NEWS RELEASE
GUELPH YOUTH JAZZ ENSEMBLE
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Long time community music organization the Guelph Youth Jazz Ensemble (GYJE) has been granted Not-for-Profit status by the Federal Government.
This move was made to enable enriched instructional opportunities, facilitate more live performance events both locally and regionally, and provide greater accessibility for local teens to participate in Guelph’s celebrated music community,
"We are thrilled with the move to not-for-profit status” said Ensemble Director, Brent Rowan. “It means continuing the GYJE as a sustainable program in the community for years to come and having a board of directors made of members of the organization. It also opens up the possibility of grants from the City of Guelph and a variety of arts organizations that have money available to support not-for-profit community groups.”
Opportunities for additional funding and enhanced partnering with local organizations and businesses will enable the GYJE to provide local teens with high quality musical instruction and personal development, as well as enabling a unique brand of toe-tapping community outreach.
“Helping students grow as young adults in the safe and inclusive environment of the GYJE allows them to serve and represent their community in a very meaningful way.” continued Rowan, who is also Director of Guelph’s New Horizons Band community music group and Adjunct Professor of Community Music at Wilfrid Laurier University.
Dozens of Juno Nominated and Award winning Jazz musicians have provided instruction and workshops for GYJE members, and it is hoped that not-for-profit status will support further opportunities for Guelph teens to get hands-on learning from world-class musicians and influencers.
Rowan stresses that accessibility has always been a cornerstone of the ensemble’s charter, with multiple bands and program styles to welcome every level of experience.
“Organizations can sponsor a student who may not have the financial resources to participate in a program such as the GYJE, and we are always seeking opportunities to share music with the community” Rowan added. “This month we are starting a new and exciting eight-month session and we are actively reaching out to encourage and welcome new students.”
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