Page 57 - April 2016 Life In Naples Magazine

two eighth graders, featuring four trumpets, four trombones, three new orchestra’s formation as an ideal complement to Artis—
saxophones, two guitars, a vibraphone, two upright basses, two Naples’ multidisciplinary approach to youth education.
drummers and a piano. Original plans for the ensemble were to
perform as a traditional sextet. But Miller says the response to open- “This unique educational program provides the rare
audition announcements in Collier County schools was so strong opportunity for young Collier County musicians to work
with talented, enthusiastic players that he accepted every applicant. with some of the most talented professional jazz musicians
The sextet became an orchestra, and rehearsals became a workshop in the area and highlights the importance that Artis—Naples
format, meeting each Wednesday leading up to the orchestra’s places on creating and presenting a wide variety of art forms,”
official debut as the openers for All That Jazz on May 11. Filner says.

In the meantime, the students will hone their skills with the help
of Miller and other members of the adult Jazz Orchestra, who’ll
regularly sit in on rehearsals.

Trombonist and Gulf Coast High School junior Andrew Ramos
performed in the ensemble’s first unofficial gig at a fundraising
event for Artis—Naples’ donors on January 8, just four days after
the orchestra’s auditions. Andrew and three other students joined
Miller and three of his fellow Jazz Orchestra members after only a
10-minute run-through with no formal rehearsals. Andrew, a six-
and-a-half-year veteran of student ensembles, was undaunted by the
short preparation time.

“We played a song that we learned by memory and improved
over that,” says Andrew. “I was a little (nervous), but we’re all pretty
strong players, so I was confident in us.”

For Andrew,meeting his new orchestra co-members and learning
new techniques in rehearsal’s relaxed but focused atmosphere have
been his favorite parts of the Youth Jazz Orchestra so far.

“Most school rehearsals aren’t too fun,” Andrew admits. “But
these you can actually get into. Playing at school is kind of straight
forward, right off the page. Here, you can play what’s on your mind
and speak from the soul.”

Vice President of Artistic Operations David Filner is delighted to
be expanding Artis—Naples’ youth ensembles offerings, which also
include the Youth Orchestra, Symphonia and Youth Chorus. As the
adult Jazz Orchestra stewards these students players, David sees the