Saxophone Weekend

	Saxophone Weekend • Application

What's the program?

If you are a saxophone player and are looking to develop your skills in improvisation, group playing, and performance, Berklee's Saxophone Weekend is for you. Improve your playing through master classes, group lessons, and ensembles. Director of the program, Woodwind Department chair Bill Pierce, has performed and recorded with such notable artists as Art Blakey, Branford Marsalis, Wynton Marsalis, and Tony Williams and has been featured at major international jazz festivals.

Who are the instructors?

The classes and workshops will be taught by Berklee's Woodwind Department faculty and special guest artists.

What's the schedule?

Group Lessons—These will address topics normally included in traditional private saxophone lessons. You will receive instruction in instrumental technique (tone, finger speed, intonation, tongue speed and placement, jazz articulation, etc.), practice habits, and other related topics.

Master Classes—These will be lectures/demonstrations by faculty members or guest artists on various aspects of performing, improvisation, and personal experience. There will be a wide variety of topics, and at times there may be group participation.

Questions and group discussion will encompass part of the class, providing you with an opportunity to explore the artists' opinions and strategies for success. You'll also be able to connect with them in a personal, relaxed, musically engaging situation.

Ensembles—You will have the opportunity to play in group settings with students of similar playing abilities accompanied by a rhythm section. You will perform in a concert on the final day of the event.

Theory and Improvisation—You will be taught music theory and how to apply it to improvisation. This class will provide you with a basic understanding of chord/scale relationships in direct correlation with the improvement of one's aural skills.

Jam Sessions—These jam sessions will be relaxed playing situations with a rhythm section provided.

On Friday, June 20, and Saturday, June 21, the Saxophone Weekend faculty will perform in concert. On Sunday your family and friends are invited to attend the program finale, during which you will perform in a closing concert.

Will I be able to use the college's facilities?

While you are at Berklee College of Music for the Saxophone Weekend, your Berklee ID card (issued at registration) will provide you with access to our extensive facilities, including the Stan Getz Media Center and Library, the Learning Center, and practice rooms.

Where will I eat and sleep?

When we have processed your application, you will be sent information and an application for residence hall housing. Most program participants elect to stay in the Berklee residence halls. However, acceptance to the program does not guarantee a residence hall space. Space is limited. To optimize your chances for on-campus housing, you must return the housing application immediately upon receiving it. To be eligible to live in the residence hall, you must be 15 years of age by the start of the program. If you are applying to the program after mid-May, 2008, call the Housing Office at 617 747-2292 to find out if residence hall space is still available.

Am I eligible?

To participate in the program, you must be at least 15 years old by the start of the program and have at least six months of playing experience.

How should I prepare for the placement evaluation?

During registration you will be asked to perform a short piece that should showcase your reading and/or jazz playing ability. This will help us place you in classes that best match your ability.

How much are the tuition and fees?

How and when can I pay my fees?

Bills for this program will be mailed 30 days prior to the start of the program. The bill will include a payment coupon and return mail envelope for your convenience. All bills will have instructions on how to make payment using the Internet, phone, and bank-to-bank wire transfers; it will also include the due date for the payment. Tuition and housing fees are to be paid together, unless you are living at an off-campus location. Payments are due in full one week prior to the start of the program. This will expedite your registration. Payment on the date of registration is highly discouraged. If you are experiencing difficulty making your payment by the due date, please contact our offices for assistance. If your application was not received and processed in time for you to have a bill sent in the 30-day period, call the Office of the Bursar to check your balance. A bill will be mailed regardless of when your application is processed and it will indicate "Late Add." No additional charges are assessed for this, however, you are still responsible for making the payment within the due date guidelines.

The Office of the Bursar is available to assist you with your questions regarding payment of your summer program. Please address any of these issues by emailing bursar@berklee.edu or by contacting one of our representatives at 617 747-2165 or 617 747-2610.

How do I apply?

There are two ways to register for the program:

When will I know if I've been accepted into the program?

Please allow us four weeks (six for international applicants) to process your application. Once your application has been processed, we will notify you of your enrollment status by mail.