| Re: Jazz improv clinic
I do these kinds of clinics occasionally. One tip would be similar to what others have said -- bring a backing track in Bb or Eb from the Aebersold blues CD. Bring your boombox if the room does not have a sound system.
Write out the blues scale in Bb and Eb for the different instruments as a safe place to start. Then start up the music and play a simple line, using only the notes from the blues scale. Have the students mimic you, trading one bar at a time. A lot of it should be very simple notes, but syncopated rhythms. It is easy and fun for the kids to try this, and since everyone is playing, no one will be shy or embarassed. The notes almost don't matter -- it is the participation that counts.
Take a whole chorus or two by yourself to show how you would play the blues -- again, sticking to the blues scale to keep it simple and non-intimidating for the kids. Then ask for a volunteer to try their shot at the blues -- a chorus or two. By the time you have done this with several kids, half the hour or more will have passed.
Spend some time listening to jazz artists who play close to the blues scale -- vintage recordings of Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Ella's scat singing are great and fun for all ages. Many of these kids will be hearing jazz for the first time, so play quality music for them. If you can find VHS or DVD videos, so much the better -- it is fun to see the masters in action (check your local library for jazz videos).
Have fun!
-Ken |