In July, Montgomery County Community College partnered with King of Prussia Mall, Musicopia  and Arts Montco hosted a month-long celebration of music that supported music education. Throughout the month, customer were treated to live music on weekends on the Grand Lux Patio and a jazz brunch series on Sundays in the new Savor Food Court.

King of Prussia Mall also hosted a musical instrument donation drive as a part of Musicopia’s “Gift of Music” Instrument Donation Program. Customers were encouraged to bring gently used instruments that would be refurbished and donated to Philadelphia area schools. In the past decade, Musicopia has collected over 4,000 instruments for schools and children in need.

Students recruited by Andrew Kosciesza, Music  Associate Professor, and Howard Gordon, Sound Recording and Music Technology Instructor, played in the Savor Food Court at the mall. On July 14, 21 and 28, a trio consisting of Matthew Faatz on trumpet, Trevor Shelly on piano and Jacob Catania on bass guitar played jazz standards and songs they rehearsed as a part of Jazz Ensemble.

Gordon oversaw the performances at the Mall, which he viewed as a chance for students to learn about booking other appearances and concerts.

“For the students, it’s real world experience,” Gordon said. “They learn enough to get started if they get another gig.”

While the students have experience playing in large group with the Jazz Ensemble, the Jazz Brunches at the King of Prussia Mall allowed them to play in a more intimate group for a more various audience. Shelly of Boyertown appreciated the experience that he gained by performing.

“We all perform in Jazz Ensemble together,” he said. “Playing at the mall is good additional practice with our instruments and good practice for performing in front of different people.”

Faatz, of North Wales, was the first to join the group. By playing in the food court next to patrons, he was able to see different types of people listening to the music.

“The coolest thing I saw was the little kids being interested,” he said. “Not everyone stops to listen, but it’s nice to see some people taking in the music.”

The Jazz Ensemble hosts students with different levels experience and skill. This was not the first time Catania, of Glenside, has performed outside of the school.

“I also perform gigs with my dad,” he said. “It’s a different experience when you play with a small group versus a larger ensemble. It’s exciting.”

Musicopia  is a non-profit music education organization that has been dedicated to providing opportunities for children to experience, learn, perform and appreciate music for 45 years. Musicopia aims to enrich the Philadelphia Region and reach students in under-served communities.

The Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board actively promotes the Valley Forge area and Montgomery County as a destination for entertainment, leisure and conventions. Montgomery County is home to live music venues, award-winning playhouses, museums and art galleries and more.

Montgomery County Community College offers many creative opportunities to learn and perform. The College offers degree programs in Sound Recording and Music Technology  and Music  as well as performance clubs such as Jazz Ensemble and the College Choir.