On October 17, auditions were held to begin a new CGCC Community Arts Program active-learning ensemble: The Young Musicians’ ALL-STAR Jazz Ensemble. With a grant provided through the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Children’s Trust, the Young Musicians’ ALL-STAR Jazz Ensemble provides serious and studying Jazz students, ages 14 through 18, further exposure and development within a valuable network of other career-minded jazz musicians.

Throughout the year (October – May), Young Musicians’ ALL-STAR Jazz Ensemble members will sharpen skills in sight reading, improv, rhythm and performance while working on jazz repertoire that spans the standards to newly-composed works.  Participants will also tackle college preparation and career development while working with CGCC Community Arts Program jazz faculty that encompasses Miami’s finest jazz pros.  Performances over the year (October through May) will culminate in a Sunday, May 16, 2010 concert at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County.

The CGCC Community Arts Program ALL-STAR Jazz Ensemble began rehearsals Thursday, October 22, within CGCC’s newly-renovated Arts & Education Wing. There, one can also hear the Young Musicians’ Junior & Advanced Orchestras and Advanced Chamber Ensemble in rehearsal at the same time. CGCC is jamming, literally, every Thursday evening! Stop by anytime and catch the extravagant groove, soon to spread throughout the entire community!