Litchfield Jazz Camp celebrates 30 years of inspiring musicians
More than 250 students are spending part of their summer immersed in jazz at The Frederick Gunn School in Washington.
More Stories
The Litchfield Jazz Camp is celebrating 30 years of inspiring musicians.
More than 250 students are spending part of their summer immersed in jazz at The Frederick Gunn School in Washington.
Vita Muir founded the Litchfield Performing Arts 45 years ago.
"Jazz teaches collaboration, cooperation, creative thinking, innovation. It teaches everything," Muir says.
They don't hold auditions and no one is turned away from the camp.
"We just ask the students to play an instrument and know their notes," says Muir.
Albert Rivera is the director of operations.
"It's such a core belief in what we have because, you know, there are people who have talent and without direction, sometimes talent can get lost," says Rivera.
Don Braden is the music and camp director.
"I went to jazz camp myself as a young player. And it has transformed and changed my life," says Braden.
Ricki Rizzo is spending her third summer at the camp. She says the instructors are always there to help the students.
"You're always going to have someone or multiple faculty members here that are going to help elevate you," Rizzo says.
"It's not only just family. It's mentorship, it's community, and it's just like love and happiness. I think when you find your people, what you can do is limitless," Rivera adds.
The Litchfield Jazz Festival takes place July 24-26. Jazz Camp students will take the stage Friday night, with live performances continuing throughout the weekend. Click here for tickets.
