2018

AUDITIONS CLOSE FEBRUARY 1

YOUTH JAZZ AUDITION ANNOUNCEMENT

*UPDATE: December 13, 2018

Access to KCAYJ Audition Folders will be issued after All-State tryouts are finished.

Since we drive the train with this program and control our KCAYJ Calendar it is logical to move our deadlines.

We don’t want to be a distraction to any KCAYJ Fellows Auditionee engaged in those preparations.

*Look for access to resume after December 1, 2018. Although Kansas All-State Auditions occur in January 2019, we will begin distributing KCAYJ Audition Materials now nonetheless. We concluded that doing so would not detract from the KMEA honor bands process.

Let common sense always prevail.

No drama.

AUDITIONS CLOSE FEBRUARY 1

Auditions will close February 1, 2019 at 11:59 pm central time.

KCAYJ Fellows Octet members and alternates will be announced during the week of February 15, 2019.

Thanks again for your interest and all the best!

Know somebody who might be interested?

• Pass along our website to them by text message or email.

Are you a musician and parent interested in KCAYJ? ...

• Visit the Auditions page to send your inquiry today!

University of North Texas One O'clock Lab Band: "Yesterdays"

PRESS CONTACT:

Christopher L. Burnett
Founder and Artistic Director
Office: 913-250-5141
Visit - www.YouthJazz.us

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ARTISTIC DIRECTOR NOTE #3

October 14, 2018

Subject: Audition Materials Go Out THIS WEEK!

First, THANKS for the tremendously positive response to KC AREA YOUTH JAZZ in the form of your interest as jazz artists in grades 9 through 12, parents, jazz educators, and music industry colleagues alike.

We have 22 individual submissions by students interested in auditioning for one or more of the available positions of the KCAYJ Fellows Octet.

It's a very competitive field comprised of some fine players at first-glance.

I will be contacting each submission by telephone to get your email address and to speak with your family about the process.

The audition is intended to be rigorous, but not abusive in context.

Take your time and submit each segment.

We simply want to see what type of artists you are and believe that our audition process will help us find that out.

We will choose the "best of the best" from among audition applicants.

ONLY 8 FELLOWS WILL BE SELECTED

Remember, you are primarily auditioning for one of the KCAYJ Fellows Octet positions, first.

However, you may also have the opportunity to be accepted as an alternate.

So, there will be at least 16 musicians on call for performances and recordings.

More on this once auditions close and we make selections.

AUDITIONS CLOSE DECEMBER 1

Auditions will close December 1 at 11:59 pm central time.

KCAYJ Fellows Octet members and alternates will be announced during the week of December 15.

Thanks again for your interest and all the best!

Know somebody who might be interested?

• Pass along our website to them by text message or email.

Are you a musician and parent interested in KCAYJ? ...

• Visit the Auditions page to send your inquiry today!

LITTLE PIXIE composed and arranged by Thad Jones
The United States Army Field Band: The Jazz Ambassadors

• Featuring Staff Sergeant Luke Brimhall on Trombone.

PRESS CONTACT:

Christopher L. Burnett
Founder and Artistic Director
Office: 913-250-5141
Visit - www.YouthJazz.us

---

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 23, 2018

Subject: Joel Gordon joins KCAYJ Regular Staff Consultants

Kansas City - KC Area Youth Jazz is pleased to announce the addition of bandleader, recording artist and active music educator, Joel Gordon as an official member of the KCAYJ Staff Consultants list that also includes Bill Crain, Dr. Jared Prost, and Christopher Burnett.

Born in Iowa, grown in Missouri, and sprouting throughout the Midwest, Joel Gordon is a cultivating saxophonist and music educator. As a musician and teacher, Joel strives to balance life on “both sides of the fence,” living in concert classical and jazz contemporary circles.

"We are very pleased to have Joel on the KCAYJ team," said KCAYJ Founder and Artistic Director, Christopher Burnett. "We now have a representative from every jazz generation participating in the primary operations of our program as principal staff consultants."

Joel became a bandleader and performing musician at the age of nineteen. With a group of his high school and college friends from Kansas City, Joel formed the Trouble Clefs: a big band that convened during summer and winter school breaks. Over the course of three years and twenty-five concerts, the group evolved from entertaining at a backyard pool party to performing at the Future Stages Festival in Kansas City, MO, and the Trails West! Festival in St. Joseph, MO. In addition to participating in many of the Midwest’s public university music programs, the fifty-plus members of the band have attended music schools such as Berklee, NYU, Princeton, Miami, and Yale. Many have gone on to pursue careers in performance, music education, composition, instrument repair, and audio recording. Trouble Clefs alumni have also gone on to be doctors, engineers, bankers, active military, and artisan coffee roasters. By experiencing the relationships with band members, families, and community born out of this venture, Joel was inspired to become a musician and teacher.

"KC Area Youth Jazz is geared towards giving really high-level high school players a professional musician experience: (students) get to rehearse coached by pro players, record an album in a top-notch studio and play gigs in the summer that are paid," Gordon said. "Chris is wanting students that are All-State/All-District caliber players. He's legit. He has been apart of the various jazz education ventures but is starting his own..."

As a classical saxophonist, Joel was twice named a winner of the Missouri Music Teachers Association Woodwind Soloist Competition. Joel regularly records and performs with {trés}, a piano trio consisting of two saxophones and piano, diligent in bringing baroque and classical era works into contemporary saxophone repertoire. The ensemble performed at the 40th Annual International Saxophone Symposium in Washington D.C. and will perform at the American Single Reed Summit in October 2018. As a jazz musician, Joel was selected as a resident of the David Liebman Saxophone Masterclass. In 2017, Joel recorded and released a full-length album with Kansas City-based jazz quintet, the Matt Cook Collective entitled “Along Those Lines.” As a part of the Collective, Joel has performed at venues throughout the Midwest such as the Green Lady Lounge (Kansas City), the California Clipper (Chicago), and Urban Artifact (Cincinnati). While on tour, the Matt Cook Collective has put on educational clinics for over 1500 public school students. Joel studied classical saxophone with Randall Smith and José Zayas-Cabán and jazz improvisation with Tim AuBuchon and Matt Otto. Additional instructors include Bob Long, Neil Ostercamp, and Tim Timmons.

"Joel contacted me unsolicited upon seeing my posts about the KCAYJ program. I had heard his name on the scene, but had not met him personally," Burnett said. "We arranged to met in person earlier this summer and had coffee to talk about the program. Joel understands the context of our business plan and vision. I'm very pleased he is on board with KCAYJ."

Joel is passionate about advancing music through education. In 2015, Joel was named a Presser Foundation Scholar and was selected as a fellow in the TruScholars Research Symposium. As a private studio teacher, Joel’s saxophone students have earned distinction both in the Missouri All-State Concert Band and the Missouri All-State Jazz Band. His private students have also been accepted into nationally-distinguished programs including the NAfME All-National Honor Concert Band and the Interlochen Saxophone Institute. Since moving to Kansas City in 2016, Joel began the Northland Student Jam Session, facilitating regular gatherings where high school students are coached on standard repertoire, improvisational language, and ensemble communication. As well, Joel continues to develop his teaching resource, The (Young) Adventure’s Guide to Jazz Improvisation. Professional affiliations include Kappa Delta Pi, the Missouri State Teachers Association, the Missouri Music Educators Association, Phi Kappa Lambda, Phi Mu Alpha, and the National Association for Music Education. Joel studied conducting with Curran Prendergast and Thomas Trimborn; music education mentors include Jay Jones, Dan Peterson, and Jocelyn Prendergast.

"I'm happy to be involved with KCAYJ and think it's a great opportunity for students," Gordon said. "I'm encouraging my students to talk with their parents and let me know if they want help with their audition or have other questions."

Joel holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music (2015) and a Master of Arts in Education of Music (2016) from Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri. Currently, Joel is the Director of Bands at Platte City Middle School and is an Assistant Band Director at Platte County High School. Joel lives in Platte City, Missouri with his wonderful wife, Megan and their two curious cats Izzy and Ollie.

ABOUT KC AREA YOUTH JAZZ

Burnett said among the distinctive and interesting aspects of the KCAYJ model is that students are exposed to, and learn about, both - the music and the business of jazz.

“This sets us apart from many jazz education programs,” Burnett said. “We’ve partnered with some of the educators, businesses and other music professionals who share our same professional values and commitment to our jazz community.”

The organization has also strategically teamed with BRC Audio Productions and its owner, Bill Crain to provide a conveniently located venue to serve as a home base facility for KCAYJ rehearsals, some concerts, and its professional recording sessions.

“I was initially going to produce the program at a space here in Leavenworth,” Burnett said. “When I told Bill about the program he offered to host it and get involved as a consultant too. It was a great instance of synergy.”

Fifteen (15) students have already signed up for 2019 auditions. KCAYJ students will perform a varied repertoire of masterworks and commissioned original compositions written specifically for the young jazz artists.

“Dr. Arthur White is our Composer-In-Residence for the 2019 KCAYJ Season,” Burnett said. “We’ve gotten positive responses from each of the leading writers contacted, which include Mark Taylor, Sumi Tonooka, Mike Tomaro, Dr. Eric Richards, and Gary Lindsay among others.”

Burnett said the students will record each season’s repertoire and the music will be released commercially on the Artists Recording Collective label. He added the recordings are primarily intended to serve as historical documents, but teaching students how the process works professionally is valuable.

“KCAYJ is an independent subsidy of the Artists Recording Collective Limited Liability Company,” Burnett said. “We want to attract the best players to comprise the octet. Our schedule should also allow students the ability to participate in other summer jazz activities as well.”

Complete preliminary information about KCAYJ is available online at the organization's website located at www.YouthJazz.us along with the audition inquiry form.

# # #

ACTUAL PROOF by Herbie Hancock

• Herbie Hancock, piano and keyboards
• Gregg Phillinganes, keyboards
• Lionel Loueke, guitar
• Tal Wilkenfeld, bass
• Vinnie Colaiuta, drums

PRESS CONTACT:

Christopher L. Burnett
Founder and Artistic Director
Office: 913-250-5141
Visit - www.YouthJazz.us

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NEON JAZZ INTERVIEW SERIES

Interview by: Joe Dimino of Neon Jazz
Published on Aug 15, 2018

"Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with KC Jazz Saxophone Veteran Chris Burnett on KC Area Youth Jazz .. Mr. Burnett returned home to the Kansas City area in 2001 after serving 22 years with military jazz bands. He worked with Leon A. Brady's famous jazz education program for five years (until Mr. Brady retired) and then with other jazz education programs. As the leader of this new premier student jazz artist opportunity Youth Jazz, he is training the next generation of Jazz Musicians .. We had a very engaging talk about his mission, vision, shows and plans .."

Neon Jazz is a radio program airing since 2011. Hosted by Joe Dimino and Engineered by John Christopher in Kansas City, Missouri giving listeners a journey into one of America's finest inventions.

• Take a listen on KCXL (102.9 FM / 1140 AM) out of Liberty, MO on Saturday at 8:00 a.m.
• Listen to KCXL on Tunein Radio at http://tunein.com/radio/Neon-Jazz-Wit ....
• You can now catch Neon Jazz on KOJH 104.7 FM out of the Mutual Musicians Foundation from Noon - 1 p.m. CST Monday-Friday at https://www.kojhfm.org/.
• For all things Neon Jazz, visit http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

Category: Music

ZHIVAGO by Kurt Rosenwinkel
arr: Carlos Azevedo

Guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel with Portugal's Orquestra Jazz de Matosinhos
Directed by Carlos Azevedo

Woodwinds:
José Luis Rego
João Pedro Brandão
Mário Santos
José Pedro Coelho
Rui Teixeira

Trumpets:
Nick Marchione
Erick Poirrier
Susana Santos Silva
Rogério Ribeiro

Trombones:
Michael Joussein
Álvaro Pinto
Daniel Dias
Gonçalo Dias

Abe Rabade, Piano
Demian Cabaud, Double Bass
Marcos Cavaleiro, Drums

PRESS CONTACT:

Christopher L. Burnett
Founder and Artistic Director
Office: 913-250-5141
Visit - www.YouthJazz.us

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ARTISTIC DIRECTOR NOTE #2

August 13, 2018

Subject: Getting the word out to youth jazz musicians

Thanks for helping get the word out to instrumental music directors, students and parents in the KC area about this new (spring and summer only) jazz education and apprenticeship program that's free.

A good point to remember is that KC AREA YOUTH JAZZ inherently supplements rather than competes with school band activities and other private youth jazz programs on the scene. YOUTH JAZZ is a very unique model and provides a valuable young artist experience that's different than the other groups.

We want to attract the best players in grades 9-12 to audition and participate in this "best of the best" octet.

The KCAYJ Fellows experience includes playing custom compositions and arrangements, clinics from working professionals, learning a pre-selected jazz repertoire each season, producing a professional recording each season, and getting paid for the live concert performances given in the community.

We continue to have a good response to our musician drive for the 2019 season ...

AUDITION INQUIRIES (so far)

ALTO SAXOPHONISTS
o 1 Grade 11 (Kansas City, MO)
o 1 Grade 9 (Grain Valley, MO)

TENOR SAXOPHONISTS
o 1 Grade 9 (Grain Valley, MO)

TRUMPET PLAYERS
o 1 Grade 12 (Kansas City, MO)
o 1 Grade 11 (Overland Park, KS)
o 1 Grade 9 (Lenexa, KS)

TROMBONE PLAYERS
o 1 Grade 12 (Kansas City, MO)
o 1 Grade 9 (Kansas City, KS)

GUITARISTS
o NONE

PIANISTS
o 1 Grade 12 (Kansas City, MO)
o 1 Grade 9 (Kansas City, KS)

BASSISTS
o 1 Grade 9 (Overland Park, KS)

DRUM SET PLAYERS
o 1 Grade 11 (Kansas City, MO)
o 1 Grade 10 (Grandview, MO)
o 1 Grade 9 (Overland Park, KS)

As you see that's already the instrumentation for a jazz ensemble.

We may end up making two ensembles divided by grades: like a 9/10 grade octet and an 11/12 grade octet. We would like to hear from more tenor players, more bassists and some jazz guitarists too.

The number of musicians who can inquire is unlimited. The more the better!

Know somebody who might be interested?

• Pass along our website to them by text message or email.

Are you a musician and parent interested in KCAYJ? ...

• Visit the Auditions page to send your inquiry today!

AIREGIN by Sonny Rollins
arr. Michael Schwartz: SFJAZZ High School All-Stars Combo

• Alto Saxophone: Matt Richards
• Tenor Saxophone: Michael Schwartz
• Trumpet: Kate Williams
• Trombone: Jasim Perales
• Piano: Lucas Hahn
• Guitar: Isaac De Vera
• Bass: Max Schwartz
• Drums: Benjamin Ring

PRESS CONTACT:

Christopher L. Burnett
Founder and Artistic Director
Office: 913-250-5141
Visit - www.YouthJazz.us

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 13, 2018

Subject: Joel Nichols joins KCAYJ as Spokesperson, Emcee, Consultant

Kansas City - KC Area Youth Jazz is pleased to announce the addition of Media Relations Expert and Kansas City area Radio and Television Personality, Joel Nichols as an official Spokesperson, Concert Emcee, and Media Consultant.

"I've known Christopher for many years and look forward to working with KC Area Youth Jazz," Nichols said. "I'm looking forward to serving the organization as an official spokesperson, concert emcee, and consultant."

An assistant professor of broadcasting for 25 years, Nichols knows the value of education. He graduated with a degree in education from the University of Wisconsin and is married to a teacher.

"I've also coached many experts in other fields to help them communicate more effectively," Nichols said. "Being able to work with the KCAYJ Fellows regarding interviews and any interaction they may have with the media should be lots of fun."

Nichols also recently launched "Joel Nichols Communications" as a platform to deliver his 30 years of experience in the broadcast industry to a wider demographic of clients.

Founded as a premier student jazz opportunity for students in grades 9-12, the philosophy of the KC AREA YOUTH JAZZ (KCAYJ) organization is to develop selected jazz repertoire for refined performance opportunities through a high-level of understanding and musicianship.

Another primary feature of the KCAYJ business model is building in the teaching of entrepreneurialism skills and networking across the full demographic of the jazz community.

“Having Joel onboard as a media professional, educator and spokesperson is very significant” says founder and artistic director, Christopher Burnett. “His ability to help get our mission messaging out will help KCAYJ.”

Burnett said among the distinctive and interesting aspects about the KCAYJ model is that students are exposed to, and learn about, both - the music and the business of jazz.

“This sets us apart from many jazz education programs,” Burnett said. “We’ve partnered with some of the educators, businesses and other music professionals who share our same professional values and commitment to our jazz community.”

The organization has also strategically teamed with BRC Audio Productions and its owner, Bill Crain to provide a conveniently located venue to serve as a home base facility for KCAYJ rehearsals, some concerts and its professional recording sessions.

“I was initially going to produce the program at a space here in Leavenworth,” Burnett said. “When I told Bill about the program he offered to host it and get involved as a consultant too. It was a great instance of synergy.”

Seven students have already signed up for 2019 auditions. KCAYJ students will perform a varied repertoire of masterworks and commissioned original compositions written specifically for the young jazz artists.

“Dr. Arthur White is our Composer-In-Residence for the 2019 KCAYJ Season,” Burnett said. “We’re getting great response from leading writers and have commitments for future involvement from composers Mark Taylor, Sumi Tonooka and Mike Tomaro among others.”

Burnett said the students will record each season’s repertoire and the music will be released commercially on the Artists Recording Collective label. He added the recordings are primarily intended to serve as historical documents, but teaching students how the process works professionally is valuable.

“KCAYJ is an independent subsidy of the Artists Recording Collective Limited Liability Company,” Burnett said. “We want to attract the best players to comprise the octet. Our schedule should also allow students the ability to participate in other summer jazz activities as well.”

Complete preliminary information about KCAYJ is available online at www.YouthJazz.us along with the audition inquiry form.

# # #

TRISTE (by Antonio Carlos Jobim) arranged by Joan Monné
Alba Armengou (vocal soloist)
Joan Chamorro, bass and director
Featuring Luigi Grasso, alto sax and Enrique Oliver, tenor sax

• Rita Payés, voice
• Èlia Bastida, voice
• Andrea Motis, voice
• Carla Motis, guitar
• Jan Domenech, piano
• Abril Saurí, drums

PRESS CONTACT:

Christopher L. Burnett
Founder and Artistic Director
Office: 913-250-5141
Visit - www.YouthJazz.us

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THE KCAYJ PRODUCTS

July 11, 2018

Subject: Youth Jazz entrepreneurs

The KCAYJ organization is supported and funded by the inherent entrepreneurialism intentionally built into the KCAYJ business model. This foundation is simply based upon selling three KCAYJ products created each season.

Product #1 RECORDINGS

Album pre-sales will be available for purchase soon.
-

Product #2 CONCERTS

Book a concert.
-

Product #3 CHAIR SPONSORSHIPS

‬
‪ Join our current Chair Sponsors ‬
-
Visit the KCAYJ Products page.

KCAYJ Product Sales allow youth participation at no cost. KCAYJ Product Sales fund the hiring of our resident composer. KCAYJ Product Sales fund the visits by industry professionals.

FYJD/MILLENNIAL by Braxton Cook

• Braxton Cook – Alto saxophone
• Andrew Renfoe – Guitar
• Joshua Crumbly - Bass
• Jonathan Pinson – Drums

PRESS CONTACT:

Christopher L. Burnett
Founder and Artistic Director
Office: 913-250-5141
Visit - www.YouthJazz.us

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HOLIDAY BREAK

July 4, 2018

Subject: Fourth of July

Here's wishing a safe holiday with lots of great food among family and dear friends highlighted by listening to some great jazz like this...

ALONG CAME BETTY by Benny Golson

• Mark Turner, tenor sax
• Avishai Cohen, trumpet
• Joe Martin, bass
• Marcus Gilmore, drums

PRESS CONTACT:

Christopher L. Burnett
Founder and Artistic Director
Office: 913-250-5141
Visit - www.YouthJazz.us

---

AUDITION INQUIRIES

June 30, 2018

Subject: Seeking 2019 KCAYJ Fellows

Great news!

We have an alto saxophonist, a trumpeter, a trombonist, two pianists, a bassist, and a drummer who have signed up to audition for positions as 2019 KC Area Youth Jazz Fellows.

The KCAYJ octet instrumentation is:

• Alto Saxophone
• Tenor Saxophone
• Trumpet
• Trombone
• Guitar
• Piano
• Bass
• Drum Set

If you know any talented jazz musicians in grades 9-12 who might be interested in our Spring and Summer program, share this post and link with them and their parents: www.YouthJazz.us/auditions/

PRESS CONTACT:

Christopher L. Burnett
Founder and Artistic Director
Office: 913-250-5141
Visit - www.YouthJazz.us

---

THANK YOU, ALAN VOSS!

June 27, 2018

Subject: Cymbal set donation

We sincerely appreciate KC based percussionist Alan Voss donating a set of cymbals (ride, crash, and pair of hi hats).

The entire kit will be available for KCAYJ Fellows concert performances away from the BRC Audio Productions complex during the 2019 season.

The cymbals are vital components to complete the Yamaha drum set BurnettMusic.com has already provided.

El CABOROJENO by Bob Mintzer

• Bob Mintzer Big Band

PRESS CONTACT:

Christopher L. Burnett
Founder and Artistic Director
Office: 913-250-5141
Visit - www.YouthJazz.us

---

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR NOTE #1

June 24, 2018

Subject: Getting the word out to youth jazz musicians

Thanks for helping get the word out to instrumental music directors, students and parents in the KC area about this new (spring and summer only) jazz education and apprenticeship program that's free.

A good point to remember is that KC AREA YOUTH JAZZ inherently supplements rather than competes with school band activities and other private youth jazz programs on the scene. YOUTH JAZZ is a very unique model and provides a valuable young artist experience that's different than the other groups.

We want to attract the best players in grades 9-12 to audition and participate in this "best of the best" jazz octet.

The KCAYJ Fellows experience includes playing custom compositions and arrangements, clinics from working professionals, learning a pre-selected jazz repertoire each season, producing a professional recording each season, and getting paid for the live concert performances given in the community.

We've had a good initial response to our musician drive for the 2019 season ...

AUDITION INQUIRIES (so far):

• 1 Alto Saxophonist
• 1 Bassist
• 2 Pianists
• 1 Drummer

As you see that's already the instrumentation of a jazz quartet. GREAT!

Since our goal ensemble is a jazz octet, we'd like to hear from Trumpet and Trombone players, Tenor Saxophonists and Guitarists too.

The number of musicians to inquire is unlimited. The more the better!

Know somebody who might be interested?

• Pass along our website to them by text message or email.

Are you a musician and parent interested in KCAYJ? ...

• Visit the Auditions page to send your inquiry today!

THE INCIDENT by Patrick Cornelius

• Nick Vayenas: Trombone
• Patrick Cornelius: Alto Sax
• Miro Sprague: Piano
• Joseph Lepore: Bass
• Mark Ferber: Drums

PRESS CONTACT:

Christopher L. Burnett
Founder and Artistic Director
Office: 913-250-5141
Visit - www.YouthJazz.us

---

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 11, 2018

Subject: KC Area Youth Jazz launches a unique model student jazz artist education program

Kansas City - Founded as a premier student jazz opportunity for students in grades 9-12, the philosophy of the KC AREA YOUTH JAZZ (KCAYJ) organization is to develop selected jazz repertoire for refined performance opportunities through a high-level of understanding and musicianship.

“Our approach is to engage the next generation of jazz artists within an applied performance environment,” says founder and artistic director, Christopher Burnett. “Our vision is to attract ‘the best of the best’ among our KC area young jazz musicians.”

Burnett said among the distinctive and interesting aspects about the KCAYJ model is that students are exposed to, and learn about, both - the music and the business of jazz.

“This sets us apart from many jazz education programs,” Burnett said. “We’ve partnered with some of the educators, businesses and other music professionals who share our same professional values and commitment to our jazz community.”

The organization has strategically teamed with BRC Audio Productions and its owner, Bill Crain to provide a conveniently located venue to serve as a home base facility for KCAYJ rehearsals, some concerts and its professional recording sessions.

“I was initially going to produce the program at a space here in Leavenworth,” Burnett said. “When I told Bill about the program he offered to host it and get involved as a consultant too. It was a great instance of synergy.”

KCAYJ students will perform a varied repertoire of masterworks and commissioned original compositions written specifically for the young jazz artists.

“Dr. Arthur White is our Composer-In-Residence for the 2019 KCAYJ Season,” Burnett said. “We’re getting great response from leading writers and have commitments for future involvement from composers Mark Taylor, Sumi Tonooka and Mike Tomaro among others.”

Burnett said the students will record each season’s repertoire and the music will be released commercially on the Artists Recording Collective label. He added the recordings are primarily intended to serve as historical documents, but teaching students how the process works professionally is valuable.

“KCAYJ is an independent subsidy of the Artists Recording Collective Limited Liability Company,” Burnett said. “We want to attract the best players to comprise the octet. Our schedule should also allow students the ability to participate in other summer jazz activities as well.”

Complete preliminary information about KCAYJ is available online at www.YouthJazz.us along with the audition inquiry form.

# # #

PRESS CONTACT:

Christopher L. Burnett
Founder and Artistic Director
Office: 913-250-5141
Visit - www.YouthJazz.us