An Opportunity to be Part of a Jazz Big Band

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. They say 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 new 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 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 NEW MUSICAL DIRECTOR

Craig Buhler is Director of the 17-piece “Stardust Dance Band” in which he plays first tenor sax. He is also director of the two big bands at Camp Heebie Jeebies http://www.campheebiejeebies.us/ and one of the two big bands at the Northwest Big Band Workshop http://www.nwbb.info/
For the past 15 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 https://craigbuhler.com/play-by-ear/ .
Craig is a charter member of the rock band “HONK,” http://www.honkband.com/index.htm 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.
The Carmel Big Band Workshop is one of many Road Scholar educational adventures created by Elderhostel, the not-for-profit world leader in lifelong learning since 1975. For details, visit http://www.roadscholar.org/n/program/dailyschedule.aspx?dID=1-6TT9RV or call (800) 454-5768 Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET. When calling, specify the National Road Scholar Music Performance Weeks at Hidden Valley Program #6253RJ.

ITINERARY

DATES: Oct 5 — Oct 10, 2014

Day One: Sunday, October 05

2:00 – 5:00 pm Check-In
6:00 pm Welcome Dinner & Orientation
Lodging: Hidden Valley Inn or Wright Hall
Meals Included: Dinner

Day Two: Monday, October 06

7:30 am Long, slow stretching and breathing exercises prepare participants for the day’s activities
8:30 am Breakfast
10:00 am Rehearsal
12:00 pm Lunch
2:00 pm Natural History of the Monterey Peninsula: A coastal biologist explores the Natural History that contributes to making Carmel/Monterey a world famous area.
6:00 pm Dinner
7:00 pm Rehearsal
Lodging: Hidden Valley Inn or Wright Hall
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day Three: Tuesday, October 07

7:30 am Long, slow stretching and breathing exercises prepare participants for the day’s activities
8:30 am Breakfast
10:00 am Rehearsal
Afternoon: Free Afternoon to explore the area. Sack lunches provided.
6:00 pm Dinner
7:00 pm Rehearsal
Lodging: Hidden Valley Inn or Wright Hall
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day Four: Wednesday, October 08

7:30 am Long, slow stretching and breathing exercises prepare participants for the day’s activities
8:30 am Breakfast
10:00 am Rehearsal
12:00 pm Lunch
1:30 pm Jack London tells participants about his life & work.
6:00 pm Dinner
7:00 pm Rehearsal
Lodging: Hidden Valley Inn or Wright Hall
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day Five: Thursday, October 09

7:30 am Long, slow stretching and breathing exercises prepare participants for the day’s activities
8:30 am Breakfast
10:00 am Rehearsal
12:00 pm Lunch
Afternoon: Freelance Chamber Music
6:30 pm Dinner and Concert (open to the public by reservation)
Lodging: Hidden Valley Inn or Wright Hall
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day Six: Friday, October 10

Breakfast: Farewell Brunch & Graduation

Free Time Opportunities

• •Carmel Valley, CA
• •Allen Knight Maritime Museum near Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf.
• •Art Galleries: Over 35 art galleries in Carmel.
• •Cannery Row: This street, once the home of the sardine canneries from John Steinbeck’s “Cannery Row,” now houses restaurants, galleries, unique shops, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
• •Carmel Mission: Visit the historic Carmel Mission established by Father Junipero Serra.
• •Colton Hall: A museum of history illustrating the days when Monterey was California’s capitol.
• •Fisherman’s Wharf: Stroll along Monterey’s fisherman’s Wharf to watch the seals, pelicans, & people.
• •Garland Park: Hiking trails for every level of experience — from easy, flat trails to very challenging, steep hikes.
• •Monterey Bay Aquarium: The Monterey Bay Aquarium, on historic Cannery Row.
• •Monterey’s Path of History: Take a self-guided walking tour and see the historic adobes along Monterey’s Path of History.
• •Shopping: Carmel Rancho, Carmel Barnyard, Carmel Crossroads, Ocean Avenue, Carmel Del Monte Center, Monterey
• •Walk on the beach: Stroll along beautiful Scenic Drive in Carmel. Sit on one of the benches overlooking the beaches of Carmel Bay from Pebble Beach to Point Lobos.

Important information about your itinerary:

Please know that while we do everything we can to finalize all aspects of our programs well in advance, there are logistics that occasionally must be altered. Our website will reflect the most recent information, and we are committed to providing you with final program details no later than eight weeks prior to the start of programs outside the U.S. and three weeks prior to the start of programs within the U.S. If you ever have questions about your program, please don’t hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to assist you.

Dates: Oct 5 — Oct 10, 2014
Prices starting at $765
Our Value Promise To You
You won’t find a better value. Included at no additional cost on this date …
• •5 nights of accommodations
• •13 meals: 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
• •2 Expert-led lectures
• •12 Hands-on experiences
• •1 Performance
Call Elder Hostel toll free at 800-454-5768 for questions about registration, fees, and logistics.