Take a listen to RSMI Jazz alum Alan Blanchard performing his arrangement of Jerome Kern’s “Nobody Else But Me” (from Showboat) alongside bassist Gabriel Godoy and pianist Mason Margut. In 2019, trumpeter Blanchard was among the young professional musicians who took part in the one-week Program for Jazz that focuses on composition and performance. During this program, fellows spend time rehearsing in quintets, studying composition with illustrious faculty, and learning how to perform with ever-changing personnel.
With enrollment limited to 15 musicians, artists find an intimate, collegial atmosphere as they work with each other and meet for lessons and master classes with a distinguished faculty including Co-Program Directors pianist Billy Childs, bassist Rufus Reid, and saxophonist Steve Wilson.
“For Steve, Billy, and Rufus to really be able to advise us on stuff, they kind of have to get to know us on another degree, so, you know, I feel like when they give you advice it’s not just the same advice they give to anybody. They try to give you that advice and take into consideration you as an individual,” Blanchard shared of his experience in the program.
The Ravinia Steans Music Institute fosters a supportive, non-competitive environment for study and performance, with participants from around the world creating a distinctive jazz community.