Young musicians feel heartbeat of jazz

Videography: Joshua Clark/Editing: Alex Rauch

It’s not just about playing music — it’s about preparing youngsters for the future.

That’s the underlying theme of the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic/UIC Jazz Academy for students in fifth- through 12th grade.

The camp addresses three critical issues: the lack of music education in schools, the need for underserved children to take an interest in higher education and the need to preserve jazz for the next generation, says Orbert Davis, clinical associate professor of jazz and education and artistic director of the Jazz Philharmonic.

The summer program, developed by the department of theatre and music, also boosts the philharmonic’s ongoing JazzAlive program in the Chicago Public Schools.