2024
July 18th > August 4th

JAZZ AT THE COLLEGE

EDUCATION THROUGH  JAZZ

The Jazz In Marciac Festival needs no introduction, it has been internationally recognised for several years. However the human and cultural impact of this major Festival remain almost unknown. 
In September 1993, the College - an Establishment of Secondary Education, launched its workshop Initiation in Jazz Music which covers the college's entire curriculum from the 6th. to the 3rd. grade.
An essential expression of 20th. century music, jazz is closely intertwined with human history due to its origins and its constant evolution –and it is also an exceptional cultural and pedagogical instrument..
Since music develops and brings out the child, and music groups train and structure them, jazz at the college is a grand concept which invites young individuals to freely express themselves. 
Wynton Marsalis, the famous patron of the College's first promotion, fondly recalls during each master-class that music is first of all played as a game. It is up to each individual to find their learning path, to discover their personal fulfilment.  Jazz is, often capable of helping and supporting the student in their general studies. It is an educational experience for the adolescent! 
This initiative of jazz at the college which perfectly weds the idea of creating rural cultural spaces linked with the educational system, was able to capture the imagination of the National Educational system, the Ministry of Culture, and the Conseil Général of the Département of the Gers.

 

TECHNICAL PRATICE AND FREEDOM TO CREATE

This workshop, available in 5 hour weekly modules for 5th. and 6th. grade classes, and in 4 hour weekly modules for 3rd. and 4th. grade classes, is completed by a practical instrumental workshop of 2 hours, and  an initiation in the main schools, or currents, of jazz, is offered as an option.  The instruction is free, as are the materials and instruments which equip the 'Music Islet'. It is offered in addition to the obligatory curriculum elements, and continues right up to the 3rd.grade.  Admission is based on the dossier presented and does not depend on prior musical experience. It is normally undertaken right from the 6th.grade but an exception can always be made. The only requirements are a satisfactory academic level and an affirmed taste for music. 

Our teaching approach blends traditional musical training with a specific approach linked to the pedagogical content of the project and the originality of the material used. An approach to the harmonic and rhythmic basics through an introduction to keyboards, an initiation into the fundamental roles played by the bass and the percussion, sung readings (reading music, voice practice, application to sung jazz) and collective vocal activities using jazz standards and allowing for the beginnings of improvisation, are all offered. Meetings with famous jazz musicians, and regular auditions are organised  throughout the year during the winter sessions.

Workshops are organised within the framework of the Jazz In Marciac festival where students have an opportunity to perform in public under the patronage of famous musicians.

 

CLASSES JUST LIKE ANY OTHERS

The education offered is identical to that of other establishments in all other disciplines - apart from musical practice. A student can, at any moment in the college cycle, leave the music stream and enter another class without running any risk of being penalised.


STUDENTS' HOUSING

Students can be hosted as weekly boarders. They are housed in the  «Charmes de Gascogne» Annex in four-person bedrooms. This can be complemented with an individualised family assistancet, allowing for the best possible support for the individual student. The Annex includes study rooms and spaces dedicated to listening and cultural activities.
 

Joshua Redman © Francis Vernhet
Joshua Redman © Francis Vernhet
Richard Galliano © Francis Vernhet
Richard Galliano © Francis Vernhet
Roberto Fonseca © Francis Vernhet
Roberto Fonseca © Francis Vernhet
Michel Camilo © Francis Vernhet
Michel Camilo © Francis Vernhet
AIMJ © Francis Vernhet
AIMJ © Francis Vernhet
Dianne Reeves © Francis Vernhet
Dianne Reeves © Francis Vernhet