Adrian Vedady talks about JazzWorks Jazz Camp & Composers’ Symposium with us. The event is back after a two-year pandemic break and will be held August 22-28 at beautiful Lake MacDonald in the Laurentians. This Jazz Camp is for adult community musicians and talented youth who want to work on improving their jazz skills and it is divided into two parts – the Main Camp, which runs from August 25-28, and a Composers’ Symposium/Practice Retreat that precedes the Main Camp and runs from August 22-25. Adrian is the Musical Director of JazzWorks Jazz Camp. He orchestrates the magic throughout the week.
Adrian Vedady talks Jazz Camp / Composers’ Symposium
Claude Thibault : What makes learning jazz at JazzWorks Jazz Camp / Composers’ Symposium so unique ?
It’s the access to the great faculty, which is made up of top-tier improvisers, composers and teachers. It’s the wonderful participants – who are community jazz musicians and talented youth – that come to JazzWorks. And…it’s the organization itself that is so committed to creating a viable educational and inspiring experience.
Claude Thibault : What’s the best thing that JazzWorks Composers’ Symposium & Jazz Camp can provide for somebody wanting to improve their jazz playing and skills ?
JazzWorks provides an intensive 3-day Composers’ Symposium where folks share their compositions, get feedback from the faculty, and perform their songs. During the Composers’ Symposium, there is also a Practice Retreat option for those who wish to focus on their own personal practice, while also receiving some feedback from the faculty. The main weekend Jazz Camp offers several options, including a Vocal Intensive, Jazz Combo Focus, and this year a new Rhythm Section Seminar. The 3-day vocal intensive allows singers to work with a world-class vocal coach and professional accompanist, while the jazz combo experience allows both instrumentalists and vocalists to play in groups with a combo coach. Both options allow participants to work on performance skills such as improvisation, form and style. On top of all this are masterclasses and workshops each day, as well as a faculty concert and two participant concerts. It’s jam packed!
Claude Thibault : Tells us a bit about the Faculty…
The faculty is made up of some of the best Canadian and international musicians. These are incredibly creative, world-renowned artists who have won awards and who tour internationally. More importantly, they are all great people who are generous, community-oriented and committed to education.
Want to know more about the Faculty ? Amy London, Derrick Gardner, Nat Reeves & Jae Sinnett @ Jazz Camp & Composers’ Symposium (Aug. 22-28 2022)
Claude Thibault : What do you get out of the JazzWorks experience as Musical Director ?
Adrian Vedady : My job is to organize the combos, curate the workshops and masterclasses and perform in the faculty concert. It’s a wonderful job that brings me a lot of joy. The faculty members are all such great musicians – it’s so fulfilling to work with them. The participants are so enthusiastic and passionate about music that it hardly feels like work. It’s very rewarding.
Claude Thibault : Adrian, is it open to all whatever your experience and skills ?
Adrian Vedady : Yes, all levels. Beginner, intermediate and advanced.
Claude Thibault : What’s the ambiance like ?
Adrian Vedady : The CAMMAC Music Centre is absolutely gorgeous. The lake is marvelous, the facilities are incredible and the people are the best. If you are interested in learning more about jazz and honing your performance and/or composing skills, I would definitely recommend trying out our camp this summer!
Claude Thibault – Editor
Claude created the very first version of sortiesjazznights.com January 1st 2003 after a really amazing edition of the Montreal Jazz Fest in 2002 and a post-event blues. 20 years and a few versions later the adventure and mission of highlighting the local jazz scene is still going strong.
We look forward to seeing you this summer at JazzWorks’ 27th Jazz Camp & Composers’ Symposium!
Jazz Camp : August 25-28 2022
Composers’ Symposium : August 22-25 2022
CAMMAC Music Centre – 85 Cammac Rd.
Harrington, QC
Registration :
Packages start at $785.00 CAD ($610.99 USD) including room and board
To register and for more information : jazzworkscanada.com / 613-220-3819 / jazz@jazzworkscanada.com
Jazz Camp & Composers’ Symposium @ Lake MacDonald (Aug. 22-28 2022)
