Join us for a day of improvisation workshops closing with an evening concert, presenting improvisation in its diverse forms and possibilities – from 18th-century partimento to concerto cadenzas, jazz music to soundpainting.

View the event schedule below and RSVP via this form to attend.

EVENT SCHEDULE

Workshops
10.00 – 11.15am:
Voices in Your Mind – Improvisation Techniques of the 18th Century  |  Instructor: Prof Karst De Jong  |  Orchestra Hall
This is a workshop about improvisation in the 18th century, inspired by the Italian Partimento tradition. In this tradition, students were taught without scores to learn the harmonic and contrapuntal patterns that underlie the great tonal music of the time, and that has continued to influence and inspire composers ever since. We will play with an ensemble and explore the beautiful possibilities that emerge from the elegant and seemingly simple concepts of Partimento.

11.15am – 12.30pm:
Introduction to Improvising for Strings  |  Instructor: David Loke  |  Orchestra Hall
Open to string players of all levels, this session offers a fun and educational environment to explore the art of improvisation. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced musician, you’ll discover new ways to express yourself and enhance your performance skills. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to unlock your creativity with instructor guidance, and feel free to ask for tips and tricks on any string-specific techniques that you might have questions about!

Brass Unleashed – Improvisation and Creativity through Method Book Mastery  |  Instructor: Marques Young  |  Ensemble Room 1
The workshop aims to demonstrate how improvisation techniques can be effectively acquired and refined through the use of method books for brass. The class will centre around a curated selection of scales featured in a collection of etude books, providing practical insights into practicing various modes. Additionally, the workshop will spotlight melodic patterns that prove beneficial for transposition and ear training. Overall, participants will learn to enhance their skills by learning the instrument’s tendencies and sonic movements, ultimately improving their overall musical proficiency

12.30 – 1.30pm: Lunch Break (bentos are provided with RSVP on the form before 22 Oct).

1.30 – 3.00pm:
Beyond the Written Score – Navigating Ensemble Performance Dynamics through Jazz Improvisation Techniques  |  Instructor: Litmus Jazz Ensemble  |  Orchestra Hall
Go beyond the written score with this workshop focused on the art of jazz improvisation and its role in ensemble performance. Through practical exercises, you’ll learn to adapt to the dynamics of group play and refine your skills. Ideal for musicians eager to deepen their understanding of collaborative music-making, ‘Beyond the Written Score’ by Litmus Jazz offers an alternative journey into creative expression.

3.00 – 4.15pm:
Declassifying Music – Making Games of It All  |  Instructor: Jonathan Shin and David Loke  |  Orchestra Hall
You’ve learnt the classic works of the old masters – now, pick them apart and recreate them in your imagination. In this workshop, we will get closer to the composer’s mind as we approach familiar works with new ears and a no-holds-barred inclination for modification; learn new techniques to break the rules. Remember: just because you can, you absolutely should (to a certain extent). Open to all experiences – scores recommended!

4.30 – 5.45pm:
Soundpainting – Unlock Your Creativity  |  Instructor: Timothy O’Dwyer  |  Orchestra Hall
Soundpainting is a multidisciplinary sign language for live composition invented by Walter Thompson 50 years ago. In this workshop, you will be introduced to the basic hand signals and contribute to a live group improvisation. 

Concert
7.30pm: Closing Concert  |  Orchestra Hall
This closing concert will present improvised works in diverse styles, ranging from jazz influenced to classical and contemporary. Look for some nice pieces by the large ‘Play by Ear’ ensemble, a duet for two pianos by Karst de Jong and Jonathan Shin, and contemporary work for mixed instrumental combinations. For the first time, we will also present YST students on stage to perform alongside Jonathan Shin.

Featuring:
MARQUES YOUNG, trombone
ANDREAS MARINELLO, saxophone
TIM O’DWYER, saxophone
TONY MAKAROME, double bass
CHRISTIAN BORRES, percussion
KARST DE JONG, piano
JONATHAN SHIN, piano

TICKETING INFORMATION
Admission is free. Register via this form to attend.

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