Jazz Orchestra Workshop 2026: Writing & Performing
Special Edition 2026
Coordinator and Clinician: Roberto Spadoni
This year, Siena Jazz features an extraordinary international collaboration: the Frost Jazz Orchestra (University of Miami), conducted by 3-time Grammy Award winner John Daversa , will be the resident ensemble for the workshop.
Participants will have the unique opportunity to write for a large orchestra with step-by-step expert guidance by Roberto Spadoni , seeing their arrangements rehearsed and performed live by a prestigious, award-winning ensemble. Furthermore, the program features two extensive sessions with John Daversa: an exclusive masterclass within the workshop focusing on the core topics of jazz writing and arranging, including the analysis and listening of his own original works.
Venues
Workshop & Rehearsal: Siena Jazz – Accademia Nazionale del Jazz, Fortezza Medicea (Siena).
Masterclass & Concerts (July 21st & 22nd): “Rinaldo Franci” Conservatory of Music, Siena.
Educational Offer
COMPOSING & ARRANGING
Writing and arranging workshop for Medium Jazz Ensemble from the 17 to the 22 of July
Writing and Arranging Workshop is aimed at practical activities (arranging planning of an arrangement, writing for jazz ensemble, score and parts writing, managing and conducting ensemble rehearsals). No theory lessons will be held.
First Part – 17/20 July: Intensive writing and arranging sessions coordinated by Roberto Spadoni
Morning session: 10.00 – 13.00
Afternoon session: 15.00 – 18.00
Second Part – 21 e 22 July : Orchestral rehearsals with the Frost Jazz Orchestra
Morning Session: 9:30 – 13:30
MASTERCLASS
(At Conservatoru of the Rinaldo Franci)
21 e 22 July: from 15:00 to 16:30
PLAYING
(At the Conservatory Rinaldo Franci)
– 21 July, 18:30: The Frost Jazz Orchestra in concert, conducted by John Daversa.
– 22 July, 18:00: The Frost Jazz Orchestra performs all compositions and arrangements written during the workshop.
Cost and registration procedures
To register as a composer, follow the registration procedure on Nettuno.
- Composer-arranger fee € 300;
Payment must be made through the Nettuno PA platform, using the QR code generated by Pago PA at the end of the registration process.
Places Available
- 10 composer-arrangers: knowledge of basic writing techniques for jazz ensembles is required (block harmony, background, two- or three-part melody harmonization, writing for rhythm section, writing a score) and good use of music notation software. It is essential to bring your own computer to work with during the workshop.
Si ringrazia il Conservatorio di Musica Rinaldo Franci per la gentile concessione degli spazi.
