ABOUT
WELCOME TO SAMBA MEETS JAZZ!
Samba Meets Jazz evolved from Guitar & Jazz Intensives, a New York-based organizer of innovative music workshops in Maine for eight years. These workshops began in Blue Hill, and have been at College of the Atlantic for the past six years. In 2009, in response to student requests and as founder, I sought to create a separate jazz program for all instruments, not just guitar.
Newly enrolled in Roni Ben-Hur’s Jazz Ensemble class here in Manhattan, I could not resist asking him to undertake this new program with me. If you have the opportunity of joining us in Bar Harbor, you’ll know why. Roni Ben-Hur is a rare mix of warmth, masterful talent, and dedication. This results in more than students exceeding their own expectations. What results is a sense of comraderie and exhuberance that is all about the music.
At the outset of our conversations, Roni mentioned incorporating a Brazilian Music component and inviting master bass player, Nilson Matta. No sooner had I met Nilson and seen him in action in the classroom, did I realize what a gift he brings – to students and to music. Nilson shares a contagious joy, fantastic musical energy and creativity, and an untapped reservoir of knowledge regarding the history and subtleties of Brazilian music.
Last summer was our “test drive.” It was such a success that we are offering an additional week this summer. Each week is independent of the other, but at the same time, complements the other.
We are thrilled that vocalist Amy London, co-founder of the The New School’s Vocal Jazz Progam, will join us both weeks. And in the second week, we welcome once again, master saxophonist-bandleader-composer Bill McHenry. Bill, who lives in New York City, actually hails from Blue Hill, Maine.
We look forward to a fantastic time in Bar Harbor. The spectacular setting at College of the Atlantic adds immeasurably to the experience. I thank Jean Sylvia, Ted Koffman and musicologist John Cooper of COA for encouragement and support which made this program possible I also thank Nilson Matta, who generously let us use the title of his soon-to-be released CD “Samba meets Jazz” as our program name.
Alice Schiller Founder – Executive Director Guitar/Jazz Intensives