FLINT, Mich. (AP) - Jazz great Wynton Marsalis is teaming up with the Flint-based Mott Foundation to infuse after-school programs with music and the arts.
The Pulitzer Prize-winning composer and trumpeter will be the honorary co-chair of a national task force alongside Mott Foundation President Ridgway White. The group of leaders with expertise in the arts and after-school programs will develop content that can be shared nationwide.
Mott has granted roughly $350,000 to Jazz at Lincoln Center, of which Marsalis is managing and artistic director.
Marsalis says in a statement the goal is “to take jazz appreciation beyond the band room” and tie it to history, diversity and community engagement.
The task force expects to complete its work by next summer.
Marsalis kicked off the initiative Thursday with a concert at Flint’s Whiting Auditorium.
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