The New Jersey Performing Arts Center’s TD Jazz For Teens program will offer a new class this fall: Music Composition and Arranging, led by tenor saxophonist/composer Lance Bryant (photo above). The class welcomes aspiring composers, ages 14-18, who demonstrate promise and dedication early in their creative development. The program focuses on the fundamentals of composition through instruction, group activities and styles, the performance of students’ works, and interaction with Bryant, who is Musical Director of the Lionel Hampton Orchestra. He is also on the faculty of Jazz House Kids and the New Jersey Youth Symphony Jazz Orchestra.
The Jazz For Teens program, directed by alto saxophonist Mark Gross, is now accepting students for the fall 2023 semester. Classes include jazz history, theory/composition, technique, and ensembles. Other faculty members include bassist Christian McBride, vibraphonist Stefon Harris, and violinist Regina Carter, among many others. Students are given several performance opportunities as members of the James Moody Jazz Orchestra and/or the George Wein Scholars Ensemble.
Registration closes September 25. For more information, log onto NJPAC.org/education or call (973) 353-7058. Financial aid is available.
PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER DRUKKER