Summer Jazz Workshop 2025
Presented by Pinegar Studios
at SOWAL House
Experience jazz as a living language! In this workshop, advanced college musicians mentor younger students (7th grade and up), exploring how jazz is passed down, learned, and spoken. Students will dive into improvisation techniques, the theory behind the music, and the voices of legendary jazz artists — all while discovering their own unique sound. Join us to learn, play, and carry the tradition forward!
Passing the Language Forward
In this dynamic workshop, participants will:
● Discover how jazz is transmitted through history and personal
connection.
● Learn the fundamentals of improvisation and the theory that
supports it.
● Study classic jazz artists and uncover how they developed
their unique voices.
● Understand that every musician has their own path to fluency
in the jazz language.
● Participate in a collaborative environment where students learn
by both teaching and learning.
Through hands-on activities, discussions, and real-time playing,
students will gain tools to find their own voice in jazz — and the
inspiration to carry the tradition forward.
Summer Jazz Workshop Schedule
3 Days of Music, Mentorship & Improvisation
Presented by Pinegar Studios and SOWAL Foundation
Dates:
Friday–Sunday, [June 27-29)
Time: 1:00–4:00 PM daily
Location: SOWAL House (Open to Family & Friends!)
Open to all instruments | Grades 7 and up | Limited to 30 students
Friday- The Language of Jazz
● 1:00–1:30 – Icebreakers & Group Warm-Up (call-and-response, rhythm games)
● 1:30–2:15 – Intro to Improvisation (using the blues or simple modal tunes)
● 2:15–3:00 – Small Group Work: Trading 4s / Simple Solo Exercises
● 3:00–3:45 – Listening Session & Jazz History Focus (short clips, interactive discussion)
● 3:45–4:00 – Wrap-Up & Journal Prompt (e.g., “What surprised you about improvising?”)
Saturday- Finding your Voice
● 1:00–1:15 – Warm-Up Jam (blues or modal vamp)
● 1:15–2:00 – Performance Techniques (phrasing, articulation, stage presence)
● 2:00–2:45 – Jazz History Spotlight (e.g., Miles, Ella, Monk – with live examples)
● 2:45–3:45 – Sectionals / Combo Breakouts (prepare tunes for showcase)
● 3:45–4:00 – Daily Reflection & Q&A
Sunday- Putting it All Together
● 1:00–1:15 – Group Warm-Up Jam
● 1:15–2:15 – Final Rehearsals (combos, soloists, transitions)
● 2:15–3:15 – Mock Showcase / Feedback Session
● 3:15–4:00 – Logistics & Confidence Boost (talk through the showcase, answer questions)
Sunday 7:00 PM – Student Showcase
● Combos or small groups perform prepared pieces
● Optional solos or features
● Brief intros by students or you about what they learned
Registration and Cost
Cost per student is $250 with a 20% discount if you book before June 1
This includes all three sessions
and the showcase on Sunday
There are
group/family discounts available
some full and partial scholarships
if needed
Meet your mentors
Ready to speak jazz? Our workshop brings college-level musicians together with younger students to explore improvisation, history, and the heart of jazz. Come be part of the conversation!
Luke
Lead Clinician
Luke Pinegar i s a Gulf Coast-based jazz multi-instrumentalist known for his soulful sound, deep swing, and genre-crossing versatility. A graduate of the University of North Texas, Luke has performed and recorded in jazz, gospel, blues, rock, and country settings, drawing on i nfluences from New Orleans street beats to Nat King Cole and Otis Redding. With decades of experience as a performer, educator, and former Executive Director at The Ark in Panama City Beach, Luke now teaches and performs full-time, inspiring audiences with heartfelt, groove-driven music rooted in tradition and storytelling.
Alex Yanez
Guest Clinician
Alexander Yanez is a versatile drummer and educator with over a decade of professional experience. A South Florida native, his musical roots span rock, blues, jazz, and Latin styles such as Bossa Nova, Samba, and Afro-Cuban. He earned his Associate in Arts from Broward College, where he was a key member of the jazz program and mentored by alumni from Florida State University and the University of Miami. Alex also led workshops at local high schools, developing his passion for teaching students of all levels. He i s currently a senior at Florida State University, studying under acclaimed New Orleans drummer Leon Anderson. Dedicated to both performance and education, Alex strives to share the joy of music with learners at every stage.
Jesse Reese
Guest Clinician
Jesse Reese is a Panama City Beach native and current student at Florida State University. Jesse is a rising senior at Florida State and is perusing a degree in performance.
He attended Arnold High School and played in their jazz band. During his high school years was called often to play with local jazz groups and continues to perform along the Gulf Coast.
Garner Brant
Guest Clinician
Garner Brant is a recent graduate of Florida State University where he got his Bachelor of Music in Jazz performance on double bass. During his time at FSU he studied under Rodney Jordan and George Speed, studying both jazz and classical music intensively. He has performed with notable Jazz groups on campus including Jazz Ensemble I as well as combos led by Scotty Barnhart, Leon Anderson, and Bill Peterson. Furthermore, he has led jazz combo groups that have provided music for campus activities and various venues within the Tallahassee area. As an active classical bassist he has performed with the University Philharmonic Orchestra and the Studio Orchestra at FSU, while performing solo works by Franz Schubert, Giovanni Botesini, and Gabriel Fauré for George Speed’s studio. He has worked as an electric and upright bassist for local theaters playing in “Sweet Charity,” “Something Rotten!” “The Light in the Piazza,” “Hello Dolly!” and “Parade,” and has performed with chamber orchestras to put on Christmas cantatas. Garner Brant plans on attending William Paterson University in Fall of 2025, where he will be pursuing a degree Masters in Jazz Arranging and Composition. He hopes to continue performing both Jazz and Classical music while being a professional arranger for Jazz Big Band.