Jazz Improvisation

Are you tired of watching other students in your jazz band take all of the solos? Are you afraid to take a solo because you don't know how to improvise? These camps are designed to help any middle or high school musician learn how to improvise in a jazz setting. Students must have a minimum of 2 years of musical training, be familiar with the basics of their instrument, and be able to read music. Students at every level will learn how to improve their jazz improvisation!

Students can:

  • Learn the basics of jazz improvisation and be better prepared to perform jazz solos in school or in public.
  • Create more artistic improvisations over the standard 12 bar blues and 32 bar standard tunes.
  • Appreciate jazz improvisation by viewing and listening to the solos of historic jazz legends and learning about the history of jazz.

Camp Details

July 16-20, 2018

Mon- Fri, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Grade Level: Entering Grades 8-12

Camp Fee and Registration

Registration Fee:  $325

Click here to register:  Registration is closed for this program. Please contact Alina Raskopin at [email protected] for more information. 

Instructor

Robin Haffley

Robin Haffley

Robin Haffley is a full-time music educator/performer serving Penn State Abington since 2005. In 1998, he was the recipient of the Von Allmen award for teaching excellence at LaSalle University. Robin currently directs the Penn State Abington Jazz Ensemble, teaches the Evolution of Jazz and Film Music courses, as well as applied woodwind lessons.

He has performed with Gene DiNovi (Jazz Pianist/Composer/Recording Artist for Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Goodman, and Lena Horne), Larry McKenna (Jazz Tenor Saxophonist/Recording Artist for the Woody Herman Big Band, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Rosemary Clooney, and Buddy DeFranco), Tim Hagans (Jazz Trumpet/Recording Artist), Mike Brignola (Baritone Saxophonist/Recording Artist for the Woody Herman Big Band & Miami Saxophone Quartet), Rick Stepton (Trombonist for the Buddy Rich Band), Brian Pastor (Trombonist/Leader of the Brian Pastor Big Band and Trombonist in the Philly Pops Orchestra), Buddy DeFranco (Jazz Clarinetist/Recording Artist), Richie Cole (Jazz Alto Saxophonist/Recording Artist), Bernadette Peters, and Bob Hope, as well as various members of the Philadelphia Orchestra. Robin has also recorded with world-renowned jazz clarinetist, Buddy DeFranco.

In late 1999, Robin released his debut CD as performer, composer, and producer. Compositions from Impressions received national airplay. In 2005, the composition, Bouncin’ On Berkshire, was used in a film entitled Van Vorst Park starring various cast members from The Sopranos and Sex and the City. Robin is a member of the Jazz Education Network, the American Federation of Musicians, and a voting member of The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (The Grammy Organization).