Eighty young musicians from around the world gathered last August at UCLA for the third season of the Henry Mancini Institute, a summer mentoring program designed for college and post-college aged musicians pursuing a career in music. Participants showcased their talents in various ensembles with an all-star lineup, including trumpeter Randy Brecker, film composer Jerry Goldsmith, pianist Lincoln Mayorga, bassist Christian McBride, clarinetist Richard Stoltzman and pianist son Peter Stoltzman, the Turtle Island String Quartet, saxophonist Ernie Watts and big band leader Gerald Wilson. Ensembles included the eighty-piece Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra, Big Band, Chamber Orchestra and small combos.

Music Director Jack Elliott created the Henry Mancini Institute in 1996 as the summer program of the American Jazz Philharmonic in honor of the legendary composer, conductor, and arranger. This four-week program mentors young musicians and composers through guidance and hands-on training with knowledgeable professionals throughout the entire month of August each year. Participants gain experience in the kinds of music they will perform and create in a professional career — jazz, symphonic, film scores and popular music.

Executive Director Mitch Glickman contacted Yamaha about providing support for the program. “Yamaha responded by loaning us a Clavinova CLP880, among other instruments, for the whole month,” says Glickman. Yamaha worked with Keyboard Concepts in Van Nuys to coordinate delivery of the instruments.

The 80 musicians selected to take part in this session of the Mancini Institute received a full fellowship, covering tuition, room and board. Of these students, four were composers who received private study and the opportunity to premiere their work in concert. Every year, applications are received from leading colleges and conservatories including Berklee College of Music, Eastman School of Music, Juilliard School, and the University of North Texas. Live auditions are held each February and March in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and Seattle.

The faculty is comprised of American Jazz Philharmonic members, leaders in the Hollywood film and recording industry and guest artists. Noted music producers, studio engineers, music contractors, and other industry professionals participate in a series of panel discussions. During the program, participants took part in master classes, private lessons, and soloist and paid performance opportunities throughout Los Angeles.

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