Conservatory Program Hosts Master Class
Thursday afternoon, Rivers’ Conservatory Program welcomed master saxophonist Dave Liebman for the first Conservatory Program master class of the year. Mr. Liebman, who has performed with renowned jazz artists Miles Davis, Elvin Jones, and Chick Corea to name a few, gave an outstanding master class to all of the Upper School and Middle School Conservatory Program students. Michael Manasseh ’19 and Henry Lewis ’20 performed with Mr. Liebman along with RSC faculty bassist Sean Farias.
“Mr. Liebman captivated the students for the full two hour class, sharing insights on his experience performing with jazz greats like Jones and Davis,” said Philippe Crettien, Director of Rivers’ Jazz Department. “He worked with all the students on improvisation techniques and the process of developing one’s own voice as an artist. It was a powerful and enriching experience for all the students and faculty!”
Rivers’ Conservatory Program provides student musicians with the faculty, classes, and performances needed to cultivate their musical artistry while at the same time encountering a rigorous academic experience. Open to classical and jazz instrumentalists and vocalists, the program runs in tandem with The Rivers School’s music curriculum. During the regular school day students are enrolled in a typical academic program and join other student musicians in chamber orchestra, chamber ensembles, big band, jazz combos, women’s chorus, and men’s chorus.
At the end of the regular school day, they take additional classes in music theory, ear training, performance, improvisation, solfege, and independent studies, as well as being assigned to Conservatory Program jazz, chamber, or vocal ensembles. A highlight of the Conservatory Program are the masterclasses offered throughout the year.
In additions, the Conservatory Program, which is celebrating its fifteenth anniversary this year, will host two events for Program alumni and their familes this winter. On December 12, 2018 there will be an alumni panel and reception with current students in Bradley Hall from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m., providing an opportunity to share post-Rivers expereinces with them, and to coach, listen to, or sit in with current student groups. On Janusry 5, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. there will be an alumni concert and reception in Bradley Hall. Conservatory Program alumni are invited to come as a performer or audience member,and perform solo or in groups. A collaborative pianist will be available if needed, and a reception will follow. Contact Program Director Dan Shaud at d.shaud@rivers.org with any questions.
There will be a Conservatory Program Information Session and Reception for prospective students and their families on Sunday, October 21, 2018 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. in Bradley Hall. A panel of teachers, current parents, and students will be available to share information and answer questions about the Conservatory Program at Rivers. Topics will include balancing academics and musical study, the curriculum for the music and academic programs, the admissions process, daily life as a Conservatory Program student. Click here for more detailed information.
In additions, the Conservatory Program, which is celebrating its fifteenth anniversary this year, will host two events for Program alumni and their familes this winter. On December 12, 2018 there will be an alumni panel and reception with current students in Bradley Hall from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m., providing an opportunity to share post-Rivers expereinces with them, and to coach, listen to, or sit in with current student groups. On Janusry 5, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. there will be an alumni concert and reception in Bradley Hall. Conservatory Program alumni are invited to come as a performer or audience member,and perform solo or in groups. A collaborative pianist will be available if needed, and a reception will follow. Contact Program Director Dan Shaud at d.shaud@rivers.org with any questions.
© 2021 The Rivers School. All Rights Reserved
Rivers admits academically qualified students and does not discriminate against students or families on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or ethnic or national origin in the administration of its educational programs, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic programs, and other school-administered programs.