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Keeping jazz music alive with the Young Sounds of Arizona

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PHOENIX—Over the years, studies have shown that kids involved in music programs overwhelmingly do better in school overall.

Eric Rasmussen, Music Director of the Young Sounds of Arizona says with music education programs being cut statewide, Young Sounds give talented students an outlet to pursue their musical goals, even if their high school music program is struggling.

Young Sounds is all-city jazz ensemble comprised of the best young jazz talent in the Valley, started in 1971. Working in conjunction with the American Federation of Musicians Local, Young Sounds is the first program of its kind in the country.

Rasmussen says students in the program participate in weekly rehearsals with the music director as well workshops and clinics with the Valley's top professional musicians. Through fundraising, five to ten scholarships are awarded to Young Sounds members. These scholarships are to be used for private lessons, music camps or instruments.

Jazz music is one of our country's true art forms, Rasmussen says, and he wants to keep it alive with a younger audience.

The Young Sounds are holding a free concert this Friday at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Phoenix at 7:30 p.m.

Auditions are also this month. For more information, visit youngsounds.org.

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