Tucson Jazz Institute & Nash Legacy at The Nash

The Tucson Jazz Institute (TJI), founded in 2008, was created to supplement the school music programs of greater Tucson and to impact the cultural landscape of Southern Arizona. TJI welcomes students at all levels of development, with classes that range from an introductory course for students with no prior jazz knowledge all the way up to the Ellington Band and Concord Combo. TJI extends membership to many economically disadvantaged students through generous support from the Tucson Jazz Music Foundation. TJI curriculum includes classroom instruction, rehearsals, a weekly jam session, and participation in community, regional, national and international performances and festivals. ...

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The Tucson Jazz Institute (TJI), founded in 2008, was created to supplement the school music programs of greater Tucson and to impact the cultural landscape of Southern Arizona. TJI welcomes students at all levels of development, with classes that range from an introductory course for students with no prior jazz knowledge all the way up to the Ellington Band and Concord Combo. TJI extends membership to many economically disadvantaged students through generous support from the Tucson Jazz Music Foundation. TJI curriculum includes classroom instruction, rehearsals, a weekly jam session, and participation in community, regional, national and international performances and festivals.
 
The TJI Ellington Big Band has performed on numerous festivals including the The Next Generation Jazz Festival, The Monterey Jazz Festival, The Tucson Jazz Festival, The Fullerton College Jazz Festival, as well as at top jazz festivals throughout Europe on two European tours. The TJI Ellington Band has won Downbeat Awards in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2017, and has been a finalist at the Essentially Ellington Competition & Festival 10 times, winning 1st place 5 times. Guest artists and clinicians include Kim Richmond, Jimmy Heath, Lewis Nash, Marcus Printup, Terell Stafford, Dr. Ronald Carter, Chuck Israels,  and many others.

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