Teaching mingus

Residencies, clinics, discussions

“We have been very lucky to have regular forums for the music, which allow us to develop audiences for the music and to expand the listenership for Mingus’s compositions,” says Sue Mingus. “We hope this will continue, and that our concerts, tours, and clinics will help to develop new generations of Mingus listeners and performers.”

SCHOOL CONCERT/DEMONSTRATION (60-90 min)

  • For Non-Music and General Music Students, Ideal for Middle School and High School

  • Members of the Mingus Big Band will perform selected works of Charles Mingus and talk about his compositional techniques and various aspects of the music. They will also discuss improvisational techniques and the dynamics of playing in a big band. There will be an opportunity for questions and answers.

  • Equipment Needs: Full Backline from performance technical rider; depending on size of room, some amplification can be cut or scaled back, however bass amp and talk mic always required.

LECTURE/DEMONSTRATION Quintet (60-min)

  • Same as above, but geared to smaller groups and more advanced students. Can take place in a smaller room (i.e. band room) or the performance venue.

  • Equipment Needs: Bass amp, Drum Kit, Piano (all specs can be found in the performance technical rider).

CLINIC ­ 6 Musicians (1 from each section w/ full rhythm section) (60-120 min)

CLINIC ­ 4 Musicians (1 from each section) (60-120 min)

  • For jazz combos already existing in schools ­

  • Mingus Big Band members will listen to and critique an ensemble rehearsing sections (reeds, brass, rhythm, etc.). There will also be instruction on the process of improvisation and development of jazz vocabulary. After the general critique, students will be split up into individual sections and 1 Mingus Big Band member from each section will work with the appropriate students. Students should have compositions prepared for critique, preferably Mingus compositions.

  • Equipment Needs: Students bring their own instruments, music and stands. There should be individual classrooms available for the sectional work.

CLINIC ­ 2 Musicians (60-min)

  • For Jazz Music Students ­

  • Mingus Big Band members will listen to and critique an ensemble rehearsing sections (reeds, brass, rhythm, etc.). There will also be instruction on the process of improvisation and development of jazz vocabulary. Students should have compositions prepared for critique, preferably Mingus compositions.

    Equipment Needs: Students bring their own instruments, music and stands.

CLASSROOM DISCUSSION ­ 1 Musician (30-60 min)

CLASSROOM DISCUSSION ­2 Musicians (30-60 min)

  • For general audience or music history/theory students ­

  • 1 or 2 members of the Mingus Big Band will conduct an informal discussion on topics that could include but are not limited to: Charles Mingus, Jazz Music, improvisation, the life of a musician. There will be an opportunity for questions from the audience.

  • Equipment Needs: CD player (musician will provide CD), talk mic (if the size of the room warrants it).

Here is a playlist of some clinics and discussions: