NewJazzSchool Concert
Friday, June 18
Open Dress Rehearsal: 2:00 p.m.
and
Public Concert: 7:00 p.m.
in Henson Auditorium at Isidore Newman School
enter on Danneel Street
This summer, New Orleans children will have the opportunity to study jazz, under the direction of renowned jazz master, Donald Harrison, Jr., thanks to an unusual partnership between Isidore Newman School, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, Tipitina’s Foundation, Sweet Home New Orleans and Surdna Foundation.
New Jazz School, which will be held June 7 – 18 on Newman’s campus, will teach vocals, brass, woodwind, rhythm, bass, guitar, percussion and piano to students in 7th through 12th grades. Participants will be chosen through auditions, and the program will be free of charge to the diverse students selected to enroll, thanks to donations from each of the four partners.
“What a gift it will be to have these talented musicians and kids from across New Orleans filling Newman’s halls with the city’s indigenous music,” said Newman’s Head of School T.J. Locke. “People from all backgrounds and all parts of the city are working together to keep the musical culture of New Orleans alive, and Newman is honored to be a part of that effort.”
New Jazz School is a collaboration between four institutions that are committed to educating the next generation of New Orleanians and to preserving the city’s culture and heritage. Opening one of the South’s preeminent private schools to the city’s diverse students, and to some of the city’s most esteemed musicians, should create bonds and relationships that will last far beyond the two weeks of this very special program.
Mr. Harrison will direct and teach the program with assistance by experienced and well-recognized musicians, including Christian Scott, Jesse McBride, Detroit Brooks and David Pulphus. New Jazz School students will learn traditional jazz, swing, bebop, modal jazz, jazz rock and hip hop from these contemporary masters. There will also be classes in harmony, technique, reading, ear training, listening and ensemble.
Mr. Harrison, or “Cool Breeze,” is one of the leading saxophonists of a younger generation of New Orleans musicians. Currently, Mr. Harrison serves as the Artistic Director of Tipitina’s Foundation as well as Big Chief of Congo Nation, a Mardi Gras Indian tribe. He developed a style of jazz called “Nouveau Swing” that merges swing and modern dance music. He was featured in Spike Lee’s 2006 “When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts.”
Contact: Carolyn McCall, Caroccall@bellsouth.net, (504) 452-9271 |