Two From Jazz Studies Program Receive ASCAP Awards

 ASCAP Foundation President Paul Williams in announcing the winners said ,"The young composers we recognize through this program represent the future of jazz." The winners in this 18-29 age category were selected through a national competition and they will receive cash awards. This national award was created in 2002 to encourage gifted jazz composers.

Noah Kellman, a composer and pianist based out of Central New York began playing the piano when he was 10. He won the Downbeat Student Music award for Best High School Soloist, attended the Betty Carter Jazz Ahead Program at the Kennedy Center in 2008, and was a Dave Brubeck Institute Fellow.

Sonia Szajnberg is a vocalist and composer from Brooklyn. She performs with her own ensembles at venues throughout the area.  She received a residency at the Betty Carter Jazz Ahead Program at the Kennedy Center in 2009, and earlier, received a Downbeat Student Music Award and an NFAA Arts Award for Merit in Jazz Voice.