Jazz Workshops in Maui: Pacific Rim Jazz Retreat

The Pacific Rim Jazz Retreat for Community Big Bands offers a customizable jazz education retreat tailored specifically for adult jazz ensembles, community big bands, and lifelong musicians aiming to elevate their musical skills while immersing in the beauty and culture of Maui.

Whether your ensemble is a developing community band or a regional jazz organization searching for a distinctive destination experience, the Pacific Rim Jazz Retreat provides a flexible format designed to meet the goals and needs of your band.

Designed for Community Musicians, this retreat is perfect for:

• Community big bands

• Adult jazz ensembles

• Municipal & civic jazz bands

• Military alumni groups

• Senior jazz ensembles

• Recreational jazz musicians

• Lifelong learners returning to music

A Workshop Built Around Your Band

Unlike traditional festivals or one-size-fits-all camps, the Pacific Rim Jazz Retreat can be customized to align with your ensemble’s priorities, experience level, and musical interests. We can tailor the retreat to include:

• Big band rehearsals. Topics will include:

      + Ensemble communication

      + Style & phrasing

      + Improvisation

      + Rhythm section interaction

      + Tone & articulation

      + Rehearsal techniques

• Sectionals & instrument masterclasses

• Improvisation workshops

• Sight-reading sessions

• Jazz history & listening sessions

• Director coaching

• Public performances

• Open Jam sessions

• Signature Salt & Pepper Clinics

Each band actively collaborates with our faculty to develop a workshop schedule that best supports the musical and social aspirations of the ensemble.

Signature Salt & Pepper Clinics

One of the standout features of the retreat is our unique Salt & Pepper Clinic format. Community musicians rehearse alongside professional jazz artists on the same instrument, fostering a collaborative rehearsal environment.

These sessions provide direct mentorship while allowing musicians to experience the sound and feel of performing in a professional-caliber ensemble.

Instrument Masterclasses - Clinicians deliver focused instruction on:

• Tone production

• Technique

• Practice concepts

• Jazz phrasing

• Improvisation vocabulary

• Historical approaches to each instrument

Listening Sessions

Faculty guide participants through significant recordings and jazz styles:

• Jazz history

• Influential artists

• Arranging styles

• Big band traditions

• Contemporary jazz developments

Performances & Evening Events
Participants enjoy:

• Faculty Concert

• Open Jam Sessions

• Beachside Social Gatherings

• Participant Showcase Performances

• Professional Big Band Concert

• Local performances

• Educational outreach opportunities

Featured performance with the Ira B. Liss Big Band Jazz Machine and guest artists from Hawai‘i and the mainland.

Why Maui?

Maui provides a unique atmosphere conducive to music-making and community building. Here's a list wonderful things you can explore on your own and schedule with your travel agent:

• Sunset cruises

• Group vacations

• Cultural tours

• Relaxed island setting

• Inspiring scenery

• Opportunities for group excursions

PRICING:

Workshop Tuition  

$250 per person (director included), 18 person minimum

Backline Gear provided:

• Drum Kit, Upright Bass, Keyboards

• Keyboard, Guitar & Bass Amps