Youth summer jazz camp now open for applications

(La. Weekly Staff) – The 29th annual Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong Summer Jazz Camp is now accepting applications for young, aspiring musicians.

The jazz camp, which will take place from June 19-July 7 at Loyola University’s Communications and Music Complex (6363 St. Charles Ave.), is open to students who are at least 10-years-old and who have been actively involved in music education for two years in school or through private instruction.

Traditionally, classes have been offered in woodwinds, brass, piano, electric and upright bass, drums, strings, vocals, large and small ensembles, big band, music theory and swing and second line dance. This year, for the first time, the camp is including Hip Hop as part of its curriculum.

The Hip Hop classes are being taught by two of that industry’s most notable professionals – Grammy award-winning producer and songwriter Adam “BlaqnMilD” Pigott and Grammy award-winning record producer, rapper and singer Darius “Deezle” Harrison.

“We are excited that Hip Hop icons BlaqnMilD and ‘Deezle’ will be bringing their unique talents and perspective to the camp this year,” said Jackie Harris, executive director of camp and the Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong Educational Foundation.

According to a press release issued by the foundation, the Hip Hop classes will “explore the history and influence New Orleans artists have had and continue to have on the genre.”

In order to qualify for the Hip Hop course, students must be enrolled in camp as an instrumentalist or vocalist, must be between 14 and 21 years old, and be invited to participate.

Pigott, a native of New Orleans’ 3rd Ward, joins the jazz camp faculty as the Hip Hop instructor, while Harrison joins to serve as the Hip Hop Artist-in-Residence.

Pigott began his journey in music as a member of the John McDonogh High School marching band. After becoming recognized as a nightclub promoter and locally-lauded DJ during the birth of Bounce music, he became a producer and gained popularity for his mixtape techniques that positioned him as one of the most influential music creators in the region, helping shape the careers of several New Orleans artists, including Big Freedia, Magnolia Shorty, 5th Ward Weebie, Josephine Johnny, JaSizzle, Partners-N-Crime and others.

Harrison, also New Orleans born, has a lauded career in the industry for his creative works. Some of his career highlights include shared producing credits and co-authoring of Drake’s hit “In My Feelings,” engineering Chris Brown’s “Gimme That” and “Graffiti,” and co-producing Lil Wayne’s hit single “Lollipop” which led to a Grammy win in the Best Rap Songwriter category.

Auditions for the camp will take place from June 6-7 by appointment only. Tuition for camp is $1,000 but some scholarships are available. For more information, call 504-715-9295 or visit www.louisarmstrongjazzcamp.com.

This article originally published in the May 1, 2023 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.