Conversations about Music and Jazz
Course Instructor: Joan Griffith is known in the Midwest as a teacher, performer, and composer. She has toured and recorded extensively as a classical and jazz guitarist, a bassist, and a mandolinist. Joan teaches jazz improvisation, guitar, bass and mandolin at the University of St. Thomas and Macalester College. She is also a roster artist in jazz for COMPAS, the Minnesota State Arts Board and Young Audiences.
Course Information: Thursdays, September 20-November 1, 2012, 9:30-11:30 a.m., University of St. Thomas St. Paul Campus, O'Shaughnessy Educational Center Auditorium
Course Description: Guitarist, composer, and educator Joan Griffith will explore the music and careers of some of the Twin Cities most creative musicians. Guests for the sessions will include singer/songwriter Ann Reed, guitarist Chris Kachian, pedal steel guitar master Joe Savage, and jazz violinist Gary Schulte. The final session will be a concert featuring vocalist Connie Evingson.
Registration fee for the series: $70.00 per person for the series. In addition, registered students will be able to purchase guest tickets for the final session concert at the cost of $15.00 per guest. Guest tickets will be sold at the class, only.
Link to registration form: Fall 2012 Registration Form
Link to campus map: St. Paul Campus Map
Detailed Course Syllabus (subject to change):
| September 20 |
Introduction Joan will play the guitar and discuss the music of jazz, its history and musical elements. She will also give a brief introduction to the upcoming guests, their music and instruments. |
| September 27 |
The Power of Song Singer/songwriter Ann Reed will sing and discuss her career as a modern day troubadour. |
| October 4 |
The Many Voices of the Guitar Guitarist and educator Chris Kachian and Joan will explore their romance with the guitar and play many styles of music from classical to jazz |
| October 11 |
The Surprising and Amazing Pedal Steel Guitar Often thought of as an instrument confined to country music, pedal steel virtuoso Joe Savage will show what this amazing instrument can do. |
| October 18 | No Class |
| October 25 |
Jazz Violin, Always Swinging Twin Cities jazz violin great Gary Schulte will play, talk about the history and play some great gypsy jazz. |
| November 1 |
Jazz Concert The concert will feature Connie Evingson, Joan Griffith, and friends |