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“When we started the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz (TMIJ), people told us it wasn’t going to work because you couldn’t teach jazz,” shares T.S. Monk, the son of pianist Thelonious Monk, Jr, Co-founder, Chairman of Board of Trustees. From the prestigious annual competition and gala and the two-year college level program to long-standing educational programs such as Jazz in the Classroom; Peer-to-Peer; Bebop to Hip-hop; Jazz in America, an Internet based curriculum; and many other initiatives, what will the second quarter century bring? “The Institute, alongside its partners, will work towards taking a lead in cultural diplomacy, in addition to expanding music beyond an art form,” states President and Co-founder, Tom Carter.

“Many do not realize the Institute actually came into existence (a vu le jour) with the commitment to establish a major college program, among other aspects,” says Carter. The program resides with the Herb Alpert School of Music at UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles). From its inception in 1995, each student’s tuition, room and board has been covered to ensure acceptance regardless of one’s economic background. Students can immerse themselves in their coursework and absorb the teachings of jazz masters and leading educators through composing, producing, performing and giving back to the community.

International performances of TMIJ students have complemented significant highlights in history such as spending a day with Mother Teresa during travels to India and Thailand, and the 10th anniversary commemoration of the United States and Vietnam resuming diplomatic relations with tours in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Of note are three United Nations tours to Paris participating in the “Day of Philosophy” presented annually by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).

“Historically, jazz has always played a major role in France’s cultural scene. Jazz in France promotes a genuine appreciation of international talent and exchange, opening the country to external influences,” says Mika Shino, Director of Program and Outreach for International Jazz Day at TMIJ. On a more personal

connection T.S. Monk shares of his father: “The French were the very first to truly recognize Thelonious as an artist of major importance during his visit in 1959 when he won the International Jazz Critic’s Poll. The French touted him as an extraordinary composer and it was through their acceptance he had a career.”

These relationships with France over the years evolved into a greater global endeavor: In November 2011, through the initiative of TMIJ Institute Chairman and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador

PARTICIPATING IN THE “DAY OF PHILOSOPHY”

Vocal Competition Winners 2010 : Cécile Mc Lorin Salvant,

Charenée Wade, Cyrille Aimée

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ANHerbie Hancock, UNESCO designated April 30 International Jazz Day. This year 196 countries celebrated Jazz Day, an unprecedented amount of countries acknowledging an official international day. “Countries you would not expect like South Sudan, Somalia, Mali, Vanuatu, Iran - struggling countries combating poverty and instability - look to jazz for reaffirmation of life and creativity. Jazz is truly universal, it gives meaning and strength to people who need it most. International Jazz Day has the potential to evolve as the most successful and pertinent tool for cultural diplomacy, intercultural dialogue and peace-

building,” shares Shino.

The Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz’ continued commitment to jazz education and development of impactful and positive relationships and initiatives, domestic and international, has positioned itself to take a lead in global cultural diplomacy. It also allows the creation and research of new programs. On the horizon and at it’s infancy Math, Science and Music.I think it did work.

THE MOST SUCCESSFUL AND PERTINENT TOOL FOR CULTURAL DIPLOMACY