KEYWORDS

Jazz, America’s contribution to the world of music, is as complex and diverse as the melting pot in which it was born. Rialto makes it simpler to understand by comparing jazz to a story in which each ensemble member contributes by adding his own variations and embellishments. Students hear a wide range of styles and learn how to distinguish traditional jazz from swing, calypso and Afro-Cuban forms. They discover why jazz is such an important part of American cultural history and experience jazz in the making by picking up rhythm instruments and writing their own ideas into the evolving musical story.

Add-On Workshop: add a Workshop after any Rialto Jazz Assembly for an additional $300, or a Stand-Alone Workshop for $500

Rialto Jazz for Kids, featuring The Phoenix Jazztet

Rialto Jazz for Kids is made up of professional trumpet player Dr. Gordon Vernick, bassist Robert Dickson, pianist Gary Motley, and jazz drummer Justin Varnes.

Between them, the members have taught students at Emory University, Georgia State University, Jacksonville University, and the University of North Florida, in addition to the thousands of K-8 students they have reached through Young Audiences.  

In its captivating programs, Rialto Jazz demonstrates the components of jazz how jazz is played.  They perform a wide variety of music, including jazz standards and jazz versions of familiar children's tunes.