ABC 7 Chicago - Chicago Jazz Philharmonic Youth Camp inspires children to reach for success

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Chicago Jazz Philharmonic Youth Camp at Chicago State University brings together students from the city and beyond to teach them the joy of music and the power of an open mind.

Whether you're a kid on trumpet, saxophone, drums, or almost any other instrument you can think of, the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic Summer Jazz Academy is working to bring together youth in the city.

The Jazz Academy offers an intensive two week summer program, as well as a Saturday program during the school year. Student musicians are welcome at any level, and teachers work with them to meet their individual needs. The curriculum combines jazz and classical genres, giving students a well-rounded education in music theory, technique and aesthetic creativity in both classic and jazz, with a focus on self-expression and improvisation, according to the program's website.

"I'm the first musician in my family," said 16-year-old Mi-Love Byas.

Byas grew up in Englewood. She said music is her stress reliever. She's been coming to Chicago State University to practice music for the past five summers.