Jazz Tactics Clinic: A Jazz Tactics clinic can take several forms. It could be a concert-clinic style presentation, similar to the Jazz Tactics DVD. Working with a rhythm section, Chase demonstrates and explains the principles of improvisation, and shows how each musician represents one piece of a puzzle. This session never happens the same way twice, and Chase delights in working with a new band on stage. Nothing can occur that can’t be turned into an educational opportunity!
A Jazz Tactics clinic can also take the form of a Master Class, with a couple of students on stage. Chase gives them strategies for crafting a musical and swinging jazz solo on a popular tune. A melodic approach to improvisation is stressed, learning to hear some of the key tones in the chord changes rather than getting buried under a mountain of scales. By the end of this clinic, the participants on stage and the audience members will hear the underlying harmonic structure, and will understand how it can suggest a melodic line. A live rhythm section is preferred, but play-along recordings can also be utilized.
Finally, a Jazz Tactics clinic can be a group session, where everybody gets in the act. Using a simple tune, Chase offers easy-to-follow instructions, safety-in-numbers improv strategies, and positive reinforcement that encourages even the most reluctant improvisers to give it a shot. Cacophony is a definite possibility!
Brass Tactics Clinic: Through demonstration and discussion, Chase helps brass players develop a more resonant tone, better range and flexibility, increased projection, and an overall efficient approach to playing the instrument. While this clinic is geared towards brass players, others may enjoy sitting in the audience watching the brass players have at it!
Tuning Tactics Clinic: This clinic opens eyes, ears and minds to the possibilities of good intonation. Using excerpts from the Tuning Tactics CD, Chase begins with an explanation and demonstration of the beats that result from notes that are out of tune. He then discusses and demonstrates equal temperament vs. just intonation, and explains how professional musicians co-exist with these seemingly incompatible systems of tuning.
Next, outfitting a trio of audience volunteers with CenterPitch tuners, Chase shows how to use the visual display of a tuner to train the ear, not replace it. Unisons, octaves and fifths are tuned, followed by major and minor triads, making the necessary adjustment to the third of the chord. Audience and participants walk away surprised and impressed by their own ability to hear subtle variations in pitch. Once they hear it, they are motivated to strive for it.
Music Business Clinic: This Q & A session deals with all aspects of being a successful musician, including self-promotion and building a reputation for professionalism and integrity. When do you join the union? How do you break into a scene? How much does a jingle pay? Do you use an agent? How do you attract students? How important is a degree? Once the session gets started, the questions keep on coming. Students are hungry for this information, and they need it!
Big Band Clinic: Chase brings a trumpet player’s perspective to big band playing, showing the players how to approach the parts and listen to the other members of the band. He focuses on each section as a team, helping them to play together and blend, with an emphasis on time feel, dynamics and emotional impact. Band members become more aware of the big picture, and their role in it.
General Instrumental/Vocal Clinic: Chase offers strategies for maximizing the effectiveness of your practice time for maximum improvement. He emphasizes listening as the most important aspect of being a musician, and makes students aware of the diligence and dedication that is required, as well as the rewards that can be reaped.