PACIFIC RIM JAZZ WORKSHOP
Executive Summary
The Pacific Rim Jazz Workshop is a three-day immersive jazz education festival located in Wailea, Maui, bringing together student musicians, jazz directors, professional clinicians, and world-class performers from across the Pacific region. The program blends big band rehearsals, instrument masterclasses, improvisation clinics, director training, salt-and-pepper pro mentorship, and concerts featuring both students and professional jazz artists.
The workshop is positioned to become the premier jazz education event in the Pacific Rim, offering unmatched musical training combined with the cultural richness and natural beauty of Maui.
The program serves:
- Middle school & high school jazz bands
- Future potential for college and community jazz groups
- Band directors (with or without attending bands)
- The Hawaii community through concerts and tourism growth
The event benefits from the booming interest in destination-based music education, the resurgence of jazz-ensemble participation, and the rising appeal of Maui as a cultural destination.
Mission Statement
To elevate jazz education in the Pacific Rim by providing world-class training, cultural exchange, and unforgettable musical experiences in one of the most inspiring environments in the world.
Vision Statement
Within five years, the Pacific Rim Jazz Workshop will become the leading jazz educational festival in the Western United States and Pacific region, attracting students and directors from Hawaii, the mainland, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and beyond.
Program Overview
The workshop includes:
STUDENT BAND TRAINING TRACK
Big Band Ensemble Training
• Daily rehearsals with professional jazz educators
• Rehearsal preparation for a festival concert
• Sight-reading instruction
• Historical and stylistic context
Instrument Masterclasses
· Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone, and Rhythm Section
· Technical foundations, tone production, articulation, performance concepts
Jazz Improvisation Tracks
Three skill levels:
• Beginner
• Intermediate
• Advanced
Focus includes improvisation techniques, scales, chord theory, rhythm development, jazz vocabulary, and listening methods.
Jazz Listening Labs
• Historical importance
• Stylistic elements
• Key performers
• How to analyze and appreciate jazz
Salt-and-Pepper Clinics
Signature component:
- Students sit next to professional musicians
- Student band plays while pros listen to their counterpart
- Clinician provides real-time feedback
- Pro band members give direct 1-on-1 guidance
- Student band replays chart
- Pro band demonstrates chart
- Final combined performance (students + pros)
DIRECTOR TRAINING TRACKS
Two specialized tracks
1. Director’s Track (With Attending Bands) – 23+ Hours
Included Training
This track offers a powerful combination of director development and experiential learning tied directly to their own students’ progress.
Award-Winning Public School Jazz Director Instruction
• 5 hours of director-specific courses
• 1-hour masterclass analyzing the director’s own rehearsal
(video provided)
• 2-hours observing a top educator rehearsing one of the bands
• 3 hours of jazz improvisation instruction alongside students
• 3 hours of instrument-specific training alongside students
• 8-hours observing any of 5 professional clinicians
• 1-hour Salt & Pepper Clinic rehearsal with the student band and
Pro Band
Concert & Event Access
• Faculty Concert
• Student Jam Session
• Saturday Student Band Concerts
• Saturday Festival Concert with Professional Band
2. Director’s Track (Without Attending Bands) – 31+ Hours
Included Training
This track is ideal for directors seeking heavy professional development without bringing a full ensemble.
Award-Winning Public School Jazz Director Instruction
• 5 hours of director courses
• 5 hours observing another director’s masterclass session
• 2 hours observing top educator rehearsals
• 3 hours of instrument-specific training alongside students
• 3 hours of jazz improvisation instruction alongside students
• 8 hours observing clinicians rehearse attending bands
• 5 hours observing Salt & Pepper Clinics
Concert & Event Access
• Faculty Concert
• Student Jam Session
• Saturday Student Band Concerts
• Saturday Festival Concert with Professional Band
STUDENT BAND SCHEDULE
Thursday
• 7:30 Beach Buffet Breakfast
• 9:00 Big Band Rehearsal & Sight Reading
• 11:00 How to Listen to Jazz
• 12:00 Lunch
• 1:00 Instrument Masterclasses
• 2:30 Improvisation Techniques
• 4:00 Big Band Rehearsal
• 6:00 Catered Dinner & Mingle
• 7:30 Faculty Concert-beach side
• 9:00 Student Jam Session-beach side
Friday
• 7:30 Beach Buffet Breakfast
• 9:00 Big Band Rehearsal & Sight Reading
• 11:00 How to Listen to Jazz
• 12:00 Lunch
• 1:00 Instrument Masterclasses
• 2:30 Improvisation Techniques
• 4:00 Big Band Rehearsal
• 7:00 Catered Sunset Beach Dinner
Saturday
• 12:30–4:30 Sound Checks
• 5:00 High School Concerts
• 7:30 Professional Band Concert with Student Soloists
BIG BAND WORKSHOP COMPONENTS
Rehearsals
• 3 charts (2 clinician picks, 1 director pick)
• Sight-reading improvement
• Historical Content
Improvisation Techniques
• 3-tier skill design
• Jazz theory essential
• Scale and chord application
Jazz Listening Labs
• Historic Recordings
• Stylistic Evolution
Instrument Masterclass
• Tone & technique
• Scales, arpeggios, practice strategies
• Jazz phrasing
• Historical icons of each instrument
Salt-&-Pepper Clinic
• Pro + student musician pairing system
• Fully structured feedback loop
• Culminated combined performance
Director Masterclass
• Director rehearsal evaluations
• Leadership and rehearsal techniques
• Jazz program development guidance
PRICING
Workshop Prices:
Student Workshop Tuition $250
Director Track (with band) $250
Director Track (without band) $300
Public Concert Tickets $35