We are so excited to host our annual Spring student masterclass on Thursday, May 16th from 6:00 – 7:00.
Our masterclass series is an inclusive performance opportunity for some of our advanced music students. Each Spring, Spectrum invites a noteworthy community musician to listen to each student perform and provide feedback in front of a small audience. These masterclasses have been an way for our students to get a fresh perspective on their work with some absolutely phenomenal local musicians.
This semester, we are thrilled to welcome Alan Jones, a local composer, performer, and educator as our facilitator. Here’s a little more about Alan’s background:
Alan Jones received his Bachelor degree in Theory/Composition and Voice Performance from the Capital University Conservatory of Music in Columbus, Ohio and his Masters in Music Education at The Eastman School of Music. He served as the Director of Choral Music at Spencerport High School for thirty two years where he directed the Concert Choir and Vocal Jazz and taught Music Theory I and AP Music Theory. His Concert Choir was annually awarded level 6 “Gold with Distinction” awards at NYSSMA’s Major Organization Festival. Spencerport Vocal is Jazz is New York’s only high school a cappella vocal jazz ensemble and has received top awards at music festivals across the country including the Berklee Jazz Festival in Boston. Alan is a recipient of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra “Choral Director of the Year” award and has multiple listing in Who’s Who of American Teachers. As the Vocal Jazz Adjudication Festival Chairperson for the New York State School Music Association, Alan has a critical role in the training of jazz vocalists and adjudicators across the state. As a result, he is a frequent clinician and guest conductor for many conferences, school districts and county organizations. Alan is currently NYSSMA’s All-State Vocal Jazz Chair and is an All-State vocal jazz adjudicator.
Alan has been an vocalist/pianist in the Rochester area for nearly forty years performing a wide variety of music from standard jazz and popular repertoire to Broadway, contemporary and classical. He has been a guest soloist with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and The Brockport Symphony. Together with cabaret artist Phyl Contestable, Alan has been the opening act for Bill Cosby, Rich Little and Jackie Mason.
In addition, they have, entertained in Atlantic City, The Thousand Islands, The Concord Hotel, The Royal York in Toronto and The University of Montana to name just a few. Phyl and Alan were also featured artists at Rochester’s hosting of The Ryder Cup and were regulars at the LPGA Wegman’s Rochester International. Alan serves as the regular pianist/vocalist for the road productions of Michael Lasser’s “Fascinatm Rhythm.” Mr. Lasser is a music historian, author and Peabody Award winning host of NPR’s nationally syndicated radio show that celebrates the Great American Songbook. Along with noted jazz vocalist Cindy Miller, the three have presented programs across the country including Houston, Kansas City, St. Louis, Sarasota, Fredericksburg, New York and the Smithsonian and the National Archives in Washington, DC. They have also had regular appearances on WXXI’s “Voices” broadcasts.
Alan has two recordings and has been commissioned to write and perform shows featuring the music of George Gershwin and Irving Berlin on their 100th birthday. Alan has also been on the music staff at The Downtown United Presbyterian Church since 1980.
Interested in attending as an audience member? Let us know! You can RSVP by calling our front desk at (585) 383-1999.