Jazz Studies
Under the direction of Professor Kris Tiner, the new Jazz Studies program at Bakersfield College offers a path to the Music AA-T degree that focuses on jazz literature and improvisation. Music majors who successfully audition into the Applied Music class for jazz performance receive private instruction with Jazz Studies faculty including Kyle Burnham (drum set), Paul Cierley (guitar), Paul Perez (saxophone), Pete Scaffidi (bass), Susan Scaffidi (voice), Tony Aguilar (trombone), and Kris Tiner (trumpet).
In addition, BC now offers a full slate of jazz courses that are transferable and open to all musicians, including Jazz Combos (MUSC B11) and Jazz Improvisation (MUSC B8). The centerpiece of the program is the Bakersfield College Jazz Ensemble (MUSC B13A), which performs regularly on campus and at local venues. The concert repertoire spans the history of big band jazz, from classics by Ellington, Monk, and Mingus to new student works.
Jazz students have frequent opportunities interact with renowned visiting artists.
Recent guests include jazz icon and Pulitzer Prize finalist Wadada Leo Smith, master
percussionist Tatsuya Nakatani, composer/producer Chris Schlarb, and legendary drummer
Joe La Barbera. Each fall, the Jazz Studies and Commercial Music programs collaborate
to present the Panorama Creative Music Summit, a two-day showcase for original music
by students, faculty, and alumni, with workshops and headline performances by visiting
artists. In April, the Jazz Studies program hosts the annual KCMEA Jazz Day at Bakersfield
College, an all-day festival featuring pro clinicians, masterclasses, and performances
from regional student jazz ensembles. Students in the Jazz Studies program also make
their mark in the community through ongoing partnerships with the Bakersfield Jazz
Workshop, the CSUB Jazz program, the BSO Next program, and the Bakersfield College
Foundation.
Jazz students are also encouraged to take Commercial Music courses, including Intro to Music Technology (MUSIC B30) and Music Business (MUSC B36).
Students sometimes have the opportunity to not only write their own music, but to make use of our professional-quality recording studio and record their tracks! Check out what some of our former students have created as part of their studies at our Bandcamp.
Contact
For more information, visit the BC Jazz website, follow BC Jazz Studies on Facebook, or contact Kris Tiner at kris.tiner@bakersfieldcollege.edu or (661) 395-4313.
