WEST WINDSOR, NJ - June 14, 2023 – Mercer County Community College (MCCC) is thrilled to announce a grand opportunity for area high school students with a passion for music: a Summer Jazz Institute, to take place July 11 through August 15, 2023. The Institute promises to be a unique blend of education, performance, and community engagement.

The MCCC Summer Jazz Institute is open to high school students from all schools in the Mercer County area, with the intent of nurturing the budding talents in our community and providing a platform for young jazz enthusiasts to interact with, learn from, and perform alongside accomplished musicians.

“The goal of this institute is not only to offer a memorable musical experience but also to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for jazz music among the youth,” said Dr. Robert Kleinschmidt, Dean of Liberal Arts at MCCC. “We believe that music, particularly jazz, can serve as an excellent conduit for education, community building, and personal growth.”

The Iinstitute will kick off on July 11th. Over the following four weeks, students will participate in intensive workshops and master classes led by an impressive roster of jazz performers and instructors.

The curriculum will cover jazz theory, ensemble performance, and improvisation, among other topics. Participants will have the chance to showcase their learnings in a final concert scheduled for August 10th, at the Trenton Thunder game.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to immerse themselves in a rich musical environment, to learn from and play jazz, and to gain an understanding of what a career in music might look like,” said Scott Hornick, Professor of Music at MCCC. “We can't wait to hear the music that these young talents will create.”

The MCCC Summer Jazz Institute is priced at $50 for students, made possible by generous contributions from the MCCC Foundation.  Register here  .

Interested students should register by July 7th. Space is limited, so students are encouraged to register now. MCCC is dedicated to fostering a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive community, and students from all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

View complete program details here.

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About Mercer County Community College
Established in 1966, Mercer County Community College is a publicly supported comprehensive institution that provides opportunities for higher education through an open-door admission policy. The scenic 292-acre West Windsor Campus was opened in 1972 to serve the needs of Mercer County residents. MCCC’s James Kerney Campus, located in downtown Trenton, serves as an educational and cultural hub for city residents that meets the changing needs of thousands of students and community members seeking educational fulfillment and personal and career growth. President: Deborah E. Preston, Ph.D.; www.mccc.edu