The Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz is honored to participate with First Lady Michelle Obama in the launching of the White House Music Series. The program will shine a national spotlight on music education, highlighting the important role music plays in the creativity and innovation that make this country great. Talented music students from six cities across the nation who receive free jazz instruction through the Institute will visit the White House on June 15. They will participate in “Jazz Studio” educational workshops that celebrate this uniquely American art form. The students will learn from and interact with some of the world’s most renowned jazz musicians, including Branford, Ellis, and Wynton Marsalis. Following the White House event, the students will attend a Duke Ellington Jazz Festival concert at the Kennedy Center honoring Ellis Marsalis.
“The powerful force known as jazz is recognized in all corners of our planet as America’s indigenous music and the voice of democracy,” said Herbie Hancock, Chairman of the Institute. “The very spirit of our young people is uplifted by our music and arts education community, whose tireless support has ensured that the heart and soul of our nation will flourish.”
The White House has brought together a number of organizations to participate and the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz is proud to collaborate with the following: Duke Ellington Jazz Festival; Duke Ellington School of the Arts; Jazz at Lincoln Center; Levine School of Music; New Orleans Center for Creative Arts; Sitar Arts Center; WPAS Capital Jazz Project.