(JUNE 18, 2025 – RED BANK) In another example of creative partnerships designed to empower students through the performing arts, the Gia Maione Prima Foundation will sponsor a free music camp in collaboration with the Count Basie Center for the Arts and Red Bank’s Jazz Arts Project.

Open to Monmouth County students entering grades 4-8th in September who are between the ages of 9-14 years, the Louis & Gia Maione Prima Music Camp will connect young musicians to instruments and world-class instructors, all through the lens of jazz. Named for the singer and widow of the late, great Louis Prima, the Gia Maione Prima Foundation supports and encourages the appreciation for American jazz, American popular music and jazz performance, as well as the fine arts.

This year’s camp, available to both beginner and intermediate performers, takes place weekdays from August 4-15 at the Red Bank Middle School, located at 101 Harding Road in Red Bank. A concert for family and friends of registered participants will be held at the camp’s conclusion.

Registration and additional information is available at www.thebasie.org/musiccamp.

“We’re proud to continue our partnership with the Count Basie Center in sponsoring the Louis & Gia Maione Prima Music Camp,” Anthony J. Sylvester, Trustee to the Gia Maione Prima Foundation, stated. “The access this program affords to students – from hands-on instruction to the opportunity to hold an instrument, often for the very first time – is vital to the Prima Foundation’s interest to promoting musical education to children in the Jersey Shore communities.”

“It is rewarding to connect young musicians with highly skilled educators in an environment where music instruction promotes confidence and supports their social emotional development,” says Kyriaki Rausch, Director of Education at the Jazz Arts Project. “Students develop the tenacity to overcome new challenges while developing a foundation for a lifelong relationship with music.”

The objective of the camp is to offer a no-cost opportunity to students to experience hands-on instruction from professional musicians and dedicated, experienced music educators. The programs mission, according to Jazz Arts Project founder Joe Muccioli, is to put “instruments in (students’) hands, music in their hearts and hope in their future.”

“The Jazz Arts Project is grateful to the Gia Maione Prima Foundation and Count Basie Center for the Arts for their support of this vital initiative,” says Muccioli. “I know first-hand how impactful a positive experience in learning to play an instrument is, and how it can really change a life. Our organizations will join forces to extend the impact and longevity of a program that will continue to positively impact the lives of young students and their families.”

”We are excited to continue our collaboration with Jazz Arts Project, to bring the Louis & Gia Maione Prima Music Camp to our community’s young musicians again this year,” says Samantha Giustiniani, Vice President, Education & Outreach, Count Basie Center for the Arts. “Access to arts and music education is crucial, and we are honored to be part of this camp, which consistently delivers exceptional music education experiences.”

Students interested in registering for the camp should visit www.thebasie.org/musiccamp or call 732.224.8778 x 142