And all that jazz...
12 June 2003 - the Associated Board today launched its new jazz syllabuses and publications at the Purcell Room in London’s South Bank Centre.
Following the successful introduction of jazz piano and ensemble exams in 1999, the syllabus has been expanded to include clarinet, alto sax, tenor sax, trumpet and trombone. There is also a complete range of supporting publications to assist teachers and students.
Charlie Beale, Lead Jazz Consultant for the Associated Board, writes:
“The new ABRSM exams and jazz materials have already won plaudits from Charles Alexander (Jazzwise), Randy Brecker and others. We believe they are a coherent, progressive, clearly structured and enjoyable way in to jazz and we hope they will revolutionise and re-energise aspects of instrumental teaching. The aim is to make jazz accessible for the less experienced player.
The publications and exams will provide a structure for jazz educators but will also provide a foundation for those instrumental teachers who have little or no experience in the idiom.”
The launch was introduced by Philip Mundey, Director of Examinations, and included a presentation at which Charlie Beale outlined the various elements of the syllabus with the help of an impressive line-up of jazz musicians:
- Chris Batchelor (trumpet)
- Dennis Rollins (trombone)
- Martin Hathaway (alto sax)
- Alan Barnes (clarinet)
- Nikki Iles (piano)
They were joined on stage by jazz students from the Royal Academy of Music and there was more live music in the foyer provided by pupils from the Purcell School.
Leslie East, Director of Publishing, spoke about the wide range of new publications which support the syllabus. He drew particular attention to the innovative AB Real Book, which offers a wealth of material for all jazz players, whether they are taking Associated Board jazz exams or learning informally.