Getting Jazzed For Wynton Marsalis
Living legend of jazz and classical music to bestow knowledge during residency at the John J. Cali School of Music
Posted in: Arts, University
Jazz and classical music legend Wynton Marsalis will provide the pinnacle to the new Cali Immersive Residency Program, a reimagined professional residency program of 10 rotating ensembles and solo artists at the John J. Cali School of Music, when he comes to campus for a three-day series of master classes and events early this November.
Marsalis, an internationally acclaimed musician, composer, bandleader and educator, will work with Montclair State students on improvisation, composition and instrumental techniques. Workshops will include students from Jazz Studies, Composition, Music Education and Performance areas.
From November 9 – 11, Marsalis will headline events including a brass master class, a discussion on composition and arranging, a master class for all students, and a “Behind the Scenes with Wynton” Cali Conversation with Cali Director Anthony Mazzocchi. Find out more and register here.
“The opportunity for our students to work and interact with Mr. Marsalis is truly special. He is the embodiment of artistry, education, and an inspiration to anyone lucky enough to spend time around him,” says Assistant Professor Oscar Perez, coordinator of Jazz Studies.
“While dreaming up the idea of our Cali Immersive Residency Program, I thought about musicians around the world who are the embodiment of ‘citizen artists’ – people who utilize every ounce of their being and every talent they have to touch lives and educate through their art,” says Mazzocchi. ”Wynton Marsalis was one of the first who came to mind. He is, perhaps, the most legendary classical and jazz performer, composer, producer, band leader, and educator in the world. He lives a life based on the principals of jazz, and has a unique talent for communicating that to the masses. I am thrilled our students will have an opportunity to meet and learn from him – this will be a special week in the history of our school, for sure.”
It’s been an exciting season for Cali, welcoming the Harlem Quartet as its new quartet-in-residence, introducing composer-in-residence Jessie Montgomery, and inaugurating the new weekly residency program which has included other luminaries such as the choral octet VOCES8; the charismatic “classical-meets-rock-star-duo” Peter Dugan and Charles Yang; electro-acoustic violist Trevor New; composer and soprano Kamala Sankaram; JACK Quartet; and the phenomenal Kronos Quartet.
“It’s a complete reimagination of what artistic residency means,” says Mazzocchi – one that is designed to tear down silos and provide innovative learning opportunities.
“Each week-long residency contributes to an ongoing exploration of the ever-changing landscape of music today, introducing students by example to a future that will be, at times, less traditional,” says Mazzocchi. “Through the multiple opportunities to learn from guest artists, students are learning more broadly not only about music of the future but also their careers.”
CALI IMMERSIVE RESIDENCY EVENTS: November 9 – 11, 2021
Open to the Public by Reservation Only
Brass Masterclass with Wynton Marsalis
TUE | NOV 9 | Noon – 2 p.m.
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall, MSU
Register Here
Composition & Arranging Discussion with Wynton Marsalis
TUE | NOV 9 | 2:30 – 3:45 p.m.
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall, MSU
Register Here
Masterclass for all students with Wynton Marsalis
WED | NOV 10 | 10 a.m. – Noon
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall, MSU
Register Here
FREE Public Ticketed Event:
Cali Conversations: “Behind the Scenes with Wynton”
Hosted by Director Anthony Mazzocchi
THU | NOV 11 | 5 p.m.
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall, MSU
Reserve Tickets
