Evergreen Jazz Festival education clinic 2025
TROMBONE: DOUG TIDABACK
Doug Tidaback, trombone, has performed with The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, The Temptations, Aretha Franklin, The Supremes, Harry Connick Jr. The Arizona Roadrunners, The Chambana Stompers, and many others. Mr. Tidaback locally performs with The Littleton Symphony, The Symphony of the Rockies and The Colorado Nighthawks.
As an educator Doug Tidaback is the founder of The Heartland Jazz Orchestra, The Arizona Jazz Academy, The Tucson Jazz Institute and The Colorado Jazz Ambassadors. Doug has taught at The University of Illinois, Bradley University, San Jose State University, Hartnell College The Tucson Jazz Institute and currently directs the Jazz Bands and Wind Ensemble at Arapahoe Community College. His student ensembles have toured Europe six times, appeared on the MDA Telethon 4 times and the Lincoln Center in New York nine times.
Doug serves as Education Coordinator for the Evergreen Jazz Festival setting up clinics and workshops for student musicians and ensembles in the schools of the surrounding counties of Denver, Colorado.
piano: hank troy
Hank Troy has been the pianist with the QCJB since 1981. In addition to being a spectacular player, he is the secretary/treasurer for the Queen City Jazz Foundation. In this capacity Hank helps with the behind-the-scenes activities of the band, such as helping to produce the band's annual concert. He is a nationally recognized expert as a pianist for silent movies and has traveled the country doing the same. As leader of the Queen City Ragtime Ensemble, Hank promotes Ragtime Jazz, the great American music that was the precursor to the traditional jazz that the band performs today.
Trumpet: SETH MERLIN
Originally from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, trumpeter Seth Merlin is a versatile and expressive voice on the modern jazz scene. A graduate of the University of Miami, Seth studied under trumpet greats Gil Johnson, Al Hood, and Greg Gisbert, developing a foundation that bridges classical precision with the soul and spontaneity of jazz.Seth’s career as a performer has taken him around the world, touring and recording with an eclectic mix of iconic artists and ensembles. His credits include the Woody Herman Orchestra, Glenn Miller Orchestra, The O’Jays, Bocelli, Mariah Carey, The Stylistics, Al Martino, Hal Linden, Vic Damone, The Stylistics, Sammy Figueroa, Jon Secada, Nestor Torres, Tito Gomez, Ed Calle, Cano Estremera, and the Jaco Pastorius Big Band. His playing moves fluidly between swing, Latin jazz, soul, and contemporary styles, always grounded in a deep respect for the tradition and an ear for innovation.Now, based in Boulder, Colorado, Seth is an active performer, sought-after educator, and passionate mentor. He teaches trumpet and jazz improvisation, guiding students with a focus on creativity, listening, and individual voice. Whether on stage or in the classroom, Seth brings an infectious energy and commitment to the music that continues to inspire his students and audiences alike.
SAXOPHONE: BEN SEVEY
Benjamin Sevy has been playing the Saxophone for 16 years. He discovered his passion for music education in the seventh grade and has been pursuing band education ever since. After receiving a bachelor's in music education with band emphasis, a bachelors in music in classical saxophone performance from CU Boulder, and a masters of music in jazz performance from the University of Louisville, he began teaching up and down the front range of Colorado. He is currently the assistant director for the Colorado Jazz Ambassadors and a band director at five of the beginning band programs in highlands ranch. He has always loved working with children and is working to found the "Love Angels Children's home" foundation located in Kehancha Kenya.
BANJO: DAVE SCHUGERT
Dave Shugert is an educator and a multi-instrumentalist in the
Denver Metro area. Dave has a Bachelor of Music Education
degree from the College of Wooster and a Master’s of Music
Education degree from the University of Northern Colorado.
He taught band, orchestra and general music in Douglas
County for 36 years and today, continues to teach privately
out of his home studio.
Dave had performed professionally for more than 45 years,
including experiences in Ohio, California and in Colorado. His
performing experiences include Moments Notice
Entertainment, Cedar Point Amusement Park, Modaz, Hot
Toddy, The Bucktones, The Radios and many local churches
as well as shows with numerous artists including Cody
Slaughter and Endre Samu. Dave plays the double bass in
the Lonetree Symphony, Hot Breakfast Club and several
groups doing casual gigs. Dave began playing bluegrass on
the 5 string banjo in the 1970s and has enjoyed transitioning
to the tenor banjo and playing traditional jazz.
MUSIC...
This year's clinic will cover everything from basic improvisation, through the history of Trad Jazz featuring tunes such as Duke Ellington's "Second Line", Ira Gerswhin's "I Got Rhythm", Sidney Bechet's "Shag", and Lester Young's "Lester Leaps In" with emphasis on form and evolution of the music.
CLINIC DETAILS
2 DAY CLINIC
LOCATION: EVERGREEN CHRISTIAN CHURCH 27772 Iris Dr, Evergreen, CO 80439
Friday, July 25th...
8:30-9:00am - Check in at Evergreen Christian Church
9:00-9:35 - Clinician Introductions
9:35 to 10:45am - Instrument Breakouts
11am-11:45 - Group Clinic
Noon - "Evolution of Traditional Jazz" presentation in the Elk's BallroomSaturday, July 26th...
8:30-9am - Check in at Evergreen Christian Church
9-9:35 Clinician introductions/Overview of the day
9:35 to 10:45am - Instrument Breakouts
11am - Group ClinicOther Important Info
-Please bring a lunch or plan to purchase food at the festival
-Students will receive a free pass to attend the festival, please enjoy the many world class performances at the festival!
