2012 International Jazz Orchestra

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!

Bill McFarlin, Musical Director

Bill McFarlin began his relationship with Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp as a camper in 1974. He has served Blue Lake in a variety of capacities over the past 35 years, including cabin counselor, jazz department coordinator, international jazz ensemble director Highlights Coordinator, Director of Public Information and General Manager of Blue Lake’s Public Radio Station – WBLV. He returned to the camp in 2008 as Vice President of Development and Public Relations after a 25 year career in the music industry, and also serves on the Blue Lake Board of Trustees. Mr. McFarlin is a graduate of Boston’s Berklee College of Music, and is a recipient of that institution’s Distinguished Alumni Award. He also studied at Michigan State University and Kansas State University, where he directed the KSU Concert Jazz Ensemble. As a trumpet player, Mr. McFarlin has performed or recorded with numerous artists including Dizzy Gillespie, Phil Wilson, Louie Bellson, and Lena Horne. In 2007, he received the Chairman’s Award from the National Endowment for the Arts.  The 2011 International Jazz Orchestra marks Mr. McFarlin’s fourth tour as a director.