Summer Sizzles at New Mexico JAZZ CAMP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: APRIL 23, 2009

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Marya Errin Jones, Marketing Coordinator

(505)- 255-9798 nmjazzworkshop@gmail.com

SUMMER SIZZLES at NEW MEXICO JAZZ CAMP

New Mexico Jazz Camp Offers an eclectic, creative experience for kids, all summer long.

ALBUQUERQUE-- As the close of the school year approaches, New Mexico Jazz Workshop offers an exciting and engaging answer to the ubiquitous summer camp. JAZZ CAMP, now in its 16^th year, provides school children ages 6-12 with an array of fun and challenging workshops that span the creative arts, including music drama, visual arts and dance. JAZZ CAMP Ages 6-12 JUNE 1--JULY 10 @ ALVARADO ELEMENTARY 1100 Solar Rd. NW Three Sessions: Monday-Friday 9am-3pm Session A: June 1-12 Session B: June 15-26 Session C: June 29-- July 10 COST: 2 Weeks-- $300 Four Weeks-- $550 – Six Weeks-- $800. SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE. Space is limited. To register for Jazz Camp please call Amani Malaika, Education Coordinator @ 505-255-9798 or email Amani@NMJazz.org.

Research indicates that exposure to the arts not only helps children develop critical skills to adapt to the challenges of daily life, but the ability to express oneself creatively can actually make a child smarter. For many kids, the prospect of spending the summer in a classroom might seem counter-productive to their idea of fun, but according to Amani Malaika, New Mexico Jazz Workshop Education Coordinator nothing could be further from the truth.“Jazz Camp is an exciting program, where kids get to create art in all forms, Malaika says. “Kids use their bodies, minds and voices. “Our summer camp engages all the senses.” Malaika adds that kids need not have a background in the arts to enroll in Jazz Camp. “Kids who attend Jazz Camp don't have to have previous experience with music, dance or visual art,” Mailaika states. “Our summer camp is a great introduction to the arts.” Malaika adds that for children with experience in the arts, Jazz camp programs expand their creative knowledge and challenge them to develop their talents.

During each two-week session, Malaika states that children ages 6-12 have the opportunity to build their own summer camp experience through a variety of classes that include music, theatre and dance. “Morning classes aim to build a child's musical foundation,” Malaika says. “In the afternoons, kids get to choose electives.” Malaika explains that kids can select classes in performance art, music,visual art, among others. “This year for the first time, kids will get a chance to learn African folk songs, which is the root of Jazz,” Malaika says. In addition to the new African folk songs course, the Jazz Camp class line-up also includes the debut of a course entitled Live Art. Students experiment with music improvisation while simultaneously, their classmates studying visual art will respond to musical impulses.

“Live Art gives kids an opportunity for self-expression and a chance to create their own work,” Malaika says. For those kids who love to move, Jason Nious, a former member of the Internationl rhythm phenomenon STOMP will teach classes in hip hop. Malaika says that there is a little something for everyone at Jazz Camp “A lot of the classes change from session to session,” Malaika adds. “Kids can spend the whole summer at Jazz Camp and receive an eclectic, well-rounded experience.” Malaika stresses that during these economic times, money may be an issue for some parents. Due to the generous support from the Urban Enhancement Trust Fund, Jazz Camp will provide a number of full scholarships for children who desire to enter the program. “NM Jazz Workshop believes every child should have access to music education,” Malaika says. “The experience of creating in music, in all arts forms is crucial for the healthy development of all children.”

JAZZ CAMP Ages 6-12 JUNE 1--JULY 10 @ ALVARADO ELEMENTARY 1100 Solar Rd. NW Three Sessions: Monday-Friday 9am-3pm Session A: June 1-12 Session B: June 15-26 Session C: June 29-- July 10 COST: 2 Weeks-- $300 Four Weeks-- $550 – Six Weeks-- $800. SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE. Space is limited. To register for Jazz Camp please call Amani Malaika, Education Coordinator @ 505-255-9798 or email Amani@NMJazz.org. Jazz Camp is made possible in part by a generous donation from the Urban Enhancement Trust Fund.

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