Two Valley Students will be attending a five-week Berklee City Music Summer Performance Program on full scholarship through Berklee City Music, Jazz Aspen Snowmass and the generosity of underwriting donors, Robert and Judy Mann. Hunter Damm, a senior at Glenwood Springs High School, and Matthew Palomino, a senior at CRMS were both accepted into the program after nominations from JAS. As a member of the Berklee City Music Program, JAS is able to recommend deserving students for the program. Students then submit audition materials to Berklee, and if chosen receive full-tuition scholarships to the program. Last Spring Damm was accepted as a trombone player and Matthew to the vocal program. In addition to the scholarship from Berklee, both students travel and accommodations in Boston have been provided by JAS and the Mann’s.
The Berklee Summer Program is the largest, most comprehensive summer music program available anywhere. With its variety of study and performance options, world-class Berklee faculty, visiting artists, and state-of-the-art facilities, the five-week program has become the premiere contemporary summer music program for aspiring musicians. Students study performance, theory, musicianship, and ensemble playing, highlighted in an end-of-program blowout and concert.
“I want to thank JAS and Berklee for this opportunity. I have never been so excited for something in my entire life,” says Damm. “JAS has helped me grow so much over the years through private lessons, camps, and honor bands, but I never dreamed of getting to go to the Berklee School of Music. Having five weeks where I can just focus on becoming a better musician and finding myself through music is a dream come true.”
“I’m thrilled but at this point not sure I can process the significance of how lucky I am,” said Palomino. “I am grateful for JAS’ recommendations and in total shock that someone at the Berklee summer program would think of me as a good fit.”
Both students leave for Boston on July 11th to join musicians from 70 countries for the summer of a lifetime. “We wish Hunter and Matthew the best of luck at Berklee,” said Jim Horowitz, President &CEO of JAS. “We’ve enjoyed watching both of these talented musicians grow throughout the years in JAS programming and are confident they will represent both JAS and their individual schools well in Boston.”