Jazz Arts Academy in full swing!
This Fall session runs from
Oct. 10th through Dec. 12th 2010
Late enrollment for the first semester will be allowed and tuition may be prorated.
Another semester will begin in Jan. 2011
Please sign up to recieve more details.
Donate your old instrument to the Jazz Arts Academy!
Is there a saxophone in your attic that's been there for ages? Have you been trying to pawn off that old upright bass?
Donate your instrument to a good cause - a child in need.
The Jazz Arts Academy is a collaboration between the Count Basie Theatre and the Jazz Arts Project that will be starting this fall. The program is one part of the youth education initiative of our organization. These classes, workshops and performance sessions are part of a curiculum designed to engage children in music; to teach them to function as part of an ensemble, and ultimately to instill positive values such as confidence, teamwork, leadership and tolerance for diversity.
We are currently looking for upright basses, drum sets, saxophones, trumpets, trombones, or any instrument you don't have the use for. If you would like to donate, please contact: info@jazzartsproject.org
Include the type, size, model, and serial number of your instrument. We will be happy to arrange a time to pick it up, and will provide the necessary documentation so that you can get a tax write off for your donation.
The instrument you donate could very well change a kid's life!
(scroll down for more information)
Recently, young musicians from nine high schools and middle schools came together at the Jazz Arts Academy. The program, a collaboration between Jazz Arts Project and The Count Basie Theatre, is designed to enrich the study and performance of Jazz for teenage music students. The group assembled in the studios of the Count Basie Theatre and were greeted by their coach, noted alto saxophonist and jazz educator Bruce Williams (Count Basie Orchestra, Roy Hargrove Big Band). Students suddenly found themselves in a real jazz band under the guidance of a true jazz veteran - they were playing with spontaneity, forging ahead into the uncharted musical territory of improvisation.
Joe Muccioli, the Artistic Director of the Jazz Arts Project, says, “The Jazz Arts Academy will provide students with a ‘centralized Jazz scene,’ a place where they can supplement their school music program, meet new players from the entire region, and gain valuable skills and experience in a nurturing and professional atmosphere. Somewhere today, in some school somewhere, is the next young Count Basie, just waiting to be discovered. We need to make sure that in New Jersey, he or she has the right opportunities.”
Participation in The Jazz Arts Academy is by audition. Students are assigned to ensembles along with musicians of similar ability. Each ensemble meets for a weekly coaching session that focuses on improvisation, ensemble playing, the history of Jazz, learning the standards of the Jazz repertory, and general musicianship. From time to time students will be able to attend special free additional sessions, workshops and jam sessions.
The faculty for the Jazz Arts Academy includes a roster of world-class musicians such as Bruce Williams (Count Basie Orchestra, Roy Hargrove Big Band).
Says Muccioli, "We recruit internationally known jazz recording artists who have the knowledge and experience working with young students in order to bring a real-world, conmprehensive course to the students... Because of budget cuts, arts education in many of our schools is not what it once was. The other faculty members and I take time from busy professional schedules that take us around the world each year because we share a personal commitment to music education here in the USA. We know that jazz music is a national treasure. We have seen first hand the effect this music has on audiences and students throughout the world. We know that the study of jazz opens up worlds of opportunity can indeed change a life."
Jazz is so much more than just a genre of music with a rich history. It is a living art form with an active roster of talented and innovative artists whose performances are enjoyed by people across all demographics. The study of Jazz is a wonderful outlet for creative energy, and has been shown to enhance academic performance and instill positive values such as confidence, teamwork, leadership and tolerance for diversity.
Count Basie Theatre, Inc. is the nonprofit corporation founded in 1973 to own, program, manage and preserve the historic Count Basie Theatre. Jazz Arts Project is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to preserving, promoting and perpetuating the American musical art form known as jazz. The two organizations have previously collaborated on the Sinatra Birthday Bash, and an annual series of free Jazz history lectures each spring.
For more information about the current or upcoming sessions of The Jazz Arts Academy, please contact the offices of Count Basie Theatre Performing Arts Academy, at 732-224-8778 ext. 125, or by email to: eduadmin@countbasietheatre.org
About Jazz Arts Project, Inc. Jazz Arts Project is a non-profit, 501(c) 3, professional presenting organization with the stated mission, "to preserve, promote, and perpetuate the American musical art form known as jazz; by producing performances of the highest quality, creating educational programs about jazz and its history, and to serve as an advocate by continuing efforts to raise awareness of the art form in the public eye through newspaper articles, lectures workshops and publications; and by fostering and nurturing the potential and the rising talent of young students who display an interest in jazz.
The Organization produces 25 to 30 events each year from intimate jazz cafe nights through large scale events at concert halls such as the Count Basie Theatre, as well as educational workshops and special programs for youth.