Aspiring young musicians are encouraged to apply now for the 29th annual Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong Summer Jazz Camp. The camp, organized by the Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong Educational Foundation, will take place from June 19 to July 7 at Loyola University’s Communications and Music Complex in New Orleans. Auditions will be held on June 6 and 7 by appointment only.

Classes have traditionally been offered in woodwinds, brass, piano, electric and upright bass, drums, strings, vocals, large and small ensembles, big band, music theory, swing, and second-line dance. This year, the camp is expanding its offerings to include hip-hop. Grammy award-winning producer and songwriter Adam “BlaqnMilD” Pigott and award-winning record producer, rapper, and singer Darius “Deezle” Harrison will teach the hip-hop classes, exploring the history and influence of New Orleans artists on the genre. To qualify for the hip-hop course, students must be enrolled in camp as an instrumentalist or vocalist between 14 and 21 years of age and be invited to participate.

Pigott, a New Orleans native, began his musical journey as a John McDonogh High School marching band member. He has produced for artists such as Drake, Beyoncé, and Lil Wayne and has contributed to global chart-toppers such as “In My Feelings” and “Nice for What.” Harrison, also born in New Orleans, has shared producing credits for artists like Drake and Chris Brown and has produced Lil Wayne’s hit album “Tha Carter III.”

NEA Jazz Master Donald Harrison Jr. is the camp’s Artistic Director, and jazz trumpet and flugelhorn player Dr. Eddie Henderson is the 2023 Artist-in-Residence. Other members of the jazz camp faculty include pianists Darrell Lavigne and Dwight Fitch, bassists Brian Quezergue and Chris Severin, percussionist Jonathan Bloom, and more.

Students must be at least ten years old and actively involved in music education for two years at school or through private instruction. The cost of tuition is $1,000, and some scholarships are available.