A few spots will be opening up this month in both advanced and more beginning / intermediate ensembles.
The Berkeley Jazz Workshops are ensembles that provide experience playing in a small-group setting. Groups are at various levels, beginning to advanced, and players on all instruments are welcome. There are eight different ensembles, meeting weeknights. The material ranges from standards to bebop, brazilian, afro-cuban, and modern jazz pieces.
These ensembles provide a place to get some experience, to meet other stir-crazy musicians, and to make all the mistakes you want. We meet at a space in N. Berkeley where there's a piano, a drum set, a P.A., music stands, and tolerant neighbors. Beginning ensembles meet on Tuesday evenings in Central / South Berkeley.
About every three months we put on a free concert at Kelly's Jazz Club in Alameda. We've also begun a recording project with all the ensembles that will be resulting in the first B. Jazz workshop podcast later this month.
Fees are reasonable, covering rent on the space, and some low-key but useful coaching. A typical ensemble is six or seven pieces (piano, guitar, drums, bass, and two or three soloists). Openings come up for all the chairs at one time or another: It's always worth checking in. To get more info, or to stop by & listen, e-mail us or call 510-649-9119
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