The New Jersey Performing Arts Center’s Wachovia Jazz for Teens program has selected Hoboken resident David Saks, a senior at High Tech High School, to be a recipient of the Groningen Award, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Director of High Tech and Academy of Architectural & Contemporary Themes (AACT).
An accomplished pianist, Zaks will travel to Groningen, the Netherlands, as part of the all-expenses-paid opportunity to attend classes and perform at the prestigious Prince Clause Conservatoire from February 6th-13th. While there, Zaks will study with accomplished bassist Joris Teepe, head of the Prince Clause Jazz Department, and Don Braden, a world-renowned saxophonist.
“This is really going to be a dream come true,” says Zaks, “eating, sleeping, and breathing jazz for a whole week.”
Annually, through its Young Artist Talent Search, NJPAC identifies fine performers in vocal music, instrumental music, theater, and dance. These performers audition for admission into various training programs like NJPAC’s Wachovia Jazz for Teens. As part of the process, NJPAC holds a preliminary screening for the NJPAC/NJ Youth Theatre Summer Musical Program.