Tuesdays 8:15–9:45 pm, 9/22–12/1; No class 11/24; Performance: 12/8

RSVP / DETAILS

Explore the groove-oriented sounds of contemporary jazz, funk, soul, and fusion through the music of artists such as George Benson, Marcus Miller, Grover Washington Jr., Yellowjackets, and others. Designed for intermediate and advanced instrumentalists, the ensemble focuses on developing strong rhythmic feel, expressive phrasing, improvisation, and group interaction in an electric band setting.

Participants will work on:

• Improvisation within contemporary jazz, funk, and fusion styles

• Rhythmic vocabulary and groove

• Navigating chord changes and contemporary jazz harmony

• Ensemble interaction, dynamics, and responsiveness

• Repertoire development and stylistic interpretation

Tuesdays 8:15–9:45 pm
9/22–12/1
No class 11/24
Performance: 12/8
Daniel Parenti, $475
(in-person)

Prerequisites

• Working knowledge of jazz harmony and chord symbols

• Ability to improvise over common jazz and funk progressions

• Solid time feel in both swing and straight-eighth groove settings

• Comfort reading lead sheets and basic charts

Important Notes

• All ensembles culminate in a live, free performance.

• Please confirm you can attend the performance date before registering.

• A placement audition is required for new students.

How to Register

Please complete the online Ensemble Application Form below. Once we’ve received your application and, for new students, your audition recording, we’ll review your information and contact you to confirm placement. Once your placement is confirmed, we’ll send you a link to submit tuition payment. No payment is required until placement is confirmed.

Application form and audition guidelines:
Jazzschool Ensemble Application Form and Audition Guidelines

About Daniel Parenti

Daniel Parenti is a bassist, composer, and educator with a wide-ranging performance background that includes collaborations with jazz artists such as Michael Brecker, Rosemary Clooney, and Lionel Hampton. A prolific recording artist, he has released six albums of original material and remains active in the Bay Area music scene.

His performance résumé also includes work with Tommy Igoe, Billy Johnson (Santana), Frank Martin (Narada Michael Walden), Joel Smith (Walter Hawkins), and Lorn Leber (Jerry Garcia Band). Known for his deep sense of groove and command of modern jazz styles, Parenti brings a practical, performance-based approach to helping students strengthen contemporary rhythm section playing, improvisation, and ensemble interaction.