The Katy/West Houston Jazz Festival 2012
The Katy/West Houston Jazz Festival 2012
Like Music? “You’ll Love Katy!” The Katy/West Houston Jazz Festival is scheduled for April 27 and 28, 2012. You will not want to miss this exciting weekend of music and art coming to Katy, Texas!
The purpose of the Katy/West Houston Jazz Festival is to increase exposure of jazz, to extend jazz education for developing musicians, and to provide entertainment of the jazz music medium in the Katy and West Houston areas. The Festival’s activities are non-competitive and dedicated to the development and preservation of this truly American art form.
The Katy/West Houston Jazz Festival is also a uniquely different event for jazz music patrons. All attendees have the opportunity to hear big bands and combos comprised of student jazz musicians throughout the day, as well as featured guitar artists and aspiring music groups, via the component known as the Katy Guitar Fest. Each day then can be completed by attending the Featured Concerts on Friday and Saturday nights by world-renown jazz recording artists. Throughout the day an exhibit of outstanding visual artwork, by area and national artists, known as ARTkaty is on display and provides the opportunity for attendees to view, enjoy, and purchase fine artwork of the highest quality. More information about the featured jazz artists, featured guitar artists, and visual artists can be found on the website: www.WestHoustonJazz.com. When you have reached the website, you can sign up for updates on the artists and latest information pertaining to the Festival and the professional artists! You can also follow the latest “buzz” about the Katy/West Houston Jazz Festival on Facebook, a link to which can also be found on the website!
Performance participation in the Katy/West Houston Jazz Festival is open to all student jazz ensembles (big bands and/or combos) at the middle school, junior high, high school, and/or college levels. Performance and participation in the Katy Guitar Fest is encouraged for all guitarists of all ages and all genres of music. Registration forms for each of these components are available on the website: www.WestHoustonJazz.com. Student participating ensembles will receive professional constructive comments by renowned professional jazz artists after their performances as well as participate in individualized instruction on their own musical instruments through “master classes” with the professional jazz artists. Topics and technical studies ranging from jazz interpretation to improvisation to composition and professional pathways in jazz are all included in the master classes.
Festival attendees may attend any of the daily performances and art exhibit with the purchase of a daily admission wristband. Shuttle buses will be available, at no cost to Festival attendees, for transportation from the local Katy hotels (which offer reduced rates to Festival participants and attendees) to the Festival and return them to their original point of departure. Daily admission wristbands will be available at the entrance to the Katy High School Performing Arts Center, or in the lobby of the following Katy hotels located at the Katy Mills Mall area: Best Western Plus; Hilton Garden Inn; Springhill Suites, by Marriott; and the Residence Inn, by Marriott.
Admission to the evening Feature Concerts is by ticket only. Tickets can be purchased at the Ticket Window of the Katy High School Performing Arts Center or in the lobby areas of the Katy hotels noted above during the days of the Festival, or in advance from any Katy ISD high school band member, Cinco Ranch Conservatory of Music, or on line at www.WestHoustonJazz.com. Please visit the website to receive information pertaining to the dates for ticket sales at a later time. Proceeds from the Festival go to support the jazz education at Katy ISD high schools.
The future belongs to those who are able to capture their creative intelligence. Appreciation and engagement in the arts embraces the abilities to create and produce ideas that are individually unique – these ideas are woven together with the varied cultures and influences creating the beautiful tapestry known as America. Plan to take part in this great event in Katy, Texas celebrating America’s true art form – jazz!
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