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Get to Know AMS: Jacob V Warren

Over the next few weeks, the SMF Education Department will introduce you to 16 of the world’s most talented young string players, all under the age of 22. These musicians will travel to Savannah to participate in our Acoustic Music Seminar for a week of hands-on instruction in playing, songwriting and ensemble work, led by acclaimed multi-instrumentalist Mike Marshall.

Get to know: Jacob Warren Age: 20 Hometown: South Lyon, Michigan Instrument: Double Bass

Jacob Warren is currently studying Music Performance at University of Michigan, and has been playing the double bass for 10 years. Jacob’s musical influences include Chris Thile, Edgar Meyer, Sarah Jarosz, Paul Kowert, Renauld Garcia-Fons, Yo-Yo Ma, Diana Gannett, Robert Rohwer, Punch Brothers, and Bela Fleck. The one musician, alive or dead, that Jacob would like to meet is Maurice Ravel. He says, “The music that Ravel wrote is some of my absolute favorite music. Ravel was a master of orchestration, and was arguably the best at using the timbre of instruments in his compositions. He also was very skilled at taking other composer’s works and fleshing them out into larger pieces. Like say, taking a piano piece and turning it into an orchestral work. His use of harmony is also something that I greatly admire. He borrowed liberally from the idiom of jazz and also from eastern musical idioms. I would jump at the opportunity to meet this great composer, and pick his brain!”

Jacob’s happiest musical experience was at AMS last year. Jacob says, “Being surrounded by peers as talented and energetic as the students who come to AMS was a real privilege. When young musicians who play at a high level, and can keep up with each other, come together to play, amazing and new things start to happen.” In other musicians, he most values a deep appreciation for, and ability in a variety of differing musical styles. Jacob says, “With technological globalization, the diversity of the musical pallet has changed drastically in the past two decades. I really love when I can play with someone and freely borrow from a variety of musical scores.”Jacob has specific advice for younger musicians, saying “Being a musician is much more than just being able to play. To be a successful professional you really have to cultivate a diversity of skills, including, but not limited to business, promotional and organizational skills. Being a great musician, and being able to conduct yourself professionally will help you make it as a musician.” At AMS this year, Jacob is most looking forward to meeting the fellow AMS musicians. Jacob says, “Last year I met so many new amazing musicians who have made my past musical year endlessly interesting, and I can’t wait to see what kind of connection I will be making this time around!”

Check out Jacob playing the double bass below:

Be sure to check out Jacob and all of the AMS musicians at the Lucas Theatre on April 8 at the Stringband Spectacular!

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Get to Know AMS: Matthew Davis

Over the next few weeks, the SMF Education Department will introduce you to 16 of the world’s most talented young string players, all under the age of 22. These musicians will travel to Savannah to participate in our Acoustic Music Seminar for a week of hands-on instruction in playing, songwriting and ensemble work, led by acclaimed multi-instrumentalist Mike Marshall.

Get to know: Matthew Davis Age: 16 Hometown: Alma, Nebraska Instrument: Banjo

Matthew Davis is a part of the Seton Home Study School, and has been playing the banjo for 4 years. Matthew’s happiest musical experience was at the Winfield Bluegrass Festival jamming late at night with a group of Jazz and Swing musicians. He says, “It was the most fun I can remember having playing music.” Matthew’s influences include Bela Fleck, Alan Munde, Tony Trischka, Noam Pikelny, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Oscar Peterson. The musician, alive or dead, that he would most like to meet is J.S. Bach. Matthew says, “He is my favorite Classical composer and he led such an interesting life, it would be enlightening to meet him.”

The advice that Matthew would give to younger musicians is practice as much as possible and to try and write your own songs. In other musicians, he values the ability to listen and watch others while they play. Matthew says, “It is a crucial trait that some musicians do not possess, but those who do are always more fun to play with.” One talent that Matthew wishes he had is perfect sight reading. He says, “Reading music is something that I struggle with, and it would open a lot of possibilities to be able to read quickly and correctly.” At AMS, Matthew is most looking forward to sharing the songs that he has written, and playing songs that others have written.

Enjoy Matthew playing Violin Sonata No. 1: Fuga by the musician he would most like to meet, J.S. Bach, below:

Be sure to check out Matthew and all of the AMS musicians at the Lucas Theatre on April 8 at the Stringband Spectacular! Stay tuned to meet more AMS musicians!

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Get to Know AMS: Carolyn Kendrick

Over the next few weeks, the SMF Education Department will introduce you to 16 of the world’s most talented young string players, all under the age of 22. These musicians will travel to Savannah to participate in our Acoustic Music Seminar for a week of hands-on instruction in playing, songwriting and ensemble work, led by acclaimed multi-instrumentalist Mike Marshall.

Get To Know: Carolyn Kendrick Age: 21 Hometown: Stockton, CA Instrument: Fiddle

Carolyn Kendrick attends Berklee College of Music, and has been playing for over 14 years. Her happiest musical memory is playing onstage with Michael Cleveland at the 2015 Three Sisters Festival in Chattanooga. The condensed list of artists that influence Carolyn include, Ray Charles, Tim O’Brien, Darol Anger, Bruce Molsky, David Grisman Quintet, George Jones, The Beatles, Johnny Gimble, Ella Fitzgerald, Michael Cleveland, Bob Wills, and Willie Nelson. Carolyn has a couple possibilities of musicians, living or dead, that she would like to meet. She says, “Bach, to talk about his creative process and how he improvised so intricately. Although I’d have to learn German to speak with him, so Paul McCartney would be another answer, because he has some serious melody-writing chops.” 

Carolyn is currently chipping away at all of the musical and artistic talents that she would like to have, outside of music though she would like to have the talent to make a nice soufflé or do calculus in her head. Carolyn’s advice to younger musicians is, “Be joyful about playing music, focus, and practice, don’t compare yourself to others, and play with other people as much as possible.” In other musicians, she most values those who are non-judgmental, and those who work hard, and have a willingness to try and learn new things. Carolyn is most looking forward to meeting new people and making new music at AMS.

Listen to Carolyn play Squirrel Hunters below:

Be sure to check out Carolyn and all of the AMS musicians at the Lucas Theatre on April 8 at the Stringband Spectacular! Stay tuned to meet more AMS musicians!

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Get to Know AMS: Cole Blouin

Over the next few weeks, the SMF Education Department will introduce you to 16 of the world’s most talented young string players, all under the age of 22. These musicians will travel to Savannah to participate in our Acoustic Music Seminar for a week of hands-on instruction in playing, songwriting and ensemble work, led by acclaimed multi-instrumentalist Mike Marshall.

Get to Know: Cole Blouin Age: 21 Hometown: Augusta, Maine Instrument: Guitar

Cole Blouin  is currently studying Contemporary Improvisation at New England Conservatory, formerly Oberlin College. He played piano from ages 7 to 14, guitar since he was 14, and jazz guitar since he was 19. One talent that Cole wishes he had is not needing to sleep. He explains, “I’d like to not need sleep- like, I could sleep if I wanted, but could also just not sleep and somehow be well-rested. Maybe then there would be enough time in the day... Until then, there is coffee.” Cole’s happiest music memories are, “There have been so many! It could be a big moment onstage, or drinking coffee on long road trips and really feeling the music (as a listener), or improvising with a friend at 2 AM- they’re all so valuable and different!”

The musicians that most influence Cole include Julian Lage, Django Reinhardt, Jim Hall, Thelonious Monk, Bill Evans, Bill Frisell, Ambrose Akinmusire, Chris Thile, Tony Rice, Joanna Newsom, Sam Amidon, Leonard Cohen, Rufus Wainwright, Tin Hat, Punch Brothers, Radiohead, John Luther Adams, Gyorgy Ligeti, Terry Riley, Kaija Saariaho, and Oliver Messiaen. The musician, living or dead, that Cole would most like to meet would be Coltrane. He says, “It’s a common answer, but probably Coltrane. It seems like he really got ‘it’, where ‘it’ is many things, including how/what to practice, how to live a well-rounded life while maintaining focus as a musician, and how a large-scale interest in many things translates into music. I say this having already been able to meet a few of my favorite living musicians though.”

Cole’s advice to younger musicians is three-fold, he says, “1. Voraciously consume all the music you can. Listen to music while you fall asleep. 2. Put together an ‘aural cocktail’ of short snippets (30 seconds to 2 minutes) of your favorite music and listen to it twice a day for a few months. You’ll understand both the music and what, specifically, makes it your favorite in ways you could not have predicted. (Or just buy Primacy of the Ear by Ran Blake, which is maybe the best book on music I’ve ever read.) 3. Find the common threads of quality in art outside of music- painting, film, architecture, etc. - or even just go for walks; somehow, it all comes back to music.” In other musicians, Cole most values musicians who view their practice as a personal search, and approach it with both passion and thoughtful dedication. He adds, "Also, having a friendly, open-minded outlook really makes a difference."At AMS, Cole is most looking forward to getting to know everyone!

Check out Cole’s original composition Between Mountains below:

https://soundcloud.com/coleblouin/between-mountains

Be sure to check out Cole and all of the AMS musicians at the Lucas Theatre on April 8 at the Stringband Spectacular! Stay tuned to meet more AMS musicians!

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Get to Know Swing Central Jazz: Spruce Creek High School 12 O’Clock Jazz Band

Over the next few weeks, the SMF Education Department will introduce you to 12 of the most elite jazz bands from across the country who will spend three days immersed in the world of swing and big band jazz. This unique workshop and competition will bring more than 300 high school students together to learn about improvisation, instrumental techniques and big band repertoire.

Get to Know: Spruce Creek High School 12 O’Clock Jazz Band Director: Robert K. Bosma Hometown: Port Orange, FL

Spruce Creek High School provides a comprehensive music program that includes Advanced Music Theory, Mixed Chorus, and Jazz Combos to name a few. The Twelve O’Clock Band is one of three jazz bands at Spruce Creek High School, and it is the premier group amongst them. 

The band has performed at numerous Florida bandmasters Association Music Performance Assessments, and always earns Superior ratings. The Twelve O’Clock Band also performs regularly at local concerts in the Port Orange area. The band’s director Robert K. Bosma teaches Music and Band at Spruce Creek High School.

 Check out Spruce Creek High School 12 O’Clock Jazz Band playing Georgia on My Mind below:

Catch Spruce Creek High School 12 O’Clock Jazz Band March 31st at Jazz on the River (Weather Permitting), and the Competition on April 1st at the Lucas Theatre!

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Get to Know AMS: Karl Smakula

Over the next few weeks, the SMF Education Department will introduce you to 16 of the world’s most talented young string players, all under the age of 22. These musicians will travel to Savannah to participate in our Acoustic Music Seminar for a week of hands-on instruction in playing, songwriting and ensemble work, led by acclaimed multi-instrumentalist Mike Marshall.

Get to Know: Karl Smakula Age: 22 Hometown: Montrose, West Virginia Instrument: Mandolin (But he also plays guitar, bluegrass and old time banjo) A couple talents that Karl wishes he had: stronger harmony vocals and the ability to play pedal steel. 

Karl Smakula has been playing for 10 years, and is studying Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country Music at East Tennessee State University. Karl had a couple options for his happiest musical experience, and could not pick just one. He says, “It’s a tie between the first time I ever witnessed Del McCoury G-Run (Bristol, TN 2013) and watching my number one celebrity crush Kacey Musgraves from the front row of a 3/4 empty basketball arena (Cullowhee, NC 2014).”

Karl’s musical influences include his father Bob Smakula, Adam Steffey, Ronnie McCoury, Herschel Sizemore, Paul David Smith, Will Smith, Larry Sparks, Ed Snodderly, and Sam McGee. If he could meet any musician, living or dead, it would be George Jones. Karl explains, “Cause he’s the best. His songs and his soul really resonate with me, and I’d like to thank him.” In other musicians, he most values a sense of fun, balanced with dedication and good timing. Karl’s advice to younger musicians is learn to say yes. He says, “Take whatever gigs come your way, even if they sound dumb or unfulfilling. Also, learn to sing harmony.” At AMS, Karl is most looking forward to meeting all of the musicians. Karl says, “I can’t wait to get humbled by these ridiculous talents that we have the privilege of getting to work with.”

Check out Karl’s original piece Minibomb below:

Be sure to check out Karl and all of the AMS musicians at the Lucas Theatre on April 8 at the Stringband Spectacular! Stay tuned to meet more AMS musicians!

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Get to Know AMS: Michael Kilby

Over the next few weeks, the SMF Education Department will introduce you to 16 of the world’s most talented young string players, all under the age of 22. These musicians will travel to Savannah to participate in our Acoustic Music Seminar for a week of hands-on instruction in playing, songwriting and ensemble work, led by acclaimed multi-instrumentalist Mike Marshall.

Get to Know: Michael Kilby Age: 17 Hometown: Squamish B.C., Canada Instrument: Dobro A talent that Michael wishes he had: being a good singer

Michael has been playing the Dobro for 5 years, and is currently attending Howe Sound Secondary High School. Michael’s happiest musical experience was IBMA Jamming 2015. His musical influences include Jerry Douglas, Tony Rice, Blue Highway, and Buck Owens. One musician, living or dead, that Michael would like to meet is Tony Rice. He says, “Tony Rice because he is so influential to guitar, bluegrass, and music in general.”

In other musicians, Michael values timing and dynamics. His advice for younger musicians is, “Play by ear, jam, and play with others as much as possible.” At AMS, Michael is most looking forward to playing new tunes, and learning from incredibly talented and skilled musicians.

Check out Michael playing the Dobro below:

Be sure to check out Michael and all of the AMS musicians at the Lucas Theatre on April 8 at the Stringband Spectacular! Stay tuned to meet more AMS musicians!

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Get to Know Swing Central Jazz: Penn High School Jazz I

Over the next few weeks, the SMF Education Department will introduce you to 12 of the most elite jazz bands from across the country who will spend three days immersed in the world of swing and big band jazz. This unique workshop and competition will bring more than 300 high school students together to learn about improvisation, instrumental techniques and big band repertoire.

Get to Know: Penn High School Jazz I Director: Bill Leather Hometown: Mishawaka, IN

The Penn High School Jazz program is comprised of over one hundred students that form three ensembles and several combos.  The Advanced Jazz (Jazz I) and Intermediate Jazz (Jazz II) Ensembles are curricular ensembles that incorporate the study of Jazz styles and analysis, theory and improvisation, literature, and history. The Penn Jazz program has been awarded numerous regional awards and is a two-time finalist for the Swing Central Jazz Festival and Competition.

Bill Leather, the band’s Director, is currently in his ninth year as director of Jazz and Percussion at Penn High School. At Penn, Mr. Leather oversees all aspects of the Jazz and Percussion programs, including two curricular classes for each discipline. 

Enjoy Penn High School’s Jazz I band playing I’ve Just Seen Her below:

Catch Penn High School Jazz I March 31st at Jazz on the River (Weather Permitting), and the Competition on April 1st at the Lucas Theatre!

Stay tuned for more Swing Central bands!

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Get to Know Swing Central Jazz: Northview High School Jazz Band

Over the next few weeks, the SMF Education Department will introduce you to 12 of the most elite jazz bands from across the country who will spend three days immersed in the world of swing and big band jazz. This unique workshop and competition will bring more than 300 high school students together to learn about improvisation, instrumental techniques and big band repertoire.

Get to Know: Northview High School Jazz Band Director: Greg Wells Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI

Northview High School Jazz Band is one of the premier jazz ensembles in the Michigan region. The band performs at concerts throughout the year, and has played at numerous music festivals in the Michigan area. One of the festivals that the jazz band performs at is the Festival of the Arts, which occurs in the group’s hometown of Grand Rapids.

Northview High School is actually Director Greg Well's alma mater. Wells also directs the marching band and concert band at the school.

Here is the Northview High School Jazz Band playing at the Festival of the Arts:

Catch Northview High School Jazz Band March 31st at Jazz on the River (Weather Permitting), and the Competition on April 1st at the Lucas Theatre!

Stay tuned for more Swing Central bands!

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Get to Know AMS: Andrew Ryan

Over the next few weeks, the SMF Education Department will introduce you to 16 of the world’s most talented young string players, all under the age of 22. These musicians will travel to Savannah to participate in our Acoustic Music Seminar for a week of hands-on instruction in playing, songwriting and ensemble work, led by acclaimed multi-instrumentalist Mike Marshall.

Get to Know: Andrew Ryan Age: 22 Hometown: Denver, Colorado Instrument: Bass A talent Andrew wishes he had: the ability to knit sweaters.

Andrew Ryan is currently studying Music Performance at Ithaca College, and has been playing the bass for 16 years. Andrew has been influenced by numerous musicians over the years. His list includes, “all of my amazing teachers and mentors over the years. After that I guess that short list goes Ray Brown, Bill Evans & Scott Lefaro, Edgar Meyer, Brian Blade, Bill Frisell, Becca Stevens, Reid Anderson, Leslie Feist, and Francois Rabbath.”

Andrew’s advice to younger musicians is to carry all of your own stuff. In other musicians, Andrew most values honesty. He says, “I LOVE playing with musicians who are unapologetically themselves. They’re not trying to play everything they know, or just play fast or loud or whatever. I really enjoy hearing musicians whose playing says, ‘Hey this is me, this is how I’m feeling right now, and I want everyone listening to dig on that.’” At AMS, Andrew is most looking forward to meeting the other musicians with their diverse personal and musical backgrounds. He says, “I look forward to jumping in with everyone, getting our feet wet, our hands dirty, and making some seriously fun music.”

Check out Andrew playing his original composition Ode to Otis below:

Be sure to check out Andrew and all of the AMS musicians at the Lucas Theatre on April 8 at the Stringband Spectacular! Stay tuned to meet more AMS musicians!

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Get to Know AMS: Kaia Kater

Over the next few weeks, the SMF Education Department will introduce you to 16 of the world’s most talented young string players, all under the age of 22. These musicians will travel to Savannah to participate in our Acoustic Music Seminar for a week of hands-on instruction in playing, songwriting and ensemble work, led by acclaimed multi-instrumentalist Mike Marshall.

Get to Know: Kaia Kater Age: 22 Hometown: Montréal, Quebec Instrument: Clawhammer Banjo A talent that Kaia wishes she had: being a world class chess player

Kaia Kater is currently a Religion & Philosophy Major at David and Elkins College, located in West Virginia. Kaia is also on scholarship to the Appalachian Ensemble, an elite Stringband and Percussive Dance student group. She has been playing for 10 years now, and is influenced by a wide-range of artists including, Erykah Badu, Nina Simone, Dom Flemons, Ernie Carpenter, Lauryn Hill, Mighty Sparrow, D’ Angelo, Tommy Jarrell, Daniel Koulack, Chris Coole, The Roots, Kendrick Lamar, and Ola Belle Reed. Kendrick Lamar also happens to be the one musician that Kaia would like to meet. She explains,“not only is he a lyrical genius, but he can also write the most beautiful hooks. His material has had the ability to make people listen. I admire him very much.”

Advice that Kaia would give younger musicians is, “try to remember that deep unfiltered emotion (joy, love, outlet for anger) with which [you] started playing or songwriting in the first place. Trying to remember the reason why I play, write or sing has helped me a lot.” In other musicians, Kaia most values curiosity, humility, bravery (with artistic material), and definitely the ability to laugh at yourself. Kaia is most looking forward to meeting new friends, being challenged, inspired, and growing in every possible direction at AMS. 

Check out Kaia’s original tune Southern Girl below:

Be sure to check out Kaia and all of the AMS musicians at the Lucas Theatre on April 8 at the Stringband Spectacular! Stay tuned to meet more AMS musicians!

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Get to Know Swing Central Jazz: The Lovett Ellington Jazz Ensemble

Over the next few weeks, the SMF Education Department will introduce you to 12 of the most elite jazz bands from across the country who will spend three days immersed in the world of swing and big band jazz. This unique workshop and competition will bring more than 300 high school students together to learn about improvisation, instrumental techniques and big band repertoire.

Get to Know: The Lovett Ellington Jazz Ensemble Director: Stutz Wimmer Hometown: Atlanta, GA

The Lovett School is a small coeducational, kindergarten-twelfth grade independent school. Auditions to join are open for 9-12 graders at Lovett. In 2013, it became the first performing arts ensemble offered as an Honors class by the school. The Lovett School has placed as a finalist at Essentially Ellington four times, and this will be the school’s fifth appearance here at Swing Central Jazz.

Stutz Wimmer, the band’s Director has been with Lovett High School for over 20 years, and is also the Director of Jazz at Emory University. Wimmer is an active clinician, and has served as President of the Georgia Association of Jazz Educators Board.

Check out the Lovett Ellington Jazz Ensemble’s past performance at Swing Central Jazz below:

Catch The Lovett Ellington Jazz Ensemble March 31st at Jazz on the River (Weather Permitting), and the Competition on April 1st at the Lucas Theatre!

Stay tuned for more Swing Central bands!

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Get to Know Swing Central Jazz: Hoover First Edition Jazz Band

Over the next few weeks, the SMF Education Department will introduce you to 12 of the most elite jazz bands from across the country who will spend three days immersed in the world of swing and big band jazz. This unique workshop and competition will bring more than 300 high school students together to learn about improvisation, instrumental techniques and big band repertoire.

Get to Know: Hoover First Edition Jazz Band Director: Sallie Vines White Hometown: Hoover, AL

Formed through auditions, The Hoover First Edition Jazz Band participates in local events, as well as competitions all over the country.This Jazz band has competed at such events as the Loyola Jazz Festival in New Orleans in 2015, the Jen Conference in Dallas in 2014, and The Midwest Clinic in Chicago in 2012. 

The Hoover First Edition Jazz Band has also been a finalist at Swing Central Jazz 2008-2011. Sallie Vines White, the band’s Director, is the past president of the International Association for Jazz Education for the state of Alabama. White has been teaching at Hoover High School since 1990, and is in charge of the Symphonic Band as well.

Enjoy Hoover First Edition Jazz Band playing below:

Catch Hoover First Edition Jazz Band March 31st at Jazz on the River (Weather Permitting), and the Competition on April 1st at the Lucas Theatre!

Stay tuned for more Swing Central bands!

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Get to Know AMS: Thomas Cassell

Over the next few weeks, the SMF Education Department will introduce you to 16 of the world’s most talented young string players, all under the age of 22. These musicians will travel to Savannah to participate in our Acoustic Music Seminar for a week of hands-on instruction in playing, songwriting and ensemble work, led by acclaimed multi-instrumentalist Mike Marshall.

Get to Know: Thomas Cassell Age: 18 Hometown: Norton, Virginia Instrument: Mandolin A talent Thomas wishes he had: the skills for woodworking. 

Thomas has been playing the mandolin for about 16 months now, and is influenced by such artists as John Hartford, Jethro Burns, Mark O’Connor, Chris Thile, Doc Watson, and David Grisman, just to name a few. The one musician, alive or dead, that Thomas would like to meet is John Hartford. He explains, “All of his stuff was incredibly unique and I never get tired of listening to it.”

Thomas’ advice for younger musicians is listen to music. He says, “Listening to music is a vital part of learning music. Listen to something in every free moment you have. It will help you tremendously.” In other musicians, he most values their unique ability to interpret things differently. Thomas explains, “The first thing that pops into someone else’s head while playing a tune might be the last thing that I would ever think of. I think that is the best part about playing music with other people.” Thomas is most looking forward to working with all of the other young musicians at AMS, as well as Mike Marshall.

Enjoy Thomas’ original tune, The Parson’s Waltz, below:

Be sure to check out Thomas and all of the AMS musicians at the Lucas Theatre on April 8 at the Stringband Spectacular! Stay tuned to meet more AMS musicians!

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Get to Know Swing Central Jazz: Fontainebleau High School Jazz Ensemble One

Over the next few weeks, the SMF Education Department will introduce you to 12 of the most elite jazz bands from across the country who will spend three days immersed in the world of swing and big band jazz. This unique workshop and competition will bring more than 300 high school students together to learn about improvisation, instrumental techniques and big band repertoire.

Get to Know: Fontainebleau High School Jazz Ensemble One Director: Lee Hicks Hometown: Mandeville, LA

The Fontainebleau Jazz Ensemble One has performed at numerous festivals and cultural events in Louisiana and the Gulf South region. The band has performed with such artists as Wycliffe Gordon, Joey DeFrancesco, Roland Guerin, Stanton Moore, Jason Marsalis, Mark Mullins, Bonerama, George Porter, Jr. and others. 

The band’s director Lee Hicks is in his twelfth year as the Director of Bands at Fontainebleau High School, and under his leadership the school’s band program has become one of the most well-rounded and successful programs in Louisiana. Jazz Ensemble One has played at such events as the 2010 Midwest Clinic in Chicago, Jazz Education Network International Conference in 2011, and the French Quarter Festival in New Orleans. 

Check out Fontainebleau High School Jazz Ensemble One playing "Nasty Magnus" and then "Unspoken Requests" around the 5:25 mark below!

Catch Fontainebleau High School Jazz Ensemble One March 31st at Jazz on the River (Weather Permitting), and the Competition on April 1st at the Lucas Theatre!

Stay tuned for more Swing Central bands!

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Get to Know AMS: Ethan Setiawan

Over the next few weeks, the SMF Education Department will introduce you to 16 of the world’s most talented young string players, all under the age of 22. These musicians will travel to Savannah to participate in our Acoustic Music Seminar for a week of hands-on instruction in playing, songwriting and ensemble work, led by acclaimed multi-instrumentalist Mike Marshall.

Get to Know: Ethan Setiawan Age: 18 Hometown: Goshen, Indiana Instrument: Mandolin A talent that Ethan wishes he had: Blacksmithing

Ethan Setiawan has been playing the mandolin for 5 years, and is currently studying Mandolin Performance at Berklee College of Music. The one musician, alive or dead, that Ethan would like to meet is John McGann, a former mandolin professor at Berklee who passed away suddenly a few years ago. He explains, “I had heard a ton of good things about him, and had hoped to study with him.” Ethan’s happiest musical experience, so far, occurred last year. He explains, “One of my happiest musical endeavors was hosting a show at Ignition Garage, a wonderful venue in my hometown of Goshen last May. I was fortunate to have a killer band, comprised of my former teacher Don Stiernberg, member of the Steel Wheels Jay Lapp, and my bandmate from Theory Expats, Sadie Gustafson-Zook. The show functioned as a sort of recital, marking my graduation from high school and my departure for Berklee. Plenty of fans I had made over the past several years of playing in that city came out that night, which made for a really fun show.”

There are many musicians that influence Ethan, including Vulfpeck, Julian Lage, Jacob Joliff, Charlie Parker, and Brad Mehldau. In other musicians, Ethan most values those that play whatever the music desires, as dictated by an ear that is always open and listening. His advice for younger musicians is, “Assuming you’re practicing a ton, listen to as much music as possible, but listen attentively. Pick one artist every week, and listen to them every day that week.” This is Ethan’s second time at AMS, and he is most looking forward to absorbing everything that goes on at the event. Ethan explains, “Between practicing masterclasses and concerts, it can be hard to take everything in. Being more present and mindful is what it comes down to.”

Below is a video of Ethan performing Elm composed by Richie Beriach:

Be sure to check out Ethan and all of the AMS musicians at the Lucas Theatre on April 8 at the Stringband Spectacular! Stay tuned to meet more AMS musicians!

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Get to Know Swing Central Jazz: Dreyfoos School of the Arts Jazz Ensemble I

Over the next few weeks, the SMF Education Department will introduce you to 12 of the most elite jazz bands from across the country who will spend three days immersed in the world of swing and big band jazz. This unique workshop and competition will bring more than 300 high school students together to learn about improvisation, instrumental techniques and big band repertoire.

Get to Know: Dreyfoos School of the Arts Jazz Ensemble I Director: Pedro Hernandez Hometown: West Palm Beach, FL

A.W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts has a rich music program, which features such programs as Jazz Band, Jazz Improvisation, Composition/ Musical Technology, and many more. The band’s director, Pedro Hernandez, teaches both jazz and composition at Dreyfoos. 

The Dreyfoos School of the Arts Jazz Ensemble I is comprised of 19 students. Former students of the group have garnered accolades in the Grammy Student Music Awards, Jazz Band of America, Downbeat SMA, All District Jazz Band, Pathfinder Awards, and a Concerto competition winner.

Check out Dreyfoos School of the Arts Jazz Ensemble I playing K.C. Blues below:

Catch Dreyfoos School of the Arts Jazz Ensemble I March 31st at Jazz on the River (Weather Permitting), and the Competition on April 1st at the Lucas Theatre!

Stay tuned for more Swing Central bands!