Christian Choh, a 17-year-old alto sax player from Agoura Hills, was the winner of the Ventura Music Festival's 2010 Student Jazz Competition. Photo courtesy of the Ventura Music Festival.
Students are encouraged to mail or e-mail examples of their instrumental work by Jan. 4 to apply for the Ventura Music Festival’s fifth annual Student Jazz Competition, with the winner to perform on stage on with Latin jazz legend Arturo Sandoval.
Last year’s competition winner was Christian Choh, a 17-year-old alto sax player from Agoura Hills.
The competition is open to middle and high schools students throughout Southern California, the organization reported in a media release. Funded by the Ventura Music Festival’s board of directors, the three top contestants are awarded scholarships of $500, $250 and $100.
Five finalists will perform for a panel of judges and an open-to-the-public live concert competition on Sunday, Jan. 16 at Ventura’s Laurel Theater.
All competitors will receive discounted tickets to Arturo Sandoval’s 2011 Valentine’s Day weekend concert on Feb. 12 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. The winner will also be able to invite his or her entire jazz ensemble to the Sandoval concert.
For more information, call the Ventura Music Festival at: 805.648.3416 or send an e-mail to Brenda Yates at by@venturamusicfestival.org