Through the John Coltrane International Jazz and Blues Festival (JCIJBF) Student Instrument Contest we nurture the development of young people who are currently striving to become the innovative musicians of the future who move the music forward.
The Student Instrument Contest is an important part of the yearly festival. It is a way the Friends of John Coltrane, Inc. connects Coltrane’s master musician and composer legacy to the community of young people seeking to continue a music education. Coltrane practiced hours everyday and every chance he could when on the road. We are motivated by this essential facet of his legacy to help music students own an instrument on which they can practice.
Students enrolled in grades seven and up in North Carolina middle and high schools are asked to submit a video or a written essay. If recording a video for entry, turn your phone or tablet sideways or if using a laptop to record the video, make sure landscape orientation is selected. In the submission the student should explain; your music aspirations, how discovering music (especially jazz) has impacted you, what your affinities are and tell us why you need an instrument and, how winning one will help you achieve your goal.
Winning students receive a free, brand-new instrument of their choosing.
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Each year, one of the festival performers joins the students on stage to encourage them in their studies and give advice for developing a career in music. It is an exciting time for the students and their families as they get to see their young musician presented to the community of international artists, professional musicians, local community leaders as well as the JCIJBF audience in attendance. Prizes are made possible by Bill Banks, Joe Williams, and KHS America, Inc., an instrument manufacturer along with local sponsors.
Only students enrolled in a North Carolina middle or high school are eligible to participate. The contest will be open from April 1-June 30. Students can choose one of the three following options to submit an entry:
- Upload Video Option – Record and upload video responses (landscape view only)..
- Written Essay Online Option – Upload a 100-250 word, typed, double spaced written essay, with a photo.
- Written Essay Mail in Option – Mail a 100-250 word, typed, double spaced written essay with a photo to Student Essay Contest, c/o Friends of John Coltrane, P.O. Box 2392, High Point, NC 27261.
