Old Town School – On The Road

Dispatches from the road from our wayfaring travelers.

Banff

I am here in Banff at the International Workshop for Jazz and Creative Music. I’ve been here for a week and it feels like 5 years, I’ve learned so much about being a musician and about myself. The session is 3 weeks long and we’re into the 2nd, with a new set of faculty to work with. Dave Douglas, the head of the program, is with us for all three. He is posting about the workshop on his blog, which I seriously suggest you check out.

The program definitely is heavy into the jazz world, but in a very open, interested, creative way. Everyone is encouraged to write and play with their own voice, coming from their own place. This has been a challenge for me as a “rock” musican, but a challenge in the best way.

Last night I performed here at a Club at the Banff Centre (an amazing site in the middle of the Canadian Rockies) with musicians from Norway, Switzerland, Belgium, Vancouver, Ireland and Los Angeles – all playing pieces we had written. I got to hear one of my pieces played by Tenor Sax, Clarinet, Violin, Bass, Drums and Piano. Amazing.

More later – there is so much to relate about this wonderful experience.

Filed under: Banff International Workshop 2009, Notes from Alison, Uncategorized by Alison | May 27, 2009 | Comments (2)


2 Comments so far

  1. Jason on May 27, 2009 10:07 pm

    Wait. You’re hanging out with Dave Douglas? Oh, we have to get together when you get back.

    Glad to hear you’re not out of the 909 loop. I’ve missed having you around the school.

    Jason McInnes

  2. Maren on June 12, 2009 10:50 am

    Hi you !

    I just read through your blog, and I really enjoyed it. It shure made me miss it on this rainy friday afternoon.

    I hope you had a good concert last sunday ! and please, keep in touch, and let me hear your music!

    all my love
    Maren

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