In 2023, more than 1,200 students of all ages from Cape May County, Atlantic County and Philadelphia engaged with the "Music Connects" programs of the Cape May Jazz Festival Foundation. Programs include Artist Residencies in the schools, live performance by student jazz bands on the Festival stages, concerts in the schools, or working on the student krewes learning the basics of sound/video/and festival production.
MEET CAMILLE THURMAN, THE 2024 DAVID O. CLEMANS MUSIC CONNECTS ARTIST IN RESIDENCE
Called a “classic double threat” by NPR, Camille Thurman is equally adept on tenor saxophone, flute and vocals. A runner up for the 2013 Sarah Vaughan International Vocal Competition, the New York City native has also distinguished herself as a potent player in the all-women big band, Diva, and as a member of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra from 2018-2020.
As a dedicated educator eager to share the rich legacy of jazz with the upcoming generation, Camille presents lectures, teaches ensembles and conducts masterclasses in various schools, colleges, camps and community centers. She believes, teaching the younger generation to appreciate good music and understanding its’ history is key in ensuring that the future of good music will live on.
Camille’s masterclasses give students an awareness of the society surrounding them as well as a sensitivity to various disciplines that exist; music, art, history, science and various elements of culture. Camille has worked with all ages ranging from pre-school to college level students. As part of her work as the David O. Clemans Artist in Residence, Camille is in residence in March & April with the Music high school aged students from Lower Township, Middle Township, and Ocean City. The culmination of the residency, Camille will lead and perform with the David O. Clemans Big Band in their performance on the Exit Zero Jazz Festival Philadelphia Mortgage Advisors Main Stage, Sunday, April 21, at 11:00AM.
Camille Thurman’s 2024 Artist In Residence is made possible through contributions from Christina Clemans and The Heart of Jazz.
Music Connects Education Outreach is supported through generous support by Cape Resorts, CapeMay.com, Christina Clemans, The Bell Family, The Priester Foundation, and the Whale’s Tale - celebrating 50 years contributing to the Cape May community. We wish to thank the New Jersey Division of Tourism, Atlantic City Electric, and the OceanFirst Foundation for supporting the music education initiatives of the Cape May Jazz Festival Foundation through Grant support.
CHECK OUT THE WORK OF THE CAPE MAY JAZZ FESTIVAL FOUNDATION
Cape MAY JAZZ FESTIVAL FOUNDATION BOARD
