Master Classes

ABOUT NOLLER/SYLLA

MASTER CLASS TOPICS

Jeremy Noller

• West African Rhythms for the Drum Set

• Jazz Drum Set Fundamentals

• Jazz Brushes Fundamentals

• Contemporary Jazz Techniques

• Brazilian & Afro Cuban Jazz

• Holistic Practice Techniques

COLLABORATIVE PERFORMANCES

Jeremy Noller and Mangue Sylla have adapted the music of their NOLLER/SYLLA EP for a variety of student ensembles. Taking the music beyond the master class, students will have the opportunity to put what they have learned into action alongside Noller and Sylla.

Percussion Ensemble

All 5 tracks from the NOLLER/SYLLA EP have been adapted for percussion ensemble. The arrangements feature traditional West African drums (djembe, dundun, sangban, kenkeni), as well as mallet percussion, shakers, and bells. While originally written for 5 players plus a featured djembe soloist, these arrangements are designed to be flexible and are easily adaptable to fit the needs of smaller or larger ensembles. Additionally, instrument substitutions can be made in the absence of the traditional West African drums.

Jazz Big Band

Big Band adaptations of the NOLLER/SYLLA EP have been masterfully arranged by award winning composer/arranger/saxophonist Michael Thomas. Michael is the composer and co-leader of the Grammy Award nominated Terraza Big Band, and an original member of NOLLER/SYLLA. Arrangements are designed to feature Noller & Sylla as guest performers, with flexibility to add an expanded percussion section. This presents a unique opportunity for jazz students to experience West African rhythm and gain a deeper understanding of the rhythmic roots of jazz music.

Jazz Combo

The arrangements featured on the NOLLER/SYLLA EP are available for jazz combos of all sizes and instrumentations. Though originally scored for alto sax, guitar, bass, and drum set, parts are available for all standard jazz instruments and can easily be adapted for larger ensembles. With rhythms and melodies taken directly from traditional West African recordings, these arrangements give performers an inside perspective on how a traditional ensemble functions and how Jeremy and Mangue worked towards these collaborative arrangements.

Cross-Department Collaboration

The variety of these offerings give music departments unique opportunities for cross-department collaboration. Regardless of instrumentation, the arrangements are all based on the same rhythms, melody, and form. Specifically this allows for a range of collaborative performances bringing percussion ensemble and jazz ensembles together. Custom arrangements are available to meet the needs of any aggregate ensemble. Options include:

• Jazz Big Band + Percussion Ensemble

• Jazz Combo + Percussion Ensemble

• Percussion Ensemble with featured jazz performers

• Collaborative concerts featuring multiple ensembles

Online Rehearsal Coaching

Since time working with ensembles during an artist visit may be limited, ensembles can begin working with Jeremy Noller well in advance through online coaching sessions. This offers educators a chance to jump start their rehearsal process, and give students the foundation for a more enriching experience with the artists.

Jeremy offers a wide range of coaching topics from general listening skills for West African music, to specific instruction on NOLLER/SYLLA concert repertoire, all focused on helping students build the skills necessary for a successful performance. Flexible delivery methods include: live video conference with a class or ensemble, submitting rehearsal videos and student questions for feedback, and/or written correspondence guiding the rehearsal process.

Community Engagement

Jeremy Noller and Mangue Sylla have a wide range of experience sharing the joy of music with audiences of all ages. From educational workshops for K-12 students at schools throughout NYC, to adult workshops with the world renowned team-building organization Drum Cafe, the two have been facilitating interactive drumming experiences together for over 10 years. Opportunities to engage your broader community include:

• Open-level community drum circles

• K-12 educational assemblies and classroom visits

• Lecture concerts and interactive performances