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Wynton Marsalis: A Youngarts Masterclass - Hbo Family Documentary Series Debuts Sept. 9

The HBO Family documentary WYNTON MARSALIS: A YOUNGARTS MASTERCLASS kicks off the third season of the two-time Emmy-nominated series, following three promising musicians as they work with jazz legend, Wynton Marsalis. In the season debut MONDAY, SEPT. 9 (7:30-8:00 p.m. ET/PT), on HBO, the young virtuosos selected by the National YoungArts Foundation which offers talented high-school students from around the country the chance to be mentored by some of the worlds greatest artists prepare to perform alongside Marsalis at during a family Jazz for Young People concert performance at Jazz at Lincoln Center.

Other HBO playdates: Sept. 11 (2:00 p.m.), 14 (11:00 a.m.), 17 (6:15 a.m.), 20 (10:30 a.m.) and 29 (8:30 a.m.).

HBO Family playdates: Sept. 15 (10:45 p.m.), 18 (11:30 p.m.), 23 (8:30 p.m.), 24 (3:55 a.m.) and 27 (6:30 p.m.), and Oct. 6 (5:25 a.m.), 19 (6:25 p.m.) and 20 (5:20 a.m.)

TRAILER

Though best known for his virtuosity on the trumpet as a composer and bandleader, Marsalis is also an outstanding educator. He effortlessly gives feedback on the students own instruments even taking to the piano without missing a beat. Over dinner, he recounts his own career path and advises them on life in the professional jazz world. Encouraging the threesome to become one anothers support system, he tells them that if they really want to be professionals, they should have many kinds of experiences to learn from, saying, Play with different people. Play all kinds of gigs Broadway shows, the circus, cocktail parties!

Before their performance at Jazz at Lincoln Center, the students participated in an interview with program director of the Real Jazz show on SiriusXM, Mark Ruffin. They were also fitted for performance wardrobe at Brooks Brothers, and watched a set at Dizzys Club Coca-Cola featuring Wycliffe Gordon and Friends. The students were the featured guest artists at the Jazz at Lincoln Center family concert entitled “Who is John Coltrane?” at Jazz at Lincoln Centers Rose Theater. The rehearsals and performances also featured Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra member, Walter Blanding on saxophone, and up-and-coming jazz drummer, Jamison Ross, Marsalis gives each student a word to consider while playing in order to help perfect their craft. Patricks is relaxation, to harness his excited energy, Russells is concentration, to listen carefully to the instruments around him, and Tonys is freedom, to venture outside his comfort zone.

Reflecting on the importance of passing the torch, Marsalis remarks I want them to take away from it that you’re a part of this, and we need you to come out here and be a part of it and make it be glorious, make it be greatand theyre going to do that. Watch…”

In 2011, YOUNGARTS MASTERCLASS received an Emmy nomination in the category of Outstanding Childrens Nonfiction, Reality or Reality-Competition Program. The series recently received another Emmy nomination, in the category of Outstanding Childrens Program.

DVD Screeners of WYNTON MARSALIS: A YoungArts MasterClass are available for review. Filmmakers Kirk Simon and Karen Goodman, as well as most of the featured artists and students in the series are available for media interviews. Contact: Gary Springer, 212-354-4660, [email protected]
For more on the show, visit facebook.com/HBODocs and twitter.com @HBODocs #MasterClass.

WYNTON MARSALIS: A YOUNGARTS MASTERCLASS is a production of Simon & Goodman Picture Company; produced and directed by Oscar and Emmy winners Karen Goodman and Kirk Simon.

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Comments

  1. How can I get a copy of this program for my Intro to American Music class that I teach at the local juco? Please respond.

    Tom Bertucci on Oct 28th, 2013 at 2:24am