NEWPORT NEWS — Music education nonprofit Soundscapes recently announced the launch of the Peninsula Youth Jazz Band, a new program designed to bring the world of jazz to young musicians.
The ensemble will debut in January, offering students up to 9th grade from the Virginia Peninsula an opportunity to explore jazz performance and improvisation.
“The Peninsula Youth Jazz Band is a natural extension of our mission to transform young lives through the power of music,” said Reynaldo Ramirez, Co-founder and Program Director of Soundscapes. “Jazz embodies the creativity and collaboration we want in our young musicians, and we’re excited to introduce students to its rich tradition.”
The band’s inaugural director will be Steven Cunningham, a jazz and classical musician and music educator who teaches at Hampton University.
“Jazz is about connection, expression, teamwork, and teaches musicians how to listen to each other,“ said Cunningham. “Through this program, we aim to inspire students to find their unique voices as musicians and to share this music with our community.”
Soundscapes said it is committed to making the benefits of music accessible to students regardless of their economic circumstances. To make this possible, tuition for the Peninsula Youth Jazz Band will be offered on a sliding scale, based on each family’s income and need.
The Peninsula Youth Jazz Band will build on Soundscapes’ 15-year legacy of providing high-quality music education programs to students in the region from all backgrounds, it added. By expanding its offerings to include jazz, Soundscapes said it is opening new doors for creative exploration and learning.
The Peninsula Youth Jazz Band is open to students up to 9th grade with prior experience in wind, brass, or rhythm section instruments. Students will work on improvisation, jazz theory, and ensemble performance, culminating in public concerts to showcase their progress and talents.
Upcoming auditions for the new ensemble will be held on Jan. 15, and 22, with rehearsals beginning Jan. 29.
For more information about the Peninsula Youth Jazz Band, including how to audition, its location, or support the program, visit its webpage or contact Ron Boucher at rboucher@soundscapeshr.org or 757-273-6178.
