On Wednesday, May 8th more than 150 students participating in the JAZZ HOUSE Music Scholars Program came together to celebrate their achievements after months of hard work for the 10th Annual JAZZ HOUSE Showcase. The event was held for the first time at Newark Museum of Art, featuring ensembles from five Newark Board of Education Schools - John F. Kennedy School, Oliver Street School, East Side High School, Arts High School and Science Park High School.
Science Park High School Senior, Vinicius Santos, was honored as the recipient of the JAZZ HOUSE Musician of Distinction Award; an award given to outstanding emerging musicians who demonstrate leadership, musicianship, creativity and dedication to excellence. As part of the award, Vinicius received a brand new, professional-level trombone from R.S. Berkeley Musical Instruments, along with a year of mentoring from a JAZZ HOUSE professional musician. Superintendent Roger León congratulated and praised students for their dedicated musicianship as well as offered gratitude to Newark Board of Education school music directors and JAZZ HOUSE teaching artists who have collaborated with students every day in the classroom. Additionally, he acknowledged the long-standing partnership that Newark Board of Education has shared with JAZZ HOUSE KIDS. The nonprofit organization based in Montclair, NJ who’s first program with the District began over 20 years ago in 2002.