2012 International Jazz Ensemble

November 30, 2011

To: 2012 Blue Lake International Jazz Members

From: Rich Fanning and Bill McFarlin

Re: Ensemble Placements

For those able to attend our first rehearsal on Sunday, November 6, thank you for your hard work! It was a very good day and we were impressed with your energy and focus. We are encouraged by the potential for both groups and look forward to working with each of you during the coming months as we prepare for our European tours.

With the recruitment process almost complete, we can move forward with final personnel assignments in the Jazz Orchestra and Jazz Ensemble. It is very important to us that the groups are divided equally based on musicianship and instrumentation. We recognize of course that some of you have personal relationships from camp this summer, but an important part of your experience with the International Program is working together with new friends to achieve your highest potential.

You will be receiving your new music folder in the month of December. Please note the following:

  1. Don’t lose your folder. Not only is there a charge to replace it, but you will lose critical practice time in the interim.

  2. You have been given a preliminary part assignment; however, this is subject to change throughout the rehearsal process. If your part has a solo, you should certainly practice it, but understand that all solo assignments are also subject to change during the rehearsal process.

  3. Practice every day, even if it is just for a few minutes. You have a responsibility to come to the April rehearsal with all notes under your fingers. If you need help, don’t hesitate to reach out to us or ask for help from your music instructor.

We do have openings for 3 trombones, 1 trumpet, 1 baritone sax, 1 piano and 1 drummer between the two groups. If you have a friend or know of a player you feel would be a good prospect, please send us their contact information. We would like to have these remaining spots filled by the end of the year.

While we will be dividing into two groups now, we are still planning to approach our work as a collective. We will be sharing the Grease Pit as a rehearsal site and in some cases, working together on technique or improvisation. Let’s all work hard and support each other as we prepare to embark on the jazz adventure of a lifetime. See you in April!


Richard Fanning, Musical Director
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, trumpeter Richard Fanning began playing professionally at age 18.  Since then, he has performed throughout the United States, Canada and Europe at many prestigious venues including Radio City Music Hall, Red Rocks in Colorado, the Greek Theater in Los Angeles, the North Sea Jazz Festival in Holland, the JVC Jazz Festival in Nice, France, the Umbria Jazz Festival in Italy and the Blue Note Jazz Club in NYC.  Dr. Fanning has toured with a number of music acts throughout his career, including tours with Natalie Cole, The Monkees, Gary Puckett, The Temptations, Perry Como, Illinois Jacquett and the Broadway show Cats.  He has also backed up entertainers such as Ray Charles, Mel Tormé, Nancy Wilson, The Four Tops, The O’Jays, Rich Little, The Grass Roots, The Fifth Dimension, Glenn Miller Orchestra, Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and many others.  He has a multi-platinum record award for his involvement on John Mellencamp’s Scarecrow album in 1985.  Dr. Fanning holds three degrees from Indiana University, including a Master of Music in Jazz Studies and Doctor of Music in Brass Pedagogy and Music Literature.  He teaches instrumental music at University Liggett School in Grosse Pointe Woods.  Dr. Fanning has been on faculty at Blue Lake for six years.  The 2012 International Jazz Ensemble marks Dr. Fanning’s second Blue Lake International Jazz Tour.