Elaborate harmony, syncopated rhythmic motifs, and improvisational complexity — three of the most beloved elements of the jazz genre. The weeklong program known as the UNC Summer Jazz Workshop was set for late June again this year. It was a very successful week for the performers, as they got to work in their individual combos, take jazz specific theory courses, and attend daily jam sessions and concerts.
I had the opportunity to speak with one of the participants — Julianne Rejesus — about her reason for being here and what the experience has been like.
Rejesus is a rising freshman at UNC Chapel Hill. She is from Apex, North Carolina, and has been playing trombone since 6th grade. Rejesus started playing jazz in 8th grade but decided to stop after a while. Just this year, she has picked it up right where she left off.
Rejesus participated in the Triangle Youth Jazz program (TYJ) this past spring, which helped spark her interest in returning to jazz. Her ensemble came to UNC’s campus for the Duke Ellington Competition, and she was then introduced to this workshop. Since she’ll be attending here in the fall, Rejesus thought it would be a great opportunity to be on campus and push herself outside of her comfort zone.
At the start of the week, she was feeling a little nervous to be a part of the workshop. Rejesus didn’t know what to expect, but was hoping this experience would help her gain confidence as a player.
“I knew there would be great players and great teachers,” she said.
Some of the featured faculty members include drummer Kobie Watkins, marimbist Juan Álamo, bassist Jason Foureman, trombonist Roland Barber, and saxophonist Rahsaan Barber. The instructor overseeing the Jazz Workshop is Dr. Stephen Anderson—a jazz pianist, composer, and instructor of jazz studies here at UNC Chapel Hill.
Rejesus goes on to describe what she loves about jazz and what makes it special to her.
“The thing I love about jazz is that you can put random players together and make music immediately,” she said.
Rejesus also appreciates how creative jazz can be. For her, TYJ was all about learning to take artistic liberty, and that’s a skill she’s hoping to improve upon in this workshop. Rejesus is also looking to find her own unique voice within her playing style — or at least the tools to help her develop it after this weeklong workshop.
“Everyone’s artistic style is so cool. I think that’s one of the coolest things about jazz — how everyone develops a unique sound,” she said.
We talked briefly about Rejesus’ experience as a woman both in the jazz workshop and other jazz spaces in general. She recounted her early days as a jazz musician feeling like there weren’t many other women partaking in jazz ensembles.
“Most jazz cats don’t care about who you are… if you can play, you’re in. I don’t want being a woman in jazz to be what I’m known for… but at the same time it is part of my experience” she said.
Rejesus also gave some advice for aspiring jazz players: “Have fun and don’t overthink it,” she said.
Jazz is a challenging art form that can take years and years to master. Looking back, Rejesus wishes she hadn’t stopped when she was younger. Now, she is putting herself out there and enjoying all the creative intricacies that jazz has to offer.