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Masterclass with Gwen Laster – Jazz Violinist
Creative Strings Improvisers Ensemble
Programs that engage and inspire young musicians’ self expression through
improvisation, composition and global music.
Wednesday, March 18 at 7PM
Charleston Jazz Academy
Co-founders Gwen Laster – violinist/composer and Damon Banks- bassist/composer will lead an improvisation workshop on America’s Classical music- Blues and Jazz.
Through creating a safe, supportive, non-competitive environment and teaching improvisation fundamentals, participants will feel free to take creative risks and explore different ways to express themselves on their instruments from the provided repertoire.
This free, open-to-the-public interactive masterclass offers a rare opportunity to engage with a world-class jazz musician. Whether you’re a musician, student, or jazz fan, you’ll enjoy an inspiring session filled with insight, creativity, and live music!
Come experience the artistry of jazz—registration encouraged but not required.
Gwen Laster
Gwen Laster is an adventurous composer, arranger and orchestrator. A classically-trained artist/violinist with a deep appreciation for America’s musical history, and a scholar of African- American musical heritage. A socially conscious activist and educator who understands the power of music to reach and touch everyday people. Her playing is poignant, descriptive and always relevant. Perhaps that’s why she has recorded and performed with the world’s most influential, creative and innovative artists. The list reads like a “who’s who” of modern masters: Andrea Bocelli, David Foster, Alicia Keys, Rihanna, Shaggy, Aretha Franklin, Solange, Mark Anthony, J Lo, Shakira, Burt Bacharach, Gladys Knight, Natalie Cole, Anthony Braxton, Nona Hendryx, Wadada Leo Smith, William Parker, Danny Elfman, Sun Ra Arkestra, Tyler the Creator, Jon Batiste, Deborah Cox, Emeline Michel, We Free Strings and Andrew Baba Lamb.
