Summer Interns Take the Stage

This summer, we welcomed college interns for the first time, adding fresh energy and perspectives to our camp programming. Our music educator interns became an integral part of the team, supporting instruction and serving as mentors to young musicians.  

Not only is Seattle JazzED providing unique opportunities for interns to gain valuable teaching experience, but it also reflects the intergenerational aspect of the jazz, where jazz players of an older generation would pass down tunes and stories to fledgling musicians connecting the past to present.  

Having interns alongside lead educators allowed for more personalized attention in every room. Whether they were helping students who needed a little extra support, working with small groups, or diving deep into sections of music, our interns made a difference in the classroom. Their passion and knowledge contributed greatly to the welcoming atmosphere that Seattle JazzED strives to create.  

Here’s what some of our interns had to say about their experience and the moments that made their time at Seattle JazzED memorable:  

“Watching the students in my small group come out of their shells and volunteer to solo was very gratifying. Those were the moments that made me the most proud. In general, it also feels great to see the kids get excited about music in whatever capacity.” - Summer Jazz Ambassadors Intern 

“I found the most success when I was working one on one with kids, giving advice on the music and checking in with them on how they were doing.” – Summer Second Line Project Intern  

“I really enjoyed helping the students enjoy making music! On the first day, some of our students were a little unenthused and talking about want to go home, but by the end of the week, they were happy to be there and play music!” – Summer Jazz Foundations Intern  

As we move forward into fall, we’re excited to continue this internship program. If you’re a college student interested in music education, building community, and gaining hands-on teaching experience, we’d love to have you!  

Join us in making music education accessible and transformative for our youth.