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News

Jazz camp makes UH stop

by Resha Thomas
The Daily Cougar

The sounds of the nationally recognized Summer Jazz Workshop students will fill the air at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center Rotunda at noon Friday. 

Bubbha Thomas, a drummer, founded the Summer Jazz Workshop in 1972. The music clinic is designed to teach young people about the fundamentals of music, something Thomas was not familiar with when he started out in the business.

°°When I left high school and went on to college to study music, I was behind. I didn't know anything about music theory. I wanted to come back to Houston and set up a program that would help students in the same situation,°± Thomas said.

During the five-week workshop, students are taught music theory, improvisation and career management. 

°°The students are taught how to build a r®¶sum®¶ and understand music contracts,°± Thomas said.

Students also go on field trips and hold performances. One of the destinations for this year's workshop is the UH campus. 

The Summer Jazz Workshop is held at Texas Southern University and Willowridge High School. 

Last year 125 students participated, and this year 90 students were part of the program. 

°°Some of my students have gone to perform professionally,°± Thomas said. 

Thomas began his career 35 years ago while in high school. He went on to study music at Wiley College, after which he pursued a career in jazz. Thomas has recorded 12 albums and is a five-time Grammy nominee. He came back to Houston and founded the Jazz Education Incorporated.

°°I'm a hometown person. I am from Houston and I wanted to stay home and give back to the young students,°± Thomas said.

The Summer Jazz Workshop is part of Jazz Education Incorporated, a non-profit organization that provides programs like the Jazz and Poetry Series and The Houston Jazz Festivals.

For more information about Jazz Education Incorporated, visit www.jazzeducation.org

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