Press

October 26, 2021 Jazz Education Returns to Eagle County, CO Elementary Schools

4th and 5th graders to receive in-person jazz education through Vail Jazz Goes to School.

VAIL, Colorado – After a year of being delivered online due to the Covid19 pandemic, Vail Jazz Goes to School (VJGTS) returns to in-person learning this school year. Program Director Tony Gulizia and the Vail Jazz Goes to School faculty will kick off the program this week, which will deliver jazz music education to hundreds of 4th and 5th graders across 11 Eagle County, CO elementary schools.

“I was saddened to not be in-person during the pandemic,” says Tony Guilizia, Program Director, “but we’re doing it now and it means so much to me to get this program back in the schools. A big thank you to the school districts, the PTOs and the Vail Jazz Foundation for getting this back on track.”

Now in its 25th year, the program is grounded in the energy of in-person performance, inviting students to absorb the moment, environment, and atmosphere of America’s gift to the world of music: jazz. The VJGTS program delivers four 45-minute lessons during the school year, including the highlight of the curriculum when the students attend a full-production live jazz concert.

The schools are excited to have the program back as well. “We are so grateful to have Jazz Goes to School back in person at St. Clare this year,” says Sister Regina Marie Connor, Principal at St. Clare of Assisi Catholic School.  “Music is a very enriching part of our academic program, and Jazz Goes to School is a great addition to our music curriculum.”

The Vail Jazz Goes to School faculty are a group of acclaimed musicians and educators led by Program Director and piano instructor Tony Gulizia. Percussionists Mike Marlier and Michael Pujado join Tony G for the first class; they are joined by additional musicians throughout the school year.

VJGTS is a program of the Vail Jazz Foundation, and is sponsored in part by Alpine Bank, Eagle County RE-50J School District/ PTOs, St. Clare of Assisi, Vail Christian Academy, Stone Creek School PTOs, Vail Resorts Epic Promise, and numerous individuals and family foundations. More information can be found at VailJazz.org/education/.

Vail Jazz relies on the support of the community to bring music education to schools and encourages donations from those looking to round out their charitable contributions for the tax year. Vail Jazz Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization–all donations tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. To ensure contributions can be deducted from this year’s taxes, donations must be made by December 31, 2021; individuals can deduct up to $300 in cash donations without having to itemize an “above the line” deduction. Donate at VaiJjazz.org/donate/.

For more information about the Vail Jazz Foundation and their education programs, please visit VailJazz.org or contact Jamie Cox, Marketing Manager (jamie@vailjazz.org).