Monterey, Calif., May 29, 2014; Monterey Jazz Festival, a leader in jazz education since its inception in 1958, is pleased to announce that Samantha Samuels has been named as the Festival’s Education Specialist.
A magna cum laude graduate of Tufts University Medford, Mass. with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and International Relations, Ms. Samuels brings 13 years and education resources to the Monterey Jazz Festival, having worked in leadership positions at New York City’s Jazz at Lincoln Center (JALC) in their education department, writing and/or producing 12 seasons of their family-interactive Jazz for Young People concerts led by Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. She has also developed their early-childhood jazz education series, WeBop; co-produced the companion recording WeBop: A Family Jazz Party, and oversaw the creation of video and web installations for the Nesuhi Ertegun Jazz Hall of Fame.
As a developer of jazz curriculum, she helped create the National Endowment for the Art’s Jazz in the Schools series, and was a co-editor of Let Freedom Swing, web-based high school civics and American History lessons that explore the relationships between jazz and democracy, created in partnership with Teacher’s College at Columbia University. She has additionally worked at the August Wilson Center in Pittsburgh, Pa., where she wrote and co-produced the Center’s first Young Peoples Concert series of interdisciplinary, interactive, family-friendly shows.
“I look forward to working with Samantha, and know firsthand that jazz and its sensibilities are a passion for her,” said Paul Contos, Education Director for Monterey Jazz Festival. “She’s worked on a continual basis with some of the most recognized names in jazz, organizing and implementing innovative programs to a wide audience.”
“I am thrilled to be a part of the team at this legendary festival,” said Samantha. “As our festival-goers know, jazz has a joyful community spirit that brings people together. I look forward to getting to know the Monterey and Salinas communities and together, finding fun and creative ways to bring that joyous spirit to kids, families and music lovers of all ages.”
###
For more information, high-resolution pictures and interview opportunities please contact:
Timothy Orr, Marketing Associate, Monterey Jazz Festival
Direct Line: 510.652.1122
MJF Phone: 831.373.3366
timorr@montereyjazzfestival.org
www.montereyjazzfestival.org