Auditions for students interested in joining the 2016-17 Tipitina's Internship Program will be held on Saturday, August 27 between 12p and 3p. Students must schedule an audition in advance by submitting a request online at http://tipitinasfoundation.org/TIP2016  or by calling the foundation at 504-309-7934.

This prestigious program sends students to perform in other cities and high-profile events around New Orleans.

Participants should meet the following requirements:

· Must be between the ages of 13 and 19

· Must currently be studying an instrument or vocals in a school band program or with a private instructor

· Must be available to attend weekly classes on Monday evenings from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., in addition to outside rehearsals and performances

· Must be willing to practice and complete assignments outside of classroom hours

· Must be prepared to audition with at least four major scales, a prepared piece highlighting the student’s talent and a sight-reading request

Tipitina's Internship Program is an afterschool program for high school students interested in pursuing a career in music. Under the artistic direction and classroom instruction of jazz saxophonist Donald Harrison, Jr., the program focuses on instrumental performance, recording, music theory, and career professionalism. Interns develop the necessary skills for playing, writing, and recording various styles of indigenous music, while learning core business principles and building professional competence and acumen. This college and scholarship preparatory program is offered free of charge to all enrolled participants.

Tipitina’s Internship Program offers participants a variety of opportunities throughout the school year to showcase their talents as students are preparing to apply for college and scholarship opportunities. Tipitina’s Interns have performed at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, French Quarter Festival, Tipitina’s, and the Orpheum Theater. Field trip and exchange opportunities have taken students to Los Angeles, New York, Memphis, and Japan for performances, cultural exchange, and master class experiences.

Tipitina’s Foundation partners with Berklee College of Music as a Berklee City Music Network Site. Through this partnership, Tipitina’s Interns have access to the University’s PULSE program – an online music theory learning tool, special scholarship opportunities for Berklee’s Five-Week Summer Performance Program, and consideration for a Berklee City Music full tuition scholarship to attend the university for four years.

More information available at tipitinasfoundation.org. To apply, click here.

If you don't have a young musician in your life but would like to support this program, come out to their last Foundation Free Fridays of the year at Tipitina's on August 26 with performances from John 'Papa' Gros Band + Robin Barnes and September 2 with Big Sam's Funky Nation.