Jazz Scholar Program
Through Ravinia's Jazz Scholar Program, talented high school students are mentored
and coached by Chicago's finest jazz musicians. Beyond the instruction that these
young musicians receive in high school bands, Ravinia provides inspiration, advice
and intensive training through master-classes, audition based ensembles and individualized
instruction. National leaders in the arts take the time to impart their wisdom and
skills to the next generation of great musicians.
Motivated students are encouraged to apply for Ravinia’s Jazz Scholar program.
Judged to be some of the best student jazz musicians in the city, Ravinia’s
Jazz Scholars receive intensive pre-professional training. The jazz mentor program
offers more than academic tutoring. Mentors serve as role models and are able to
impart knowledge of not just their genre and instrument, but of their lives as professional
musicians and their lives within the Chicago jazz scene.
Scholars benefit from numerous performance opportunities including Music Matters
and Ravinia’s Martin Theatre in June. In addition the Jazz Scholar Ensemble
is often invited to perform at events throughout the city. Each summer the Scholars
are sent to the Jamey Aebersold Jazz Camp in Louisville, Kentucky, a prestigious
training center for pre-professionals. Many alumni from this program have gone on
to study music at colleges including Juilliard , Oberlin, Manhattan School of Music
and NYU. Several alumni are now professional musicians and educators themselves.