Charlotte’s Jazz Arts Initiative is gearing up for its annual JazzArts Music Camp coming June 15 – 19, 2015 from 9:00AM – 3:00PM each day at UNC Charlotte Center City Campus, 320 East 9th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202. This year’s camp features renowned New York saxophonist and clinician John Ellis. With more than 100 album credits to his name, Ellis has been a sideman to artists as diverse as bass icon John Patitucci, organ legend Dr. Lonnie Smith, and Sting. John had the distinct recognition of being listed in the top 80 musicians to look out for in 2015 by Downbeat Magazine.

The camp is an exciting one-week comprehensive music training program for students grades 7 – 12 devoted to America’s original art form—Jazz! Camp tuition for the week is $285, but Jazz Arts Initiative is making even more financial aid scholarships available this summer (up to 90% of the tuition cost) on a need-based sliding scale determined by family size and household income. Funds are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information about the camp and available scholarships, email info@theJazzArts.org or call 704-336-9350. Pre-registration is required and can be done online at www.theJazzArts.org. Placement level auditions will be held prior to camp.

“We are thrilled to have the amazing John Ellis joining our camp this year as our students will be offered a very special once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Lonnie Davis, President and CEO of JAI. “All students interested in learning more about jazz and jazz improvisation are encouraged to register soon for a true hands-on learning experience they will never forget.”

About Jazz Arts Initiative

Jazz Arts Initiative is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the promotion, education, preservation of jazz and related art forms. This organization is made up of arts patrons, educators, performing jazz artists, business leaders, and volunteers. Their mission focuses on three program development areas: Jazz Education, Performance, and Musician Support. These three elements were established to help nurture a future audience and preserve the tradition of this great American Art Form, Jazz. For more information, visit www.theJazzArts.org and follow Jazz Arts Initiative on Facebook and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/thejazzarts.