Jazz On The Portico is a mentoring and youth apprentice program that provides young musicians with on the job performance training while giving them the opportunity to study music theory and history in master classes with world-renowned teaching artists and perform free, live concerts alongside their mentors.Apprenticeships are available for high school and college students. Highly recommended younger students may also apply. Applicants are selected on the basis of talent, level of interest and potential. Potential is assessed by degree of commitment and focus. All students undergo an audition, which consists of an interview and a brief presentation. Academic and personal references may be required. There is no fee. Participants may receive a small stipend. In addition to South Valley Arts initially sponsors of the program included the Episcopal Diocese of Newark and Trinity & St. Philip’s Episcopal Cathedral. Sessions began in Newark, with concerts taking place on the portico of the cathedral. The project has since expanded its outreach activities. Mentors and students are now “taking the show on the road” to study and perform at other venues. Recent sites included Calvary-Roseville United Methodist Church in East Orange and the Barat Foundation Gallery in Newark, as well as local hospitals and nursing homes.
