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25th Anniversary
Reflections
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Photo: Washington Prep (LA) students (l-r) Demarieh Hunter (Junior) and Wahsan Flores (Senior), BeBop to Hip-Hop students performing at 25th Anniversary Gala; September 12, 2011 As we close out what has been a special year, we want to take the time to share with you the thoughts of the Institute's family of artists, students and supporters as we reflect on the 25th Anniversary, and the impact of the Institute's work. Several themes are woven throughout the reflections, not the least of which is family. We are humbled to do the work that we do and to have the great fortune to do it in such fine company. "The Monk Institute gave me the greatest times of my life! The BeBop to Hip-Hop program taught me to be a better artist and taught me how to deliver on stage and have a great sound." -- Wahsan Flores - Senior at Washington Prep (LA); BeBop to Hip-Hop student; 2011 25th Anniversary Gala Artist "Since I was there at its inception, and I am a Trustee, it is very gratifying to see where we are now. Hats off to TS, Tom, Herbie and all of my colleagues!" "This Institute changed my life and saved my life. Washington Prep High School Class of 2005!! Thank you Dan Seeff, DJ Khalil, Dontae Winslow, Jae Deal, Yo-Yo, Herbie Hancock, Jackson Browne, Wayne Shorter, Scott Storch, Gretchen Parlato & more!:) You will never be forgotten in my life!" "I really feel that I grew a lot from the experience, both musically and personally. There seems to be an intense atmosphere of creativity and motivation that surrounds the Institute, and proximity to that kind of energy was very inspiring. Thank you so much for the extremely valuable ongoing work you do." "It is always amazing and such a pleasure to see so many in the jazz community come together for a common goal - helping to preserve and expand the great art form of jazz with a focus on the next generation, while honoring our masters and sharing our history. I have been involved with the Monk Institute for 15 years or more and always cherish my time with the organization, whether at the annual gala or working with the students or doing goodwill performances. It's such an important institution, and I am always willing to support this important work in any way that I can." "My experience at the Kennedy Center was a once-in-a-lifetime thing. I was completely and utterly amazed at the talent and the over-all greatness of the performers I was blessed to see on September 12, 2011. I heard Aretha Franklin, Jennifer Hudson, Chaka Khan. One of the judges of the piano competition was Mr. Herbie Hancock himself. And Mr. Thelonious Monk Jr. was there. These performers are music geniuses, and I was able to see them in action. If that's not a great day, what is?" "The Monk Institute has found an incredible way to bridge the gap between the generations of this music. I appreciate its focus on paying respect and honoring those who have helped create and shape this art form, while recognizing the amazing up-and-comers around the world. Being involved in this competition was an amazing experience. I can't thank the Institute enough for giving me the chance to meet and interact with some of my musical idols, and join the list of amazing players who have participated in past years." "The contributions the Institute is making to the jazz world are inestimable." "I've known about the Institute for about as long as I've been into jazz. Its name is synonymous with greatness and distinction, not only in the jazz community, but in the music community as a whole. To have been selected as one of the Semifinalists is an absolute honor, and I am privileged to be a part of this warm, welcoming family." "In a world that promotes conformity, the Institute has helped me and many musicians discover our individual sound in an atmosphere that encourages us to artistically challenge ourselves, to think outside the box and outside our comfort zone. It's only appropriate that such an organization be named after Thelonious Monk who stood for and embodied the word 'individualism' despite the criticism that he faced. No other program in the world offers this safe haven for artists to search for their own identity." "I cannot put into words how grateful I am for all the Institute has given to the arts magnet jazz programs. I got the chance to study with professional musicians who came to our school to give us their own views on what it was like to be a musician in today's music scene. Another thing I am thankful for is the "Peer to Peer" Tour, which was one of the best experiences of my life. Not only did I get the chance to play alongside Gerald Clayton and Lisa Henry (WOW!), but I got the opportunity to do what I want to do in the future - pass the music on to others. That tour not only transformed me as a musician, but also as a person, and for that I am truly grateful." "The 25th Anniversary Monk Competition was phenomenal. The Institute is a beacon for jazz education. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to all of the Semifinalists and Finalists as they made me feel confident that the next generation will take this music far. It was a thrill to be on the panel with those esteemed pianists, as I hold them dear to my own personal development. I congratulate the Institute for continuing to share this music with generosity. It has helped usher some of the finest musicians onto stages across the globe. Next stop, Mars." "I was extremely honored to participate in the 2011 Competition because it not only provided a wonderful platform for me to express myself musically, it was a great opportunity to meet and exchange ideas with people from all over the world. Incredible!" "Going to the Thelonious Monk Jazz Competition was an eerie, incredible experience for me. I was able to make music with and for artists I had admired from a great distance, to share with peers, to have my work noticed by many people. Without question, the Institute is made up of a group of persistent, enthusiastic people devoted to preserving and promoting the art form that is jazz." "25 Years Young! I'm so proud to be a part of the Institute and to have participated in the 25th Anniversary Gala. This Institute of extraordinary vision has fostered a worldwide exploration and nurturing of jazz & blues, and the annual competitions are testament to this. I salute Thelonious Monk, Jr., Tom Carter, Michelle Day and everyone who gives so tirelessly of themselves to further the work of the Institute. Here's to the next 25 years, one swinging, soulful step at a time. I'll be dancing with you all the way. Happy 25th Anniversary!" "This trip further confirmed my prior belief that there is no greater privilege than to turn on the light bulb in a person's mind by giving them the education that they crave so dearly. Thanks again for everything. The Peer-to-Peer tour was truly a motivational and fulfilling-beyond-belief experience." "Without the invaluable training and performance opportunities offered by the Monk Institute, I wouldn't be where I am today. By fostering the education and creativity of young musicians, the Monk Institute has secured an appreciation of jazz in the hearts of audiences around the world. Thank you for helping me advance my career." "Many thanks to the Monk Institute, not just for the opportunity to participate in this year's competition, but also for its invaluable contributions to today's jazz community." "Winning the Monk Competition in 2008 has helped my career in many ways, not the least of which has been meeting all the great musicians that are associated with the Institute. The entire musical family associated with the Monk Institute has been very supportive and encouraging of younger musicians finding their own voices in this music." "The Institute will always have a special place in my heart. Its dedication to the future of this music is what makes it possible for young players like me to succeed. The Institute has touched so many lives and we should all be grateful for its work." "The Thelonious Monk Institute is just remarkable. For all these years it's helped push some great talents and give this music more visibility. Long live Thelonious!" "It was a real thrill and huge honor to be involved in the recent 25th Anniversary Gala. To share the stage with my idols like Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Ron Carter Joe Lovano John Patitucci and Chaka Kahn was an incredible experience. I felt lucky to be a part of such a talented family of peers and great masters. We are all fortunate for the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz. By discovering and promoting America's young jazz musicians and recognizing and paying tribute to the founders of this music, the Institute is preserving and securing for the world this great and uniquely American legacy of jazz." "During the past decades of uncertainty and change in our society, it is very encouraging to see 25 years of love for the work of Thelonious Monk in an institution that remains standing and strong. It gives me hope to see how the Monk Institute creates a vehicle for young students to showcase their talent while interacting with the masters. This form of collaboration between government, private entities, and educational institutions can be easily achieved through jazz music, representing one of the best things the U.S. has to offer to the world." "The Monk Institute is truly an incredible place. I am humbled and honored to have had a chance to be a part of the movement to further jazz education and help instill in others the core values that my peers and I have learned through jazz. Spending time with the kids from other schools shows them the determination, work ethic, cooperation, and respect that come from having a passion. This is an invaluable lesson that has a deeper impact when taught by peers. Thank you for believing in me, and pushing me to always be my best, not only as a musician but also as a person." "Participating in the competition was a great experience for me. Being able to perform up to the best of my abilities under very "unusual" circumstances gave me a lot of confidence for later in my career. Back then, I was thinking only about me and my career. But over the past 15 years I have participated in many activities with the Monk Institute and now can appreciate the greater purpose of this organization and how important its mission is. I consider myself very lucky to be associated with the Institute and help it in any way I can." "I was thrilled to be involved with the 25th Anniversary! Just seeing some of my musical heroes was a gas!" "I had a wonderful time participating in the 25th Anniversary Gala. It was great to see so many of the world's greatest jazz artists in one place. Best wishes to the Institute on its continued commitment to passing on the traditions of the greatest homegrown American art form to future generations in the name of Thelonious Monk." "Working with the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz has been an incredible experience. As the Institute's official New Orleans Hotel sponsor, over the past two years we have had the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance students perform several times at Loews New Orleans Hotel. The response from our clients has been wonderful, as they witnessed the amazing talent of these young students. Attending the 2011 Competition and 25th Anniversary Gala was a highlight of the year. This event ranks right up there with the best live entertainment that I have ever attended." "It was an honor to take part in the 25th Anniversary Gala performance, and play with so many amazing musicians. Thanks to the Monk Institute and all the work everyone associated with it does for the music." "It's always a joy to be a part of the annual Monk Gala...it's an honor to share the stage with the incredible artists that attend each year. It's also a beautiful thing to be reminded of the important work they do, of the young musicians they inspire, and of my own amazing experience in 1998." "The 25th Anniversary Gala highlighted what the Institute does best: creating wonderful musical situations that wouldn't happen otherwise, resulting in thrilling 'once-in-a-lifetime moments', sparking new collaborations and projects, inspiring artists to reach ever higher. Thank you for being such an incredible advocate and resource for jazz. Best wishes for many more years of success and much great music!" "I was overjoyed to be invited to perform Steelpans at the Institute's 25th Anniversary. Knowing that I was re-entering the Monk Institute family to make a contribution with a team of great musicians - like Terence Blanchard, Gretchen Parlato, Lionel Loueke and Sebastiaan de Krom - was a breath of fresh air. I owe a wealth of gratitude to the Institute for opening my eyes and soul to this beautiful art form we know as jazz. Special thanks to Tom Carter, Carl Atkins, Tom McIntosh, Barry Harris, Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter." "TMIJ gave me opportunities that were truly fantastic, learning not only about music, but also about life, different cultures, respect! To be accepted into Monk's universal musical family is a great honour. I'm so proud to be part of TMI and to see the love and dedication everyone brings to the organization. It was truly amazing to see a proud and emotional T.S. Monk backstage, stating that his dad is looking down upon us with a huge smile. I'll never forget that. That truly is Monk's dream. Thank you so much for allowing me to be part of it." "Thank you for your gift of music. The Thelonious Monk All-Star Jazz Septet with Antonio Hart was simply amazing. The eight young musicians were musical ambassadors of the highest caliber, representing all that is wonderful and intrinsically good about their generation. They shared such a deep and almost tangible passion for music and displayed generosity of spirit, humbleness and humility, and a sincere respect for their audience and fellow musicians." "I have a lot of fond memories connected to years of experiences with the Institute. I've always enjoyed working with the talented young musicians in the program and also playing with and hanging out with my heroes. The work that the Institute does is vital, not only for the musical formation of the young artists that it mentors, but also to show the rest of society the unifying power of music that cuts across all borders, ethnicities and cultures." "Many of the artists who came to teach at the Monk Institute also played with our group during the classes, and it was unreal to get to play alongside some of my musical heroes. Highlights include hearing saxophonist Chris Potter play a newly commissioned piece he was working on; playing with the Monk Ensemble at Snug Harbor while drummer Jeff "Tain" Watts sat in with the band; eating way too much lunch with guitarist John Scofield during playing session breaks; sitting in with pianist Jason Moran on his Snug Harbor duo gig with drummer Herlin Riley; and doing a three-concert tour of China with Herbie and Dee Dee. These experiences and others I will always remember." "To want to be a jazz musician you can't be defined or limited by anyone's talk or walk and even what you've done before. For 25 years the Institute has given wings to many musicians from all over the globe to follow his/her passion and conviction for jazz. As the 25th Gala Concert Musical Director, my job was easy because I was working with such a high level of raw talent - new and legendary. This event was surely one of the most memorable musical nights of my career. The Institute has a strong vision and commitment to nurture young artists, set them on their way, let them stretch their creative horizons and leave deep footprints on jazz - the way Thelonious Monk has inspired us to aspire." "It was an absolute honor to be part of the Institute's 25th Anniversary. It marked a new highlight in my career. It was a privilege to be among such stellar artists. I am forever thankful to the Institute for its continued support of my career and its commitment to jazz education. Its work assures us that musicians like me know that they can be a part of the rich legacy of this great American art form. Thank you, TMIJ!" "The Institute was pivotal in my life and career. I participated in the 2005 Guitar Competition, which took place two weeks after Hurricane Katrina drove me from my New Orleans home. The judges and Monk staff were very kind and supportive. I ended up placing 3rd, which greatly assisted my career. In 2007 I was accepted into the Institute of Jazz Performance in New Orleans (Loyola University) and was able to move back home and make peace with the ghosts of Katrina. I was able to grow musically in the fertile, nurturing environment that Terence Blanchard and the rest of the Monk Institute visiting artists provided." "It's been a great privilege to be a part of the Monk Institute family for the last 15 years. As a two-time competition contestant, a sometimes teaching artist at schools, and an attendee of the Aspen summer workshop, I've seen the good work it's doing on a variety of fronts. Some of my best friends and musical collaborators are people I met through the Institute, and for that I am eternally grateful. I look forward to the next 25." "The Thelonious Monk Institute for Jazz Performance was one of the greatest, if not THE greatest, musical, educational, social, and cultural experience of my entire life. I will never forget the jazz giants who worked with us - their advice and wisdom, their life stories - nor will I forget the many students and musicians who we touched through our teaching and touring." "Family. That's the word that comes to mind as I reflect on the Monk Institute's 25th Anniversary Celebration. As I watched and performed with the many artists I've come to know, and reflected on my own journey, one thing was clear: I am honored and blessed to be part of such a great organization, and a member of such an amazing artistic family." |
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