The Harlem School of the Arts will announce today (February 20) the creation of the Dizzy Gillespie Jazz Academy, thanks to a substantial grant from legendary trumpeter and philanthropist Herb Alpert.
HSA President James C. Horton spoke with WBGO's Doug Doyle about the exciting new free program that will allow students to play and learn about the late Dizzy Gillespie and jazz in general.
"Last year we reached out to Herb (Alpert) about this idea of having a program named in his honor. Herb said that's wonderful, I love that idea and want to support it, but there's one caveat, you can't name it after me. So Herb being Herb said I would love for you to this in honor my dear friend Dizzy Gillespie. Now students from all over New York City can come and study jazz, play jazz, learn an instrument for absolutely free. It is phenomenal in every way. We're just so excited to honor the legacy of the great trumpeter Mr. Dizzy Gillespie."
Horton recalled the first time he saw Dizzy performing on television.
"When I was first introduced to Dizzy Gillespie I was a little boy and I was watching "The Cosby Show" where there was an episode where he does this thing that he does with his cheeks. I just couldn't believe the human body could do that. His cheeks just became balloons. Since then I was hooked. I learned the story about his trumpet that was turned upright, got caught in a fire and the metal started to melt, and then I started to dig into his music. I was floored at the composition, the player, the activist and the thinker. Dizzy is phenomenal and not enough of our kids know about his work."
Tonight (February 20), there will be a celebration at HSA with a reception and musical performances from several people including alumni members of the Harlem School of the Arts.
