MIRI: The Borneo Jazz “Outreach Programme,” a free music learning session, is back by popular demand and will be held over the festival weekend at ParkCity Everly Hotel here.
The programme, to be held during the Borneo Jazz, provides aspiring musicians with teaching sessions led by professional performers, some of whom are veterans in mentoring the younger generation.
On Friday, 12 May, a class called “Make Me Hip” will teach contemporary keyboard from 2.00pm to 3.30pm. It is led by James Boyle of “Akademi Seni Budaya Dan Warisan Kebangsaan” (ASWARA) College.
The drumkit and percussions concert clinic, “I Got Rhythm!” will be on from 4.00pm to 5.30pm on the same day. It is led by Cabo Cuba Jazz’s Nils Fisher and Armando Vidal.
On 13 May, the class on improvising at the keyboard, “I Want To Break Free”, will take place from 9.30am to 11.00am. It is led by Michael Veerapen from the Michael Simon’s Asian Connection.
The final class on brass instrument techniques and tone production, “Blow Your Horn!” will take place from 11.30am to 1.00pm. It is led by Michael Simon and Terry Hsieh from Michael Simon Asian’s Connection.
The Borneo Jazz “Outreach Programme,” was launched last year with one session on keyboard; it received great response from the public.
Sarawak Tourism has decided to expand it further to incorporate a wider range of instruments.
It is also part of Borneo Jazz’s goal to not only promote the appreciation of music but also encourage and further enhance the technical skills of local aspiring musicians, especially the young.
Interested parties need to register in advance with the Miri Music Centre.
More information on the Outreach Programme can be found on the festival website at www.jazzborneo.com.
Borneo Jazz is organised by Sarawak Tourism, endorsed by Tourism Malaysia and is jointly supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Sarawak. Malaysia Airlines is the sponsor.
