Vail Jazz Foundation elevates jazz education programs for kids of all ages

The Vail Jazz Foundation recently announced advancements in all its educational programs, opening doors for children of all ages and musical abilities to progress in their studies.

The Vail Jazz Workshop

Each year, a dozen of North America’s most dedicated, gifted, and promising high school jazz musicians is chosen from a broad field of talented applicants to participate in the 10-day Vail Jazz Workshop. 2023 Workshop student selections have officially been made from a highly competitive pool of applicants. “The selection process was the most competitive we’ve ever seen.  Audiences should be very excited at what they will hear from these young musicians,” said John Clayton, the foundation’s director of education.

The Workshop students — aka the Vail Jazz All-Stars — perform three times throughout the Jazz Party over Labor Day weekend, and admission into these sets of music are free. Many fans come to watch these budding musicians and continue to follow them throughout their careers.

The Tony G Rising Star Award

The Vail Jazz Foundation is also pleased to launch the Tony G Rising Star Award in honor of late Vail Jazz Goes to School co-founder Tony Gulizia. This merit-based award will provide the opportunity for talented Eagle County children to grow their musical interest with financial support toward the purchase of an instrument, music lessons, classes, band camps or private instruction. The award has been made possible through the generous support of long-time Vail Jazz supporter Kathy Cole — a close friend of Tony’s — through the Kathy and Trent Cole Scholarship Fund and with ongoing support from Alpine Bank. Vail Jazz will bestow 10 awards to Eagle County children, encouraging aspiring young musicians to follow their dreams and showcase their talent. Five teacher-nominated recipients of grades 4-5 will each receive a $500 instrument allowance. Five recipients in grades 6-8 will receive $1,500 for instruction and to form a jazz band, and will be showcased at next year’s Vail Jazz Goes to School final concert as well as the 2024 Vail Jazz Festival.

“It has been such a gratifying experience to create this program through Kathy Cole’s generosity, to build it, and to put the award in the hands of deserving children,” said Donna Arnold, education and event manager at Vail Jazz. “To see the excitement from the kids who have been awarded already demonstrates the value of introducing this award to our community.”

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Applications will be open later this summer for sixth-eighth graders, and the five teacher-nominated fourth and fifth graders have already received their awards.

Jammin’ Jazz Kids

Vail Jazz brings back music education for younger children this summer through programming at the Eagle and Gypsum libraries. Jammin’ Jazz Kids offers an engaging and fun learning experience for youngsters through interactive, hands-on activities that teach the fundamentals of jazz and the art of improvisation. Children and their families are invited to a free, fun-filled 30-minute program exploring the fundamentals of jazz music, the 12-bar blues, and playing along with lively music educators. Ideal for children up to age 8, everyone is welcome. This free program will occur July 10 and 24 at Gypsum Library, and July 12 and 26 at Eagle Public Library. All performances are at 3:15 p.m. and snacks will be served.

Learn more about Jammin’ Jazz Kids and sign up for one or more sessions at VailJazz.org/jammin-jazz-kids For more information about the Vail Jazz Foundation and education programs, please visit VailJazz.org