Mark Rapp is a renowned jazz musician and educator who founded the Cola Jazz Foundation in 2010. The foundation aims to promote and preserve jazz music in Columbia, South Carolina, and beyond.
Rapp has always been passionate about jazz and its ability to connect people from different cultures and backgrounds. He realized that there was a need to create more opportunities for young musicians to learn and perform jazz, and this led him to establish the Cola Jazz Foundation.
The foundation provides several programs and initiatives that support jazz education and performance. One of their flagship programs is the Jazz Masterclass Series, where renowned jazz musicians visit Columbia to give masterclasses and workshops to local musicians. This program has featured jazz legends such as Wycliffe Gordon, Chris Potter, and Wynton Marsalis.
Another significant initiative by the Cola Jazz Foundation is the Jazz for Young People program, which introduces jazz to elementary and middle school students through interactive performances and workshops. The program aims to inspire and educate the next generation of jazz musicians and enthusiasts.
In addition to these programs, the foundation also hosts concerts, festivals, and other events that showcase the talent of local jazz musicians and bring together the jazz community in Columbia.
Mark Rapp and the Cola Jazz Foundation have significantly impacted the jazz scene in Columbia and beyond. Their commitment to promoting and preserving jazz music has created numerous opportunities for young musicians and inspired many to appreciate this art form. Through their initiatives, they continue to foster a thriving jazz community that celebrates diversity, creativity, and collaboration.
Performer: Mark Rapp & The Cola Jazz Foundation
Live On Lincoln 2023.
Mark Rapp is a renowned jazz musician and educator who founded the Cola Jazz Foundation in 2010. The foundation aims to promote and preserve jazz music in Columbia, South Carolina, and beyond.
Rapp has always been passionate about jazz and its ability to connect people from different cultures and backgrounds. He realized that there was a need to create more opportunities for young musicians to learn and perform jazz, and this led him to establish the Cola Jazz Foundation.
The foundation provides several programs and initiatives that support jazz education and performance. One of their flagship programs is the Jazz Masterclass Series, where renowned jazz musicians visit Columbia to give masterclasses and workshops to local musicians. This program has featured jazz legends such as Wycliffe Gordon, Chris Potter, and Wynton Marsalis.
Another significant initiative by the Cola Jazz Foundation is the Jazz for Young People program, which introduces jazz to elementary and middle school students through interactive performances and workshops. The program aims to inspire and educate the next generation of jazz musicians and enthusiasts.
In addition to these programs, the foundation also hosts concerts, festivals, and other events that showcase the talent of local jazz musicians and bring together the jazz community in Columbia.
Mark Rapp and the Cola Jazz Foundation have significantly impacted the jazz scene in Columbia and beyond. Their commitment to promoting and preserving jazz music has created numerous opportunities for young musicians and inspired many to appreciate this art form. Through their initiatives, they continue to foster a thriving jazz community that celebrates diversity, creativity, and collaboration.