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| Jerry Jazz Musician announces competition for high school writers Jerry Jazz Musician, a Portland, Oregon-based web company whose on-line magazine is among the most widely read publications devoted to jazz and the counter-culture of mid-twentieth century America, announces a competition that presents aspiring young writers with the opportunity to become their next "Accent on Youth" columnist. The competition will be judged by Mr. Gary Giddins, the country's most eminent jazz critic whose collection of jazz writings, Visions of Jazz: The First Century was the winner of the 1998 National Book Critics Circle Award, and Grammy Award-winning jazz vocalist, actress, and recording artist Ms. Dee Dee Bridgewater. The "Accent on Youth" column began in 2003, when a Dallas, Texas-area student, "Bunny M, " wrote about her passion for jazz and the challenges she faces as a youthful fan of it. "Accent on Youth" became an Internet address where readers could witness the emergence of a bright young talent dedicated to communicating her perspectives on and appreciation for an essential American art form. "Getting to know Bunny and working with her has been a great source of joy and pride, " Jerry Jazz Musician publisher Joe Maita writes. "While the publication of her work has been gratifying and helped attract new readers to Jerry Jazz Musician, the most rewarding aspect has been in witnessing Bunny's persona emerge and her writing mature. I am fascinated by the sincerity of her interests, and grateful for her devotion to the column." For Bunny M., the column offered her invaluable creative and growth opportunities. "Being able to write my own column for Jerry Jazz Musician, and getting to know so many wonderful, interesting people as I have the past two years has been an experience of great joy and learning. My knowledge and love of music has grown exponentially as a result of all the research, listening, collaboration, and cultural observation that has gone into this creative process… Mr. Maita’s direction and unflagging support and encouragement have been a valuable aid in my growth as a writer in particular, and a person in general, and I am honored to have worked and exchanged ideas with him." The competition to replace Bunny M. as "Accent on Youth" columnist is open to 14 – 17 year olds from all over the world. Entrants will write an approximately five hundred word essay addressing this premise: "Your best friend ‘Jerry’ knows nothing about jazz music, and has just sent an email asking that you write him back and tell him what you like about it. He also asks that you tell him who your favorite historic or contemporary jazz artist is, why you like that particular artist (or group) so much, and which recordings you would recommend." Entries are sent via email to jm@jerryjazz.com. Deadline date is January 31, 2006. With written parental permission, all essays entered will appear on the Jerry Jazz Musician web site. Every essay will be read by the staff of Jerry Jazz Musician. Mr. Giddins and Ms. Bridgewater will join Mr. Maita in choosing the winning entry from among the five finalists, to be announced by March 15, 2006. All entrants will receive an email announcement at this time. write your comments about the article :: © 2005 Jazz News :: home page |