Youth Jazz to Receive Ongoing Support

Jazz in Martinborough will again be supporting youth jazz in the Wairarapa by sponsoring scholarships for college students to attend the Summer Jazz School in Wellington in January 2020.

“Proceeds from last year’s festival went towards the Summer Jazz School fees for five young female students from Makoura College, St Matthews Collegiate and Kuranui College,” says festival college liaison Mary Quayle.  “It was our contribution to the 125th anniversary celebrations of women’s suffrage in New Zealand.” she added.

This year proceeds from the festival will again be directed towards suitable students from the Wairarapa. However, the scholarships will be open to both male and female students.  “We have a College Jazz Showcase  (Fresh Jam) each year as part of the festival activities which gives participating secondary school teachers and festival Patron Rodger Fox an opportunity to view and select students for the jazz school,” says Mary.  Students from Fresh Jam are also given the opportunity to play at the festival proper.

“The success of the festival each year, supported by our patrons and partners, means that we are able to fulfil one of our long-term goals, that of sponsoring and promoting youth jazz in the Wairarapa,’ she added.

Jazz in Martinborough with be held on the first weekend in Spring, starting Thursday August 29th.  Tickets are expected to go on sale late June.