Education
Jazz For Youth Initiative
A major thrust of our educational effort involves an outreach program to bring jazz music and its rich history to school children who would ordinarily not have exposure to it. In 2006, Jazz For Youth Initiative began as a series of free jazz education sessions at the elementary school level. Its mission is to teach the fundamentals of jazz to young people in an effort to offer greater understanding and exposure to jazz as they go through their school careers. Jazz For Youth Initiative has now expanded its series to the secondary level. The program is directed toward guiding students to an appreciation and understanding of music, while expanding cultural awareness and a discriminating aesthetic sense through developing the highest quality of musical proficiency as possible. The philosophy of the Jazz For Youth Initiative program is to promote the development of jazz in Tampa Bay by providing vibrant, excellent educational opportunities for all students by encouraging artistic integrity and creativity. Our aim in Jazz For Youth Initiative is primarily to address the deficit of exposure and interest in jazz and to assure that each child will grow to be a well rounded music consumer.
Jazz Scholarship
The Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association considers it an honor and a privilege to reward high school seniors with who work the hardest, show the greatest commitment, and are among the brightest and best of Tampa Bay's high school musicians. Each year, several high school seniors receive scholarships to help them continue their jazz education. Students are selected on the basis of an established record of excellence in the practice of music (performance, composition, academics, and strengths) and a strong commitment to music. The goal of the Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz association has been, and continues to be, to provide aspiring musicians with an environment to achieve their professional goals. Our commitment is to nurture the talent and careers of young artists and to draw upon the resources we are uniquely able to offer.
Support the Future of Jazz
How Your Generosity Makes a Difference
The Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association offers scholarships to talented young musicians, helping them pursue their passion for jazz. These scholarships are made possible through the generous donations of our members and supporters. By contributing to our scholarship fund, you are investing in the future of jazz and providing opportunities for the next generation of jazz artists. Help us nurture and develop new talent by donating today or applying for a scholarship.
