(PR) Owl Studios is beginning a new jazz initiative in conjunction with Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. Inspired by Indiana University's strong tradition in jazz education, Owl Studios has developed a one-of-a-kind program to benefit the unique talent collected within the Jacobs School of Music. The Owl Studios Emerging Jazz Artist Project introduces an annual competition open to jazz students in the Jacobs School of Music that culminates with a nationally released album.Brent Wallarab, Owl Studios recording artist and Assistant Professor of Music at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, created this project as a means to bring together these two institutions and to advance the visionary idea of combining jazz education with the practical experience of launching a career. Wallarab states, "It is incumbent upon educators to explore new ways to inspire and instruct students by providing opportunities beyond the traditional means. Through the Emerging Jazz Artist Project, our students will learn so much more with this hands on experience."
This is an impressive program that will give the jazz studies majors in the Jacobs School of Music a unique occasion to make their mark in the competitive jazz world. "It is exciting for Owl Studios to be a part of the Emerging Jazz Artist Project," says Owl Studios President and CEO Mr. J. Allan Hall. He continued, "As we discover a new direction in jazz, Owl Studios will be there to document the emerging talent produced by Dr. David N. Baker at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music."
Jacobs students will have until October 11, 2010 to submit a recording that will include three compositions, which will demonstrate their clear concept and unique point of view of the future of jazz. An intriguing aspect of this submission process is that each student is required to show his or her personal perspective on a pre-selected composition from an Indiana songwriter/composer.
A panel of three qualified judges will convene to select the recipient of the Emerging Jazz Artist Project award. The selection process will be strictly anonymous and the recipient will be announced at the David Baker Jazz Ensemble concert at the Musical Arts Center in Bloomington, Indiana on Monday, October 25, 2010.
Derrick Gardner, Owl Studios artist, graduate of the Indiana University Jazz Studies Department and recipient of the 2009 Independent Music Award for Best Jazz Album said this about the Emerging Jazz Artist Project: "This is a wonderful moment for the outstanding talent at IU to be recognized. The Emerging Jazz Artist Project award could easily reveal the next creative voice in jazz."
About Owl Studios - Indianapolis-based Owl Studios is an independent record label dedicated to a financial and artistic partnership with highly creative, talented musicians. In the short time since its inception, Owl Studios has become a well-respected, artist- friendly, independent record label in the genres of Jazz, R&B/Soul, and Fusion/Jam Band. The label includes established artists that have made names for themselves performing throughout the world. In addition to their reputations as composers, performers and arrangers, many of our artists are also educators at top music institutions.
