Jazz at Lincoln Center Performer Hosts Workshop for York Music Students

Music Professor Tom Zlabinger, known for his passion for community engagement, regularly hosts vibrant jams with students, faculty and guests.

^{Dr. Thomas Zlabinger (far right in rust-colored shirt) and fellow music faculty and students welcome South African jazz musician Thembi Dunjana (center in headband) to a recent Jam Session.}

The jam sessions are part of the weekly York College Community Jam on Tuesdays at noon in the Music Classroom (AC-LL01). These sessions are made even more dynamic when guest performers join, bringing fresh insights and unique perspectives that enrich the learning experience for his students.

According to Dr. Zlabinger, inviting professional musicians to share their expertise enhances the educational process. “Guests don't just impart technical proficiency,” he explains. “They encourage students to connect with each other and engage more deeply with the music. This collaborative approach fosters growth both as musicians and as individuals.”

This spring semester, Professor Zlabinger welcomed South African jazz pianist Thembi Dunjana, a seasoned performer scheduled to perform at Jazz at Lincoln Center later that evening. He invited her to conduct a workshop for the students. Trained in jazz piano at the University of South Africa in Cape Town, Thembi, who still lives in her hometown, shared her innovative approach to improvisation, offering invaluable lessons to the group. Her visit, at the invitation of Dr. Zlabinger ("Dr. Tom" to his students), proved to be a memorable experience.

During the session, Thembi observed the band—a mix of current and former York students—playing together. While their sound was solid, she offered a simple but powerful suggestion: "Look at one another," she advised. "Everyone is focused on what they’re doing, but not on each other. And when are you going to end the song?" Her guidance encouraged the musicians to connect and respond to one another in real-time, creating a more cohesive and interactive performance.

Thembi then joined the group at the piano, sitting alongside Terrell Springer of the Class of ’24 and playing in sync with him, demonstrating the magic that happens when musicians truly connect.

“We just laid down a groove and went with it,” Zlabinger explained. “We had a lot of fun with Thembi! She was very generous with her time, sharing her talents and knowledge with our students. She may be soft-spoken, but she is a killer player! The students really enjoyed learning from her and getting to know her on a personal level.”

The session was further enriched by the stellar lineup of musicians: Logan Conkright (saxophone), Tyrone Morris (trumpet), Terrell Springer ‘24 (keys), Melanie Williams (bass), and Ajanee Smith (drums). Additionally, Eddie Allen, a York trumpet faculty member, and Syria, a new saxophonist joining the York music community, added more energy and heat to the session.

The workshop left a lasting impact on the students, who learned new musical techniques and experienced firsthand the joy of collaboration and improvisation. Events like these highlight the exceptional opportunities York College offers its music students to grow as musicians and individuals.