THE JAS ACADEMY PRESENTED BY JAZZ ASPEN SNOWMASS IN COLLABORATION WITH THE FROST SCHOOL OF MUSIC AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI ANNOUNCES THEIR SUMMER PROGRAMMING & STUDENT SELECTIONS

The JAS Academy presented by Jazz Aspen Snowmass in collaboration with the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, will return to Aspen/Snowmass this summer with a few new twists. The sessions will once again be broken into (2) two-week programs, with the first sessions moving to earlier in the summer in order overlap the JAS June Experience, and the second sessions focusing on a new genre of music for the program.

Individual/Big Band Sessions – June 10-24, 2024

Twenty-three students have been chosen for this highly-acclaimed program, led by JAS Academy Artistic Director and multi-Grammy winning bassist Christian McBride, working in tandem with Frost Dean Shelly Berg and Program Director Chuck Bergeron. By changing the dates to overlap the JAS June Experience, students will have the opportunity to perform at the Festival and meet and interact with the numerous other Festival Artists.

Afro-Caribbean/Big Band Sessions – July 29 – Aug. 12, 2024
New in 2024 the JAS Academy will feature an Afro-Caribbean/Big Band Session, focusing on “non-swing” styles of music – including Latin music, music of South and Central America, Africa, and the Caribbean – in both combo and big band settings. This program will be led by Trinadad-born trumpeter and Guggenheim Fellowship Recipient Etienne Charles, in tandem with Frost Dean Shelly Berg and Program Director Chuck Bergeron. The two-week session will conclude with a very special performance at the Hotel Jerome on Aug. 10.

Between the two sessions 46 total students will attend. You can learn more about the students here. These students represent 19 music programs from across the US including Frost School of Music, Michigan State, Temple University, Berklee College of Music, William Patterson University, University of Northern Colorado, UT Austin, Northern Illinois, The New School, University of North Texas, Florida International University, Northwestern, University of Missouri Kansas City, Western Michigan University, San Franciso Conservatory, Juilliard, New England Conservatory, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Manhattan School of Music.

Public performances will be taking place throughout both sessions, some free to the public and some ticketed events. A full list of performances can be found on our calendar page.

Daily Program activities for both sessions include a blend of coaching from JAS Academy jazz masters and 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 included.

The JAS Academy is one of the nation’s only full-scholarship summer residencies, supported annually by the generosity of Sasha and Ed Bass.