Jazz Aspen Snowmass/Frost School of Music

JAS Academy
Presented by Jazz Aspen Snowmass in association with The Frost School of Music at University of Miami
July 10 - 24, 2023 - Combo/Small Ensemble Sessions
July 24 - Aug. 7, 2023 - Individual/Big Band Sessions

Admissions Deadline: March 1, 2023 

The JAS Academy presented by Jazz Aspen Snowmass in collaboration with the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, includes two mid-summer (2) week sessions including the new "Combo/Small Ensemble Sessions," followed by the highly-acclaimed JAS Academy "Individual/Big Band Sessions," led by JAS Academy Artistic Director & multi-Grammy winning bassist Christian McBride. McBride will work in tandem with Frost Dean Shelly Berg and Program Director Chuck Bergeron during the Big Band Session, while Berg and Bergeron will lead the Combo/Small Ensemble Session with additional Jazz Masters and Frost faculty.

The goal of the JAS Academy is to identify and assist the most talented young Artists embracing jazz fundamentally, while exploring myriad related and unrelated forms of music at the highest level of quality. 

Daily program activities for both sessions will include a blend of coaching from JAS Academy jazz masters & faculty members along with individual group time for rehearsal and recording. Select Frost School of Music Curricula will be introduced, addressing topics essential to developing well-rounded musicians with the tools to succeed in the 21st century music industry. Classes in recording techniques, arranging, production, touring, agent representation, artist management, contracts, website development, and digital rights will be excluded.

This program is full-scholarship with all travel, lodging, tuition and meals provided.

Selection for the Academy is limited to one time per student, so former participants are not eligible to return. 

Combo/Small Ensemble Sessions - July 10-24, 2023 - Aspen, CO
For this session JAS/Frost are seeking group applicants from existing ensembles with unique repertoire and/or arrangements. Additionally, groups interested in exploring a new or specific artistic vision are encouraged to audition. The Academy equally values groups with a more narrow music genre focus as well as those who by definition seek to present a wider diversity of material and genres. This program is led by Frost Dean Shelly Berg and Program Director Chuck Bergeron.

The JAS Academy will accept applications from any group, without limitation as to instrument, as small as 3 members or as many as 6 members.

Individual/Big Band Sessions - July 24-Aug. 7, 2023
For the Individual/Big Band Sessions JAS/Frost are seeking individual applicants able to perform proficiently in both combo and big band settings. Strong reading skills, experience with improvisation, doubling, and familiarity with multiple styles of jazz music are prerequisites. The program is led by JAS Artistic Director Christian McBride in tandem with Frost Dean Shelly Berg and Program Director Chuck Bergeron.

The positions to be filled are as follows:

• Four trumpets (1 lead)
• Four trombones (1 bass)
• Five reeds (2 alto, 2 tenor, 1 baritone)
• Two piano, three bass, three drums
• One guitar
• One vocalist