The Pivotal Duke Ellington, Jazz Exploration Fall 2022 Online Workshop With Dr. Kelsey Klotz at Zoom

This six-week online workshop will focus on pianist, composer, and bandleader Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington. Ellington was and remains a pivotal figure in jazz history, known for his unique way of crafting compositions for the individual members of his band. This class will chart his chronology, beginning with his days in the Cotton Club in 1920s New York City, through the swing era and his work with Billy Strayhorn and others, his resurgence in the 1950s with his 1956 performance at the Newport Jazz Festival and iconic Time cover image, his shortlisting for the Pulitzer Prize, his political work, and today’s efforts to remember and honor him. Throughout, we’ll focus on his compositions, his close relationships with the musicians in his band, and what jazz meant to him. ...

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This six-week online workshop will focus on pianist, composer, and bandleader Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington. Ellington was and remains a pivotal figure in jazz history, known for his unique way of crafting compositions for the individual members of his band. This class will chart his chronology, beginning with his days in the Cotton Club in 1920s New York City, through the swing era and his work with Billy Strayhorn and others, his resurgence in the 1950s with his 1956 performance at the Newport Jazz Festival and iconic Time cover image, his shortlisting for the Pulitzer Prize, his political work, and today’s efforts to remember and honor him. Throughout, we’ll focus on his compositions, his close relationships with the musicians in his band, and what jazz meant to him.
Part of a series of virtual workshops taught by Dr. Kelsey Klotz, this is a perfect complement to the informative course series, as well as an excellent stand-alone deep dive, particularly meaningful in preparation for enjoying our premiere holiday production of Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite.
This course is held via Zoom, and requires internet access.
Dr. Kelsey Klotz is a lecturer in UNC Charlotte’s Department of Music with a PhD in musicology. As an educator, Dr. Klotz teaches critical listening as a method for musical analysis and encountering perspectives different from one’s own. Dr. Klotz is currently working on a book manuscript titled Dave Brubeck and the Performance of Whiteness. Dr. Klotz has presented her research for the Society for Ethnomusicology, the Society for American Music, the American Studies Association, the Feminist Theory in Music conference, and various other organizations. Klotz brings a unique and engaging approach to the JazzArts Charlotte Jazz Exploration series.
Special Thanks to our program sponsors: Infusion Fund, North Carolina Arts Council, Knight Foundation, Doris Duke Foundation, South Arts, and Arts & Science Council.

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