Accomplished jazz artists to lead summer workshop at OU

Area musicians interested in gaining both experience and insight that will help take their artistry to the next level are invited to take part in a jazz workshop featuring Grammy nominee Regina Carter, OU's jazz professor Miles Brown and the OU Jazz Quartet.

Known for dazzling technical proficiency and for challenging preconceptions of the violin's place in music, Carter is an Oakland alumna and artist-in-residence at OU. She has received a John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation Fellowship, and became the first jazz musician and African- American to play "The Cannon," a 250-year-old Guarneri violin once owned by Niccolo Paganini that is now played just once a year by an individual deemed worthy.

Brown is a bassist, composer and teacher who has played with jazz masters such as Sam Rivers, Joe Magnarelli, Ralph Alessi, Walt Weiskopf, Harold Danko, Bill Dobbins, Joe Lovano, Ben Monder and Kenny Werner. He is the bassist with the contemporary music ensemble Alarm Will Sound, and has performed at Carnegie Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Alice Tully Hall and numerous other prominent venues and festivals.

This two-day jazz workshop will integrate a host of learning activities including combo rehearsals, listening classes, world percussion sessions and more. Players of non-traditional jazz instruments are welcome to participate.

The first day of the workshop will culminate in an informal combo concert for participants, and the second in a free combo concert open to the public. Participants are encouraged to bring a sack lunch each day.

The workshop will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, May 28-29. The cost is $60 per person. To register or for more information, call (248) 370-2030, e-mail to stapleto@oakland.edu or view the website.

For more information about additional programs or events in Oakland's Department of Music, Theatre and Dance, view the website at oakland.edu/mtd.