Milestones Youth Jazz Workshop

Milestones Milestones Youth Jazz Workshop is a JazzFresno project that was established to offer kids in the upper elementary grades through high school the opportunity to play in a big band jazz ensemble.

While the Valley has many outstanding jazz programs, access is limited to kids that attend these schools. The Milestones program bridges that gap, offering kids the opportunity to study under an outstanding jazz educator in the after-school setting.

Directing the ensembles are three of the Valley's great jazz educators:

  • Larry Honda, music department chair, instructor of woodwinds, jazz improvisation and theory at Fresno City College, will lead the advanced ensemble;

  • Mark Kasparian, whose jazz program at Tenaya Middle School has achieved widespread recognition including multiple wins at the Reno and Fullerton Jazz Festivals, will direct the intermediate ensemble;

  • Ed Hull, who teaches brass at CSU Fresno and leads one of the nations finest elementary band programs at Manchester GATE Elementary, is charged with the direction of the beginning ensemble.

    • The ensembles will meet two hours per week from late September through April. Auditions for placement will take place in mid-September. A generous scholarship fund has been established, allowing any student who wishes to participate the opportunity to do so, despite financial barriers.

    For more information on the program, including registration and scholarship forms, visit the Milestones website or contact the project coordinator.
     
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