Since 1999, The ASCAP Foundation has partnered with Manhattan School of Music and the New York City Department of Education to provide a tuition-free summer music education program to public school students, grades 5-8, from all five boroughs of New York City who may not otherwise have the opportunity to develop their musical talents. Campers receive hands-on training in different musical disciplines ranging from classical, jazz, Latin jazz, chamber music, and musical theater; performance ensemble training in orchestra, band, piano and voice; training in song composition, improvisation and stagecraft. Summer Music Camp took place from July 1 to August 1 at Manhattan School of Music.
On July 10th, ASCAP composer and trombonist Wycliffe Gordon, taught a master class to the campers on technique and improvisation. With his engaging style, Mr. Gordon stressed the importance of practice and hard work when pursuing a musical career. A week later the students listened intently to the unique sound of ASCAP composer Missy Mazzoli, recipient of two ASCAP Foundation Morton Gould Young Composer Awards, who played with her band, Victrola. A spirited question and answer period followed the performance of her original electronic compositions. Funding for this program is made possible through The ASCAP Foundation Irving Caesar Fund, The ASCAP Foundation Billy Joel Fund and a generous grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes that a great nation deserves great art.
