Juilliard To Bring Renowned Jazz Workshop To Oxbridge Academy Of The Palm Beaches This Summer

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Nov. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Aspiring jazz musicians in Florida will have the opportunity to train with fellows and faculty members from the prestigious Juilliard School, due to a new program between the world renowned performing arts conservatory and Oxbridge Academy of the Palm Beaches. The new, independent high school in West Palm Beach, FL, was named as one of only six schools around the world selected to host a Juilliard Jazz Summer 2013 Workshop.

Taught by Juilliard's Jazz Division faculty and graduate students, the two week-long sessions are designed to give middle and high school students a taste of the Juilliard experience. The curriculum focuses on refining technique, performance, improvisation, theory, ear training, small combo training and broadening students' understanding of various jazz styles. The rigorous program will also prepare students for a future in music by teaching them essential skills and offering the opportunity to meet working, successful artists who have achieved a high status in the industry. The daily schedule will include a musicianship class, individual practice, ensemble work, big band rehearsal and conclude each day with a jam session.

"The joint program with The Juilliard School aligns perfectly with Oxbridge Academy's mission to provide a world-class, life-defining educational experience to students," said Robert C. Parsons, President and CEO of Oxbridge Academy. "Our own music program is run by one of Florida's best known music teachers, and he has an exciting, ambitious vision for the future of Oxbridge's music curriculum. We will additionally extend this opportunity to as many talented musicians as our campus can accommodate."

Cleve Maloon, who joined Oxbridge Academy in June as director of music programs, facilitated bringing the Juilliard Jazz Summer Workshop to the school. Maloon has deep connections within the music community, having taught for 11 years at the celebrated Bak Middle School of the Arts, which hosted the Juilliard Jazz Summer Workshops for the past two years.

"To be musically trained by The Juilliard School is the ultimate dream for any artist, regardless of age," said Maloon. "The young musicians who attend these workshops will have the opportunity to learn from the best of the best and get a glimpse of the college experience. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis, and every skill level from beginner to advanced will be accommodated." 

The experienced Juilliard Jazz faculty combines a remarkable variety of technical and musical skill, as demonstrated on stages and in recording studios around the world. Current faculty members and past instructors of the summer workshops include Carl Allen, celebrated drummer and the artistic director of Jazz Studies at Juilliard; noted saxophonist Ron Blake; accomplished pianist, composer and arranger Xavier Davis; and guitar great Rodney Jones.

Oxbridge Academy will host the workshops at its beautiful, 54-acre campus, featuring a 400-seat performance center and auditorium, specially designed music rehearsal hall, and a music theory lab. The top-tier college preparatory school offers a dynamic educational experience through a project-based curriculum that is research-driven, employs the latest technology and focuses on individual depth of learning. The faculty was drawn from around the world and chosen for their academic credentials, proven teaching skills and demonstrated ability to inspire students to fall in love with learning. Founded by William I. Koch and opened September 2011, the school offers an unprecedented need-based financial aid program to ensure a talented and diverse student body. 

The Juilliard workshops will be held at Oxbridge Academy from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. June 10-14 for students in grades 6-8 and June 17-21 for students in grades 9-12. The student-teacher ratio will be approximately 9:1, and the program will concentrate on trumpet, saxophone, trombone, guitar, piano, double bass, electric bass and drums, but no vocals. The cost is $350, and applicants should be dedicated, disciplined and passionate about jazz.  

For more details, visit www.juilliard.edu/summerjazz or call (212) 799-5000 ext.7380.

To register for the program at Oxbridge Academy, call Marie Reese at (561) 972-9600 or visit www.oapb.org

SOURCE Oxbridge Academy