Dakota Combo
Posted on Dec 31, 2018 in Music Events
Each year offers different opportunities for members of the Dakota Combo, an audition-based group of the region’s top high school jazz musicians. Up to eight musicians are offered scholarships for a year of serious extra-curricular jazz study and performance in partnership with the MacPhail Center for Music. Past combos have produced their own recordings, received the Mingus Spirit Award at the Charles Mingus High School Competition and Festival in New York, and performed at jazz venues throughout and beyond the Twin Cities. Open auditions are held each year in September, resulting in new instrumentation and a fresh sound every year. Interested musicians are encouraged to participate in other jazz education opportunities in preparation for future Combo auditions.
- Saturday, May 5 – Annual Spring Concert at Jazz Central Studios, 3pm
- Saturday, June 23 – Twin Cities Jazz Festival at DFJE Youth Stage, 5pm
Jazz has much to teach us, and to teach our young people. That’s why The Dakota Foundation for Jazz Education exists. Our organization was founded in 1997 with the purpose of introducing young people to jazz and helping them understand – and care about – what they are hearing. We want to help young people use jazz for self-expression and communication, and to experience the sheer pleasure that comes from responding to its challenges. The Dakota Foundation for Jazz Education promotes jazz and jazz appreciation through education, funding development and partnerships.