Educational Clinic Topics
Big Band Performance Skills
Your school ensemble performs three selections for DIVA. DIVA musicians then work directly with school musicians on their repertoire in a sectional format. Topics covered include stylistic interpretation, feel, balance, ensemble interaction, blend, dynamics and professionalism. Upon completion of sectional work, your ensemble regroups with DIVA musicians for a run-through of your ensemble’s repertoire.
General Instrumental Performance Skills
Conducted in a sectional format with trumpet, trombone, saxophone, piano, bass, and drums. The clinic will focus on technique, section playing, sound production, intonation, performance etiquette, listening, and improvisation.
Private Lessons
Local educator(s), in conjunction with performance venue, select outstanding student(s) for any of the following instruments: saxophone (alto, soprano, tenor, baritone), trumpet/flugelhorn, trombone/bass trombone, piano, bass (acoustic or electric), or drums. Student will receive a sixty-minute private lesson with a DIVA musician at performance venue, school or music store. This should be arranged one month prior to performance.
Group Lessons
Conducted with any or all of the following instruments: alto, tenor, bari sax, trumpet, trombone, bass trombone, piano, bass, drums, and all relevant doubles. Lessons are given in a group format and cover all issues specific to the individual instruments and the students’ skill levels.
Lead Playing
Conducted with lead trumpet, lead alto, lead trombone and a rhythm section player. Clinic focuses on stylistic interpretation, blending and balancing a section, phrasing, dynamics, articulations and leadership skills.
Jazz Improvisation
Conducted with DIVA rhythm section and 1-3 horn players. DIVA musicians work directly with your entire school ensemble or select group in constructing and developing solos. Clinic stresses jazz theory, stylistic interpretation (history), emotion in the music and listening.
Coaching the Rhythm Section
Conducted by Sherrie Maricle and the DIVA rhythm section, your pianist, bassist, drummer, guitarist and percussionist will be coached in stylistic interpretation, creating the right groove, accompanying a soloist, and improvisation.
Jazz Festival Adjudication
Any DIVA member may adjudicate your school’s jazz festival.
Masterclasses
Any DIVA musician may be contracted to conduct a master class on her specific instrument.
Stanley Kay Drummer's Scholarship
“If you LOVE [drumming] you will definitely succeed as a player. If you LIKE it, you should do something else!” - Stanley Kay
DIVA and JEN (Jazz Education Network) have partnered to provide young aspiring jazz drummers (age 15-25) with the opportunity to be recognized and awarded for their dedication to the craft of big band playing.
Past Scholarship Winners
