The New Orleans Jazz Institute—a partnership between the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra and the University of New Orleans—presents a two-part event to kick off the Spring 2013 semester.

Part One

the What: Irvin Mayfield, Grammy winner and professor at the University of New Orleans, presents the second half of his lecture The Art of Building Good Ideas. The lecture is part of Mayfield’s bi-annual practice to host on-campus events covering such topics as art, literacy and the development of great ideas.

Past events have included community leaders such as President/CEO Stephen Perry of the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau, President/CEO Nolan Rollins of the Urban League of Greater New Orleans and UNO President Peter Fos.

Following the lecture, a Jazz Jam Session will take place at the Cove Student Center. The session will feature students from UNO’s Jazz Studies program.

Notes from Mayfield’s first lecture, which occurred on September 24, 2012, can be found at irvinmayfield.com.

the Where: University of New Orleans, Education Building, Room 103

the When: Thursday, January 24, 6 p.m.

Part Two

the What: Auditions for the Saturday Music School (SMS). Each semester, the SMS program offers musical instruction to students between the ages of 8 and 17 who attend one of the 17 schools within the Greater New Orleans area. Lessons include instruction in ensembles and small groups for jazz band, strings, piano and voice. The curriculum for SMS is developed around history, theory and performance techniques used in jazz, classical and world music. A comprehensive and diverse experience for the city’s youth, SMS features performances throughout the year in recitals as well as local festivals and other events.

the Where: UNO’s Performing Arts Center

the When: Auditions will be held on January 26 (10 a.m.-2 p.m.) and February 2 (8 a.m.-9 a.m.). Mandatory Parent Orientation is on February 2 (9-10 a.m.). Classes will be held February 2-May 4 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The final recital performance is scheduled for May 11 at 2 p.m.

— Beck “zaelyna” Brexlyn