Jazz Workshops at Five M-DCPS High Schools

MIAMI - The Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz will introduce its “Peer-to-Peer” jazz education programs this week, March 24-28, at five Miami-Dade public schools. Combining performance with information, the “informances” will be presented by seven gifted high school jazz students from the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts along with internationally renowned saxophone recording artist Antonio Hart, vocal sensation Lisa Henry, and renowned jazz educator Dr. J.B. Dyas, formerly a jazz studies director for New World School of the Arts.

Each school visit will include a concert for all students followed by a jazz workshop for each school’s jazz band with the New Orleans students playing alongside and sharing ideas with their Miami-Dade counterparts. Below is the complete list of schools and dates and times:

March 24       Hialeah-Miami Lakes Senior High                          8:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.
                        7977 W. 12th Ave., Hialeah 33014
                        Contact Sandy Harwood, Performing & Visual Arts Academy Leader,
                        at 305-823-1330
March 25        Miami Beach Senior High                                       8:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.
                        2231 Prairie Avenue, Miami Beach 33139
                        Contact Noah Bellamy, Band Director, at 305-532-4515
March 26        Miami Norland Senior High                                   8:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.
                        1050 N.W. 195th St., Miami 33169
                        Contact Hank Hankerson, Jazz Band Director, at 305-653-1416
March 27        Coral Reef Senior High                                          8:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.
                        10101 S.W. 152nd St. Miami 33157
                        Contact Brent Mounger, Band Director, at 305-232-2044
March 28        New World School of the Arts                               10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
                        300 N.E. Second Ave., Miami 33132
                        Contact Jim Gasior, Director of Jazz Studies, at 305-237-3135

Named for one of the most influential figures in the history of jazz, Thelonious Monk was one of the architects of bebop and his impact as a composer and pianist had a profound influence on every genre of music. His institute offers the world's most promising young musicians college-level training by America's jazz masters and presents public school-based jazz education programs for young people around the world.