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“I decided to focus on music late. So I never envisioned myself at Julliard or playing with folks like Wynton Marsalis, “ says Sean Mason. Sean, a Charlottean and JazzArts Ensemble alumnus, indicates his musical career success has been unexpected. His offers insight to the future of jazz and our students.

The Smithsonian Museum of American History created this celebration in 2001 to recognize the extraordinary heritage and history of jazz. As we celebrate the only truly American musical art form, this month we focus on the power of music to unite people.

I must admit, it did my jazzy little heart good to hear Alicia Keys give a shout out to Hazel Scott during her impressive dual piano stint on the 61st Grammy Awards.

“If things had worked out right for [Dupree] he could have been one of the most important trumpet players of our time."

"The only electric guitar I knew of was the Hawaiian guitar, I’d listen to all the jazz guitarists of the time, but they all played acoustic."