The Louis Armstrong House Museum proudly welcomes back the York College Summer Jazz Program and their big band sound to Louis's garden on Sunday, August 4th at 2pm. This annual concert showcases outstanding high school musicians from all five boroughs. It's a free concert celebrating Louis Armstrong's birthday. And, there will be cake!
Now in its ninth year, the York College Summer Jazz Program (SJP) is a tuition-free, audition-only jazz performance program for upper-level high school students attending New York City public schools made possible by College Now / CUNY. Students study for six weeks on campus in a near-professional big band environment and receive training and mentoring from professional jazz musicians. Private lessons are available to all students and all the supplies necessary (books, etc.) for the program, including lunch vouchers and an MTA card are provided without cost. Upon successful completion, students receive five college credits that are transferrable to most college-level institutions. After SJP, qualified alumni are invited to return to York College on Saturday afternoons as members of the York College Blue Notes. The York College Blue Notes have performed all over the city including Minton's Playhouse, the birthplace of bebop and were finalists for three years in the Charles Mingus High School Competition. Graduates of the York College Blue Notes have been accepted to colleges such as Berklee College of Music, City College, Hunter College, Long Island University, The New School, Queens College, SUNY Fredonia, SUNY Purchase, Temple University, and York College.
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