged in combo rehearsals, master classes and private instruction; and attended classes in jazz theory and improvisation, seminars on Dave Brubeck and other topics, jam sessions and more. The 2010 Colonists spent the week studying with world-renowned guest artists, including trumpeter Ingrid Jensen and drummer Ndugu Chancler. The 2010 Colonists arrived eager to work with the experienced faculty artists. At the start of the week, colonists were placed into combos, sextets that included two horns, a guitar and a rhythm section with piano, bass and drums. Each combo played together throughout the week, giving them valuable experience working together to find a musical voice as a group. Combos rehearsed with each guest artist, while reading extensive repertory and preparing for a gala concert at the end of the week. Colonists had a rigorous daily schedule, attending jazz theory courses, combo rehearsals, private lessons, master classes and seminars, including a discussion with the faculty artists on how to thrive as professional musicians in today’s musical landscape. They explored the Brubeck Collection and heard a presentation about the very active academic use of the Collection. Some of the most exciting music making occurred during the evening jam sessions, as Colonists and faculty artists played into the night. The Colony culminated in a final concert held in Faye Spanos Concert Hall. Community members filled the concert hall as the three combos performed their sets, each with a guest artist. This year’s final concert also featured a Summer Jazz Colony first, a performance by an ensemble of five basses comprised of all the bass colonists and faculty. The final concert was a wonderful culmination of a rewarding week for everyone involved, from the Colonists to the faculty and staff. The young talent on display all week was awe-inspiring and we look forward to next summer and the 2011 Summer Jazz Colony. To check out all the Colonists and ar tists, visit w w w.BrubeckInstitute.org and our Facebook page at w w w.facebook.com/brubeckinstitute SUMMER JAZZ COLONY MUSICIANS! PACIFIC ALIVE WITH “GREAT JAZZ BY BOTH PROFESSIONAL ARTISTS AND SOME OF THE MOST REMARK ABLE YOUNG TALENT IN THE COUNTRY” Jazz Colonists: Zachary Ostroff (Ross, CA) and Hayden Hamilton (Houston, TX) FALL 2010 www.BrubeckInstitute.org
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Page 1: NEWSLETTER - University of the Pacific · 2020-02-01 · NEWSLETTER THE BRUBECK INSTITUTE was established by University of the Pacific in 2000 to honor its distinguished alumni, Dave

N E W S L E T T E R

T H E B R U B E C K I N S T I T U T E was established by University of the Pacific in 2000 to honor its distinguished alumni, Dave and Iola Brubeck. The mission of the Institute is to build on Dave Brubeck’s legacy and his lifelong dedication to music, creativity, education, and the advancement of important social issues including civil rights, environmental concerns, international relations and social justice. The Institute achieves its objectives through its five core programs: the Brubeck Collection, the Brubeck Festival, the Outreach Program, the Brubeck Fellowship Program and the Summer Jazz Colony.

M I S S I O N

Iola and Dave Brubeck, c.1985Historic photos courtesy of the Brubeck Collection,

University of the Pacific Library

In August, 18 high school students from Hawaii to New York to Canada arrived on Pacific’s campus to attend the Institute’s Summer Jazz Colony. The SJC is a full-scholarship, weeklong, intensive educational program in jazz performance for the most talented teenage jazz musicians in the country. Colonists engaged in combo rehearsals, master classes and private instruction; and attended classes in jazz theory and improvisation, seminars on Dave Brubeck and other topics, jam sessions and more. The 2010 Colonists spent the week studying with world-renowned guest artists, including trumpeter Ingrid Jensen and drummer Ndugu Chancler.

The 2010 Colonists arrived eager to work with the experienced faculty artists. At the start of the week, colonists were placed into combos, sextets that included two horns, a guitar and a rhythm section with piano, bass and drums. Each combo played together throughout the week, giving them valuable experience working together to find a musical voice as a group. Combos rehearsed with each guest artist, while reading extensive repertory and preparing for a gala concert at the end of the week.

Colonists had a rigorous daily schedule, attending jazz theory courses, combo rehearsals, private lessons, master classes and seminars, including a discussion with the faculty artists on how to thrive as professional musicians in today’s musical landscape. They explored the Brubeck Collection and heard a presentation about the very active academic use of the Collection. Some of the most exciting music making occurred during the evening jam sessions, as Colonists and faculty artists played into the night.

The Colony culminated in a final concert held in Faye Spanos Concert Hall. Community members filled the concert hall as the three combos performed their sets, each with a guest artist. This year’s final concert also featured a Summer Jazz Colony first, a performance by an ensemble of five basses comprised of all the bass colonists and faculty. The final concert was a wonderful culmination of a rewarding week for everyone involved, from the Colonists to the faculty and staff. The young talent on display all week was awe-inspiring and we look forward to next summer and the 2011 Summer Jazz Colony.

To check out all the Colonists and artists, visitw w w.BrubeckInstitute.organd our Facebook page at w w w.facebook.com/brubeckinstitute

S U M M E R J A Z Z C O L O N Y M U S I C I A N S !P A C I F I C A L I V E W I T H

“GRE AT JA Z Z BY BOTH PROFESSIONAL ARTISTS AND SOME OF THE MOST REM ARK ABLE YOUNG TALENT IN THE COUNTRY”

Jazz Colonists: Zachary Ostroff (Ross, CA) and Hayden Hamilton (Houston, TX)

FA L L 2 010

www.BrubeckInstitute.org

Page 2: NEWSLETTER - University of the Pacific · 2020-02-01 · NEWSLETTER THE BRUBECK INSTITUTE was established by University of the Pacific in 2000 to honor its distinguished alumni, Dave

B I : Welcome to the Brubeck Institute Newsletter, can you tell us a little about yourself?

N I C K : Sure thing, I’m 19 years old, born and raised in Syracuse, New York, and loved music ever since I was born. My dad is a pop/rock guitar player and singer/songwriter for a living, so I grew up hearing bands like the Beatles and the Beach Boys. With a musician in the family, following a career in music was always a viable option.

B I : How long have you been involved in music?

N I C K : I began playing my first musical instrument (the drum set) when I was about 7 or 8. After that I started fooling around on the piano a little bit, before finally deciding on trumpet at the age of 11.

B I : What about jazz interests you?

N I C K : I’ve always appreciated different styles and genres from all over the musical spectrum. For whatever reason, there has been a recent trend in the most commercially successful music also being the most devoid of integrity and sincerity. Once your drive to make music starts coming from your wallet instead of your heart, the product of your work will be inherently empty sounding. Being one of the less

popular genres of music, jazz is not hindered by this temptation, and therefore tends to offer some of the most meaningful, heartfelt music you can ever hear.

B I : What would you consider your biggest musical accomplishment?

N I C K : At the end of last year, the B I JQ spent three days recording at Fantasy Records in Berkeley. This intensive session resulted in three full albums, two of which have yet to be released. I believe music that was recorded over this period to be extremely special and I’m immensely proud of it.

B I : What inspired you to apply to the Brubeck Institute Fellowship Program?

N I C K : Having known many of the past fellows, and at that time, current fellows Chad Lefkowitz-Brown and Zach Brown, I had heard nothing but good things about it in my peer group. Quite frankly, it sounded too good to be true.

B I : How do you like it so far?

N I C K : I still feel it’s too good to be true.

Michael Lawrence Brubeck, beloved son of Dave and Iola Brubeck, passed away suddenly June 30, 2009. Michael’s life was a treasured gift, one that brought joy and happiness to all who were around him. Michael loved to read and write poetry and even published a book of poetry which he presented to his father at Christmas. Dave set one of the poems to music and recorded it in an album. The choral piece was titled “Once When I Was Very Young,” and it has been performed by many well-known choral groups including the Gregg Smith Singers and the Westport Madrigal Singers.

Michael also loved music, all kinds, and played the saxophone in his elementary school orchestra. He was especially fond of Paul Desmond’s playing and as an adult, became close friends with him. When Paul died, he willed his horn to Michael, his dear friend.

It is because of this close friendship and Michael’s love for the saxophone, that the Ambassadors for the Brubeck Institute are creating an endowment to partially fund the Saxophone Chair of the Brubeck Fellows for the Brubeck Institute. To jumpstart this fund, each of the members of the Ambassadors have pledged to donate to the Michael Brubeck Endowment and to encourage others to contribute to this fund to create a lasting tribute to Michael. Each year at the Brubeck Festival, Michael’s name will appear in the program next to the Saxophone Chair of the Brubeck Institute Jazz Quintet, and these programs will become a part of the Brubeck Collection at University of the Pacific. We invite you to join the Ambassadors and send a donation to this fund to celebrate the life of Michael Brubeck.

Contributions may be sent to: Jean Purnell, Associate Vice President University Development University of the Pacific3601 Pacific Ave. • Stockton, CA 95211E-mail: [email protected]

The Brubeck Institute Ambassadors serve to heighten awareness of the Brubeck Institute and advance its mission through support of its programs and active participation in cultivation and stewardship programs for potential donors and partners. For more information, please contact Brad de la Cruz at [email protected].

FA L L 2 010 • www.BrubeckInstitute.org

Michael Brubeck Endowment Fund

Welcome to the new Brubeck Institute Newsletter, where we hope to acquaint you with the Institute and its programs, and to persuade you to become engaged in our great activities. We are doing exciting and valuable things, and we want you to be a part of it.

The mission of the Institute is simple: to build on Dave Brubeck’s legacy through our several programs. You’ll read about this in more detail in this newsletter, but I want to call your attention to three things in particular. First is the annual Brubeck Festival held in Stockton, where we pick a topic relevant to Dave’s career and create concerts and symposia around this central idea. You can read about past festivals on our web site. The 2011 Brubeck Festival will be March 31 – April 3 in Stockton at University of the Pacific and will focus on creativity, one of the hallmarks of Dave’s life and career. Details will be announced on our website and Facebook page. You won’t want to miss any part of this exciting event.

Dave has always been involved with education. The Institute has two programs that focus on the education of young jazz musicians: the Summer Jazz Colony and the Fellowship Program. Read about them in detail on our web site. Of interest to those of you who enjoy listening to great music is that the DownBeat award-winning Brubeck Institute Jazz Quintet, the students in the Fellowship Program, produce a CD annually. You can obtain these, support the program,

and enjoy their remarkable work by going to our web site and ordering them. They are terrific!

You have the opportunity to sustain and help develop the Institute’s programs. Join the Friends of the Brubeck Institute. Information is available in this newsletter. We sincerely appreciate your support. And, don’t wait on the next newsletter for information on what we’re doing. You can get updates anytime on our website at www.BrubeckInstitute.org or on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/brubeckinstitute. Welcome to the Brubeck Institute!

F R O M S T E V E A N D E R S O N , D I R E C T O RW E L C O M E T O T H E B R U B E C K I N S T I T U T E !

B R U B E C K I N S T I T U T EF E L L O W, N I C K F R E N AY

I N T H E S P O T L I G H T W I T HM I C H A E L L A W R E N C EB R U B E C K

2010 Fellows from left to right: Alec Watson (piano), Sam Crowe (saxophone), Colin McDaniel (drums), Nick Frenay (trumpet), Bill Vonderhaar (bass).

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I N T H E S P O T L I G H T W I T HB I : What has been your favorite class as a Fellow?

N I C K : Jazz Harmony with Dr. Joe Gilman. It’s called “Jazz Harmony” so that it has a title on the transcript, but to be completely honest, it is a one-on-one session that is 100% crafted to my specific needs and interests. Joe has the uncanny ability to find out exactly what it is that excites a student and hone all of his teaching towards that one thing. I often feel he’s inside my head during classes. He’s a world-class teacher who also happens to be a world-class musician.

B I : What has been your most exciting moment as a Fellow thus far?

N I C K : I can remember early in the year, rehearsing with the B I JQ in Detroit in front of Dave and Iola Brubeck. Dave sat in a chair positioned directly in the center of the band, listening attentively as we played pianist Noah Kellman’s arrangement of “In Your Own Sweet Way.” His very presence brought so much energy and enthusiasm to the room, and at one point, he grinned and waved five fingers at his wife (the song was in 5/4 time). Afterwards he complemented me on my performance of his song, saying he liked that I omitted a certain interval that Miles Davis played. “Miles played it wrong!” he laughed.

B I : How do you think the Fellowship has made a positive impact on your abilities and life, overall?

N I C K : College is obviously an extremely personal aspect of one’s life. The school you choose should be nothing more or less than what is exactly right for you. For me, the perfect school was one without an intense structure, away from a big city, and free from the distractions that many jazz programs are so often plagued by. Being here has enabled me to grow as an individual, because I have been treated as one. As a member of the B I JQ , you aren’t looked at as just another student in a music program. You are an individual musician, and more importantly an individual person, whose needs are of the utmost importance to the teachers and administration, and I am extremely grateful for that.

B I : Is there anything you’d like to share with our readers about the Brubeck Institute?

N I C K : Actually, I think there are a lot of people who aren’t aware that Dave Brubeck is still performing and recording new music. I would just urge everyone to try to go see Dave play if they get a chance, because he’s one of the last true living legends out there. Besides, without Brubeck there would be no Brubeck Institute.

Dave Brubeck, the creative, innovative and pioneering composer, pianist and musical leader will be 90 years old on December 6, 2010. For his exceptional accomplishments, he has received the Kennedy Center Honors, the Library of Congress designated him a Living Legend, the NEA inducted him as a Jazz Master, President Clinton presented him with the National Medal of the Arts, the U.S. State Department presented him the Benjamin Franklin Award for Public Diplomacy, he has received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, the Smithsonian Medal, and is a member of the California Hall of Fame. The French, Austrian and Italian governments have honored him, and he holds numerous honorary degrees from universities around the world. He has performed for many U.S. presidents, foreign heads of state, Queen Elizabeth and Pope John Paul II. Dave has written in jazz and classical styles, including works for solo piano, small jazz groups, oratorios, choral works, orchestral works, opera and ballet. In a career spanning more than six decades, his introduction of odd time signatures, improvised counterpoint and distinctive harmonies has made him one of the defining voices in jazz.

The Brubeck Institute was established to honor Dave and Iola Brubeck. Its mission is to build on his legacy and his lifelong dedication to music, creativity, education and the advancement of important social issues. In Dave’s words, “The Institute is the realization of a dream. From the earliest days in my career, I sought the acceptance and

F R I E N D S M A K E I T H A P P E N ! Did you know that University funding only covers a portion of the cost of operating the Brubeck Institute? It’s for this reason the Institute is seeking additional revenue streams to support its daily operations.

In the next month or so, you will receive information on how you can help promote the legacy of Dave Brubeck and enrich the lives of promising young jazz musicians by joining our Friends for the Brubeck Institute program. We invite all Dave Brubeck fans and jazz enthusiasts to show their support by joining and receiving a variety of benefits in appreciation of your contribution.

Please feel free to call the Institute’s staff for more information or to reach the Institute’s volunteer group of Ambassadors – Shirley

Dozier, Stuart Jacobs, Louise Kass, Ron Kass, Gail Kautz, Larry Leasure, Scott Liggett, Tommie Pardue,Marion Sachs,Paul Sachs,Tasha Stadtner,Stephanie Stevensonand Denny Stilwell.

Join us and help make it happen!

D A V E B R U B E C K I S 9 0 !

recognition of jazz as a serious art form that reflected American ideals of freedom and interdependence. Like America itself, jazz has always drawn from many cultures and has been enriched by that cross-

fertilization. Once when asked how I would like to be remembered, I answered ‘As someone who opened doors.’ This is what the Brubeck Institute is doing. It is opening doors for all who participate as a scholar in the Collection, a Fellow or Colonist, a performer or teacher or composer, or a member of the audience. The Institute is fulfilling my dream!”

At 90, Dave continues to compose and to tour and record with the Dave Brubeck Quartet. We wish him the very best for many more years of good health and brilliant musical productivity. Happy Birthday Dave!

Brubeck Fellow, Nick Frenay

At age 33, Dave was working with the Oakland School District on the Dave Teaches Teachers program. He has always felt that music should be accessible to everyone. The Brubeck Collection at the University of the Pacific Library’s Holt-Atherton Special Collections contains thousands of photographs from Brubeck’s career.

D I D Y O U K N O W ?

Dave Brubeck with the Oakland School District, 1954

Dave Brubeck, class of 1942

2010 Brubeck Fellowship Recipients

www.BrubeckInstitute.org • FA L L 2 010

Page 4: NEWSLETTER - University of the Pacific · 2020-02-01 · NEWSLETTER THE BRUBECK INSTITUTE was established by University of the Pacific in 2000 to honor its distinguished alumni, Dave

T H E B R U B E C K C O L L E C T I O N , one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive collections from a contemporary musician, consists of Dave and Iola Brubeck’s personal correspondence, legal documents, recordings, scores, photographs, printed programs and memorabilia. The Collection is a resource for scholars interested in research concerning Brubeck’s music, other musicians and social issues such as civil rights, international relations, environmental concerns and social justice.

T H E B R U B E C K F E S T I VA L celebrates and explores the musical, intellectual and philosophical ideas of Dave Brubeck, as well as his influence on the world of music and ideas. The Festival features performances of jazz, contemporary concert music, lectures and academic symposia.

T H E B R U B E C K O U T R E A C H P R O G R A M encourages the performance, study and understanding of jazz, explores contemporary concert music, broadens the knowledge and appreciation of music, and promotes the understanding of the work and influence of Dave Brubeck. This is accomplished by performance, educational presentations and touring displays from the Brubeck Collection presented by the Institute and in partnership with schools, museums, libraries and other cultural institutions around the world.

T H E B R U B E C K F E L L O W S H I P P R O G R A M is a one- or two-year full scholarship program in jazz performance for five musicians who have just graduated from high school. The Brubeck Fellows comprise the Brubeck Institute Jazz Quintet, and are pursuing careers as jazz performers. Upon completion of the program, they are expected to serve as ambassadors for jazz and to promote the values epitomized by the life and music of Dave Brubeck.

T H E S U M M E R J A Z Z C O L O N Y is a one-week, full-scholarship, intensive educational program in jazz performance for talented students who have just completed their freshman, sophomore or junior year in high school. Colonists study with Institute faculty and guest artists in master classes and private instruction, classes in jazz theory and improvisation, and seminars on Brubeck’s music and other topics.

B R U B E C K I N S T I T U T E P R O G R A M S

University of the Pacific3601 Pacific Avenue Stockton, CA 95211

S T A F F

Steve Anderson, Executive Director

Andrew Schneiderman, Assistant to the Director

Joe Gilman, Musical Director-Fellowship Program

Patricia Eckert, Administrative Assistant

Jean Purnell, Associate Vice President of Development

Brad de la Cruz, Development Officer

209.946.3196www.facebook.com/brubeckinstitute

www.BrubeckInstitute.org

Presorted First-Class Mail

US Postage

PAIDStockton, CA

Permit No. 363

a special documentaryabout Dave Brubeck

produced byClint Eastwood,

Brubeck Institute Honorary Board Chairman,to be shown on

Dave’s 90th birthday!Tune into the

Turner Classic Movie Channel

December 6th, 5:00 pm EST.

D O N ’ T M I S S

Clint Eastwood and Dave Brubeck

N E W S L E T T E R


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