Drummer Marvin “Smitty” Smith has been added to the acclaimed instructor roster for UC San Diego Extension’s popular “Jazz Camp,” which starts Sunday, June 22 and runs through June 27.
The 12th annual workshop will feature Smith, who gained a national following as the popular drummer on the “Tonight Show” starring Jay Leno. In addition, Benny Green, a hard-bop jazz pianist who was a member of Art Blakey's famed Jazz Messengers, has been added as an instructor.
Included among the many top musicians serving as returning instructors are saxophonist Charles McPherson; bassist Mark Dresser; flutist Holly Hofmann; trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos; guitarist Peter Sprague; pianists Anthony Davis and Mike Wofford.
“Along with these outstanding players, Jazz Camp offers the rare opportunity for our students to work with recognized UC San Diego music professors David Borgo, Anthony Davis, and Mark Dresser,” said Dan Atkinson, who serves as Jazz Camp founder and director.
The five-day summer program is geared for intermediate- to advanced-level musicians, ages 14 to adult.
A full complement of 55 musicians will attend the camp, taking classes on Jazz History and Theory, Improvisation, Ensemble Performance, Composition and Arranging, and Instrumental Master classes, plus private lessons, jam sessions, and faculty concerts.