(RED BANK, NJ) -- In another example of creative partnerships designed to empower students through the performing arts, the Gia Maione Prima Foundation will sponsor a free music camp in partnership with the Count Basie Center for the Arts and Red Bank’s Jazz Arts Project.

Open to middle school students, the Louis & Gia Maione Prima Music Camp will connect young musicians to instruments and world-class instructors, all through the lens of jazz. Named for the singer and widow of the late, great Louis Prima, the Gia Maione Prima Foundation supports and encourages the appreciation for American jazz, American popular music and jazz performance, as well as the fine arts.

This year’s camp, available to both beginner and intermediate performers, will be an onsite and online hybrid, taking place online on July 21, 23, 28, 30 and August 4, 6, 11, 13, 18 and 20. During the week of August 24, an in-person camp will be held at the Count Basie Center’s new Grunin Arts Education Building, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank. A live concert celebration with participating students is also in the works for late August. Full program and registration information is available at www.thebasie.org/musiccamp.

“We are proud to partner with the Count Basie Center for the Arts in sponsoring the Louis & Gia Maione Prima Music Camp,” said Anthony J. Sylvester, Trustee to the Gia Maione Prima Foundation. “During these extraordinary times, it is critical to maintain this program in order to provide students an outlet to be inspired while providing an opportunity for valuable music education.”

“The driving force of Basie’s education programs is the belief that arts matter,” said Dr. Lucy Chen, Director, Count Basie Center Academy School of Music. “Musical performance provides essential skills for children to process stress and other emotions brought on by times such as these. We are committed to working with our partners to continue providing quality music education to as many children as possible.”  

The objective of the camp is to offer a no-cost opportunity to students to experience hands-on instruction from professional musicians and dedicated, experienced music educators. The programs mission, according to Jazz Arts Project founder Joe Muccioli, is to put “instruments in (students’) hands, music in their hearts and hope in their future.” 

“The Jazz Arts project is grateful to the Gia Maione Prima Foundation and Count Basie Center for the Arts for their support of this vital initiative,” says Muccioli. “I know first-hand how impactful a positive experience in learning to play an instrument is, and how it can really change a life.  Our organizations will join forces to extend the impact and longevity of a program that will continue to positively impact the lives of young students and their families.”

Students interested in registering for the camp should visit www.thebasie.org/musiccamp or call 732.224.8778 x 125.