We are inviting young jazz musicians from across the country to participate in a jazz intensive workshop during the 2009 Jazz Catz Music Fest from May 28-31. All young jazz musicians between the ages of 17 and 22 are invited to apply for this once-in-a-lifetime musical adventure!

This intensive teaching summit is designed by Program Director Jim Holden. He will select 15 – 20 young musicians from the applications we receive. Typically, over the course of an 8-day workshop, participants receive daily 4-hour work sessions, highlighted with guest instructors who perform at various venues during the Festival. The project will climax with a main stage performance at Music Park.

This is the 3rd edition of the Jazz Youth Summit. Each year participants share their stories about how much fun they had and how much they learned from their residency. These are just a few examples from past participants:

“My goals were to achieve good band chemistry in a short time as well as being able to learn the songs in a short time. It was a great experience working with Jim Lewis; he taught me 10 tunes in 5-6 days. It improved my sight-reading and I learned to blend with my band mates in a short period of time.”

“My personal goals were to play my best with a bunch of really good players, to challenge myself with harder music than I’m used to playing, and to have lots of fun. The Jazz Youth Summit met my expectations and allowed me to achieve my goals. It brought together a bunch of really talented players from all over and we played challenging music.”