Berlin Hot Jazz Camp 2023
Dates: 2, 3, 4 June 2023
Overview: The New Orleans Counterpoint Workshop is a 3-day intensive musical workshop instructed by Ewan Bleach and 4 other musicians.
Style: The main focus on the early styles of jazz, ragtime, blues, and swing.
Capacity: max 20 people. Practice track limited to 10 people.
Location: Blue Tap, Steptanzstudio Boxhagener Str. 18 10245 Berlin
Registration deadline: May 5th 2023.
Ewan Bleach
We are honoured to welcome Ewan Bleach back to Berlin in the context of a very special jazz workshop. Hailing from London, Ewan Bleach is a world renowned clarinetist, saxophonist, pianist, singer, bandleader, composer, teacher, and session musician. He specialises in the early styles of jazz, ragtime, blues, and swing and is involved in projects of new music with various ensembles. Ewan is particularly interested in playing for dancing and has run many nights focusing on live music for dancing in London in tight collaboration with the swing dance scene.
The workshop
The workshop will be held at Bluetap Studio, a beautiful and spacious dance studio in the heart of Berlin. The studio is equipped with all necessary facilities and provides a comfortable and inspiring environment for learning and practicing. Ewan will focus on a small group of players but you can also watch the whole process and have made it so by offering 2 different tracks: Practice Track & Listener track.
Instruments
1. Violin (or 2nd clarinet).
2. Cornet or trumpet.
3. Clarinet.
4. Alto saxophone (or 2nd cornet).
5. Trombone (or tenor or bari sax).
Topics Covered:
1. Playing lead: the cornet and violin styles.
2. Harmonising the melody, the 2nd voice.
3. Ending phrases.
4. Voice leading lines: long notes and how to use them.
5. The Arpeggiated obbligato lines of New Orleans clarinet.
6. Adding chromaticism to arpeggios: enclosures and passing notes.
7. Tailgate trombone: Decorating the baseline and constructing tenor lines.
8. Playing in the free space: techniques to develop freedom whilst avoiding the melody.
9. The New Orleans saxophone: The mysterious 4th voice.
10. 2-4 part counterpoint adjusting for different size ensembles
11. The 5-part counterpoint of Armand J. Piron and his Orchestra.
Do I need prior experience to join?
Yes, and there will be a selection process. Generally speaking the technics explained require a solid knowledge and good instrumental fluidity.
For the Listener Class no level is required. We recommend to have some basic understanding of music in order to follow along but you can also learn a lot by watching more advanced players.
Do I need to bring my instrument?
Yes! Besides the New Orleans Counterpoint Workshop focuses on front-liners, you will have to bring your horn, violin or reed instrument.
The 2 tracks available:
Listener Track
Includes the morning theory lectures and demonstrations + the Sunday afternoon band practice as a spectator.
Practice Track (only 4 to 10 spots)
Includes lectures and demonstrations
+ afternoon practices
+ final concert with Ewan Bleach.
Schedule
Fr. June 2nd
11:00 – 13:00 – Lecture “Introduction to early Jazz music concepts”
13:00 – 14:00 – Lunch Break
14:00 – 18:00 – Practice Session
Sa. June 3rd
11:00 – 13:00 – Lecture “Harmony and counterpoint” (Ewan + 1 musicians)
13:00 – 14:00 – Lunch Break
14:00 – 18:00 – Practice Session
Sun. June 4th
11:00 – 13:00 – Lecture “The 5-part counterpoint” (Ewan + 4 musicians)
13:00 – 14:00 – Lunch Break
14:00 – 18:00 – Practice Session
Evening program: Participants Final presentation + “Ewan Bleach and the counterpoint 5 concert” + Jam session.
Choose your pricing
Alle Preise Inkl. MwSt. The price of the workshop is on a sliding scale.
Supporters allow lower price takers to participate and keep the scene open to all. We appreciate your support!
| Low price | Regular price | Supporter price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listener Track | 160 € | 180 € | 200 € |
| Practice Track | 270 € | 300 € | 330 € |
Registration
Registration for Practice Track is limited to 10 front liners. Please send an email with “BHJC Practice Pass” to registration@syncopation.de with the following information:
1 – Full name and address.
2 – Tell us a bit about you and why you want to do the workshop.
3 – Specify which instrument(s) you’re going to play.
4 – Send a short demo of your playing (audio or video).
Registration for Listener Track. Please send an email with “BHJC Listeners Pass” to registration@syncopation.de with your full name and address.