The Rodger Fox Big Band
The 17 members of New Zealand’s acclaimed Rodger Fox Big Band will be accompanied by four leading international jazz musicians. Many of the musicians in the big band hold positions in major teaching institutions, including the New Zealand School of Music and many High Schools.
Rodger Fox
Rodger Fox is New Zealand’s foremost jazz trombonist, big band leader, jazz educator, arranger and producer. He is also the Artistic Director for a number of jazz festivals around the country.
Over the years Rodger has performed with some of the biggest names in jazz – blues and commercial music including Michael Brecker, Diane Schuur, Joey Defrancesco, Mike Stern, Randy Crawford, Michael Houstoun, Charlie Musselwhite, Robben Ford, Chris Cain, Jon Papenbrook, Dee Bridgewater, Steve Smith, Tom Warrington, Larry Knoose, Joe LaBarbara, John Fedchock, Clay Jenkins, Eric Marienthal, Bill Cunliffe, Steve Houghton, Dick Oatts, Alex Sipiagin, Bob Sheppard, Bruce Forman, Charley Davis, Denise Perrier, Alan Broadbent and Jim Pugh …….to name but a few.
Concert featured guest artists from the USA
Robben Ford – Guitar/Vocalist
American blues, jazz, and rock guitarist. He was a member of the L.A. Express and has collaborated with Miles Davis, Joni Mitchell, George Harrison, Larry Carlton and Kiss. He was named one of the “100 Greatest Guitarists of the 20th Century” by Musician magazine.
Lydia Pense – Vocalist from Cold Blood
Americanrock–soul–jazzsinger who, since 1969, has performed with the band Cold Blood. Critics have compared her style to powerful singers including Janis Joplin, Aretha Franklin, and Teena Marie..
The guest artists add a new dimension and expose the students to different styles of jazz and a different level of mastery.
What will students be doing?
The group of artists will spend time in each city to present educational workshops during the day, followed by a concert at night. The concert will be attended by students as well as the general public.
Giving students and teachers exposure to world-class educators and performers in this way gives them an insight into the level required to perform internationally, as well as a greater understanding of jazz concepts and artistry.
Workshop format
1.30 – 2.15pm General introduction.
Rodger Fox Big Band to open the workshop by performing a swing style chart. Discussion will then take place to show what it takes to play in this style of ensemble. Each section of the big band will demonstrate their parts within the arrangement and will then put it
all together. Full scores for the musical arrangement will be available to music teachers and the instrument parts will be available to all students to follow as the Rodger Fox Big Band demonstrate the music.
2.15 – 2.45pm Introduction to improvisation
Improvisation is a key characteristic of jazz and students will be introduced to the concepts to enable them to develop their own skills in this area.
2.45 – 3.15 Short Break to move to workshop rooms
3.15 – 4.30pm Individual Workshops
Students will have the opportunity to focus on their own instrument and learn the tips and tricks from the professionals
How to play in a jazz style
Trumpet / Trombone / Saxophones (Woodwinds) / Vocals /
Rhythm Section (Keyboards, Guitar, Bass, Drums)
4.45 – 5.30pm Recap on the afternoon workshop and panel discussion
Students have the chance to ask their burning questions and reflect on what they’ve learned so far.
5.30pm to 7.30pm Dinner break
7.30 – 9.45pm Concert featuring Robben Ford – Guitar / Vocals, Lydia Pense -vocals in concert with The Rodger Fox Big Band .
This is where the students and teachers will have the opportunity to hear and see what has been discussed at the workshop in a live situation.
Venue is the Mayfair Theatre:Workshops 1.30 – 5.30 Then dinner break and the Concert will start at 7.30pmThe concert starts at 7.30pm as this will means students will be home by 10.30pmContact Rodger Fox at rdfoxtrombone@gmail.com