Are you or your students or friends interested in big band music? Please help me spread the word about a unique opportunity to join with like-minded musicians in making some swinging music and having a good time to boot. The setting is beautiful and the food is great! Many of the players return year after year. Below is a brief description of Carmel Valley, the workshop, and the director, Craig Buhler.

ABOUT THE SETTING

A rustic, 10-acre campus nestled in the foothills of the Santa Lucias in Carmel Valley, California provides the perfect setting for Hidden Valley Music Seminars, a year-round Institute of the Arts. The institute is one of 75 “supersites” in America, a designation reserved for locations which present at least 40 Road Scholar (formerly Elderhostel) weeks per year.
The constant thread throughout Hidden Valley’s existence has been uncompromising commitment to maintain the highest quality in each offering. Founder and General Director Peter T. Meckel notes: “As members of the Carmel Valley community, we are aware of our obligation to our friends and supporters. We pledge our unwavering dedication to excellence and substance in all aspects of our work.”

ABOUT THE MUSICAL DIRECTOR

Craig Buhler is former Director of the 17-piece “Stardust Dance Band” in which he plays first alto sax. He is also former director of the two big bands at Camp Heebie Jeebies and one of the two big bands at the Northwest Big Band Workshop.
For the past 25 years, Craig has been a full-time instructor in clarinet, saxophone, flute, ear training, and improvisation. The comprehensive Second Edition of his revolutionary “New Ears Resolution” is helping musicians worldwide learn to improvise .
Craig is a charter member of the California rock band “HONK,” whose yearly reunion concerts are still a priority for California audiences raised on HONK’s 5 albums (including the successful soundtrack to “Five Summer Stories”), and their numerous appearances with “The Beach Boys,” “Loggins & Messina”, “Chicago,” Linda Ronstadt, Jackson Browne, etc.
Among his nine CD’s are six jazz combo collections and three original contemporary worship albums.

ABOUT THE CARMEL BIG BAND WORKSHOP

The Carmel Big Band Workshop provides an opportunity for participants to immerse themselves in music arranged for 17-piece jazz ensemble (4 trumpets, 4 trombones, 5 saxophones, and a 4-piece rhythm section). The week climaxes with a dance/concert/banquet open to the public. In addition to daily big band rehearsals, there is ample time for informal jamming, socializing, and visits to the many attractions of the Carmel / Monterey Peninsula. Excellent meals served by the Institute chef are included in the Workshop package.

https://www.hiddenvalleymusic.org/event-big-band-workshop_669.htm