Denise La Grassa’s “Jazz Playformance” classes invite kids to play in a world of musical games wrapped in rhythm, melody, and word-play. Musical themes and songs come to life through a series of interactive games designed to tap into each student’s creative thoughts and ideas. These ideas are crafted into song as students participate in group improvisation games.
Jazz Playformance games involve a series of themes from classical and jazz music, classic and modern poetry, and plays. Master composers and authors including Shakespeare, Mozart, Ellington and Gwendolyn Brooks serve as a base for students to riff with melodies and word phrases to create individual songs. Children at the advanced levels will build songs into stories creating group musicals, performing live and recording songs to DVD.
All classes at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts. Enter at the box office and take the elevator to the second floor. Room left at the Elevator – Patron Lounge. To register or for more information, call 309.808-0115; e-mail deelagee@aol.com
JAZZ PLAYFORMANCE I
5 Weeks – One Hour
Ages 8-12 (Min.3/Max.6)
Learn how to sing, explore, shape, and create melodies and poetry phrases into music and songs. Children develop performance and movement skills while participating in jazz, classical and poetry exercises. Jazz Playformance improvisation games focus on developing each student’s unique individual style. Students will craft their own “short songs” and a group song.
Five week session: $90.00 (T-Shirt included for new students)
Spring: Mondays, April 19-May 17 (3:45-4:45pm)
Summer I: Mondays, May 31 – June 28 (10:00-11:00am)
Summer II: Mondays, July 12 – August 9 (10:00 – 11:00am)
(Classes added as needed)
JAZZ PLAYFORMANCE II
5 Weeks – One Hour Fifteen Minute Class
(JAZZ PLAYFORMANCE I required)
Ages 8 -12 (Min.3/Max.6)
Improvisational games designed to launch students into an advanced approach to songwriting. Each student will develop a full-length song, complete with verse/chorus. Games will focus on full-length composition structure including melody, rhythm, harmonic progression, and acting. Students will meet for one “private” individual session (45 minutes) during the five week course in order to fine-tune and rehearse the song for performance. All students will perform their individual song for the group and invited guests at the end of the session. Songs will be recorded and available on DVD for students to take home.
Five week session: $100.00
Spring: Wednesdays, April 21 – May 19 (3:45-5:00pm)
Summer I: Wednesdays, June 2 – June 30 (10:00-11:15am)
Summer II: Wednesdays, July 14 – Aug 11 (10:00 – 11:15am)
(Classes added as needed)
JAZZ PLAYFORMANCE III
The Mini Musical
10 Weeks – One Hour Fifteen Minutes
(JAZZ PLAYFORMANCE II required)
Ages 8-12 (Min.3/Max.6)
Students will collaborate through Jazz Playformance exercises to co-write and produce a mini-musical. Final performance will take place at a local venue TBA. Show will be recorded and available on DVD for students to take home.
Ten Week Session: $180.00 (T-Shirt Included)
Summer: Wednesdays, June 2 – Aug 11 (1:00 – 2:15pm)
There will be a one week break following July 4th.
(Final Performance: evening of August 11th)
