Donating and Volunteering

Keeping Jazz Music alive starts with the education of the next generation! That is why the Jazz Academy’s mission is to advance and preserve Jazz Music through education. In keeping with that mission the Jazz Academy holds a Summer Jam Camp during the summer and other opportunities for learning and performing throughout the year. Because of the decreased emphasis on the arts in the public schools, the opportunities for exposure to music education and particularly Jazz Music have greatly decreased and in some cases been eliminated.

The community must step forward to ensure that our youth have the opportunity to learn about music and its historical roots. Jazz music is the only musical art form that was created in America. We do not want Jazz to become extinct, drowned out by the sounds of derivative music without regard to the quality of the source–Traditional Jazz Music. That’s not to say that new musical art forms are not good. However, Jazz Music deserves to be preserved and understood. If you believe, we do at the Jazz Academy, we need your help!

The Jazz Academy is currently preparing for the Summer Jam Camp and other events and could use the help of volunteers who would like to help with preparations. We need the assistance of people who have experience in web-development and maintenance, grant writing, fund raising, music recording, media relations, community outreach and promotion, community television as production and video recording. If you have time to volunteer to support the Jazz Academy’s efforts please let us know by sending us an email.

The Jazz Academy is also in need of financial support. If you would like to make a donation to the Academy, you can send a check to 13721 Middlevale Lane, Silver Spring, Maryland 20906 or donate using Visa or MasterCard. The Jazz Academy is a non-profit 501c3 organization and your donations are tax deductible.

Volunteer efforts and donations will be used to support the Jazz Academy’s educational efforts. Specifically your time and financial contributions will be applied towards the following:

Scholarships for children to the JAM Camp or to take private lessons. Scholarships are awarded to talented children, attending public schools in the Washington metro area, who have been recommended by their music instructor. These are budding musicians who would not have the opportunity for Jazz music tutoring without financial assistance.

JAM sessions for young musicians. In order to hone their talent, young musicians need an outlet to perform. Jazz Academy sponsored JAM sessions are a great way for our youth to perform in a safe and controlled environment.

Master classes conducted by guest recording artist. This is a great way for students to learn about musical techniques from professional musicians. It is also a great way to help students understand the “business” of music, its rewards, and challenges.

The Jazz Academy Thanks You In Advance For Your Support!!!

News

JAZZ UNDER THE STARS CONCERT SERIES BEGINS SEPT. 14th

Paul CarrConcert opens on Sept 14th with critically acclaimed Jazz saxophonist Paul Carr! 

The first and opening show for the “Jazz Under the Stars” concert series is the Paul Carr Quintet.  Paul Carr who is known for his hard-charging and soulful post-bop style will be gracing the stage at the Arts and Innovation Center - Rooftop Terrace with some of the greatest players in the Metropolitan area.   He will be performing some of the tunes from his CD released earlier this year which has soared to the No. 9 spot on the Jazz Week Radio Chart!  The CD continues to be a favorite and is still receiving a significant amount of airplay.  Check out his website: www.PaulCarrJazz.com

Click Here to Purchase Tickets

The Jazz Academy of Music Presents “Jazz Under the Stars”

Jazz Under The Stars SeriesThese Sunday evening concerts will illuminate your week!  The “Jazz Under the Stars” series will bring some of the best Jazz artists in this region to the Metropolitan DC area.  The shows are from 7pm - 9pm at the Arts and Innovation Center on the Rooftop Terrace, Rockville Town Center, 155 Gibbs Street, Rockville, MD 20850

Eric Byrd TrioOn September 28 @ 7pm - The Eric Byrd Trio.

This Trio of friends will perform selections from their latest CD which is a tribute to Ray Charles, which is Eric’s musical hero. They will bring a collection of songs exploring the jazz side of “The Genius.”  For the concert , the Byrd Trio with their power hitting horn section form The Brother Ray Band! For more information go to www.EricByrd.comfabtrio.gifOn October 5th @ 7pm -   The FAB Trio

The FAB Trio featuring Felicia Carter — an incredible collaboration which has birthed a new level of music and brought to the series. They will go above and beyond the Great American songbook for a “nu jazz”.  Also, some of their work can be heard on the television documentary on the B&O Railroad, scheduled to air on WETA(DC). For more information on the FAB Trio go to www.myspace.com/bassamyshook and for Felicia Carter www.FeliciaCarter.com

                                           jao-wjanine.gifTHE FINAL CONCERT

On October 26 @ 7pm - JAO with Janine Carter

The final concert is a tribute to a friend of the Jazz Academy of Music, Ronnie Wells. The 2008 Jazz Academy Orchestra [JAO] will be be performing charts from the big band era and accompanying vocalist Janine Carter.  Janine brings her own Jazz style with a gospel feel and the influence of her mentor, Ronnie Wells. Janine will be performing some of Ronnie’s favorites. For more information on Janine see her website www.JanineCarter.com