Jazz students from seven area high schools will travel to the University tomorrow to participate in Jazzday 2003, the annual jazz workshop sponsored by the College of Musical Arts.

The day will begin for high school students at 9 a.m. in Bryan Recital Hall. Each band will take a turn giving a 30-minute performance. These performances and rehearsals will conclude at 4:30 p.m. After their performances, each band will rehearse with Russell Schmidt, the University’s director of lab bands.

As soon as each band has completed their set, each member will have the opportunity to listen to other high school jazz groups perform. with performances from the top collegiate lab band and the faculty jazz group, as well as a ceremony recognizing top high school performers. Selected top performers will be awarded scholarships to the University’s week-long Summer Music Institute jazz camp.

Between 130 and 150 high school students are expected to attend Jazzday 2003, accompanied by their parents.

“A lot of parents come to hear their young people perform,” Schmidt said. “It’s good for them to see the facilities here, and it helps them in considering BG for their young people.”

According to Schmidt, Jazzday plays a significant role in recruiting music students for the University.

“By participating [in Jazzday], I get to help show potential BG students how strong the jazz program is,” Schmidt, who has been involved with the event for seven years, said.

High schools participating in Jazzday 2003 include: Bowling Green High School, Clyde High School, Monroe High School, Toledo School for the Arts, Firelands Academy, Hudson High School and Garfield Heights High School.