Class Dates: Jun 30, Jul 7, Jul 28, Aug 4, Aug 11

Afternoon Jazz concert: Aug 18 (12-2 PM)

This is the next installment of LLC’s very popular class on the story of American jazz. This summer, pianist Tom White will focus on the history of Jazz through the lens of its most influential bands. We will look at how longstanding jazz ensembles and partnerships shaped the direction of the music from a century ago to the present day. Along the way we will analyze some of the theory and techniques that form the basis of this improvisational art form.

On Tuesday, August 18 from 12-2 PM, Tom will be joined by several of his fellow jazz musicians to entertain us with a Jazz Showcase concert at the Shriners Center’s McIntyre Room. What could be more fun? Even if you took this course before, with a new coordinator, you would enjoy it again!

Format: In-person. Listening, lecture and discussion (no presentations required).

Resources/Expenses: None.

Coordinators: Jazz pianist Tom White took his first piano lesson at four years old. He began playing improvised music in high school. At URI, he majored in jazz piano and in biology, graduating with a B.S. in Biological Sciences as well as a B.A in jazz studies. For the past eight years, the Tom White Trio has been a fixture in the Rhode Island jazz scene. In addition, he teaches middle school Science and Engineering in Mansfield, MA, and works after school with student jazz ensembles. Sam Shamoon has coordinated this class since its inception eight years ago.

Photo: Caleb McLean | Unsplash