WHAT: KSDS Jazz 88, a broadcast service of San Diego City College, presented the City College CMEA (California Music Education Association) High School Jazz Festival. 14 high school and middle school jazz bands performed in this clinic-style festival. Professional jazz musicians and instructors will serve as judges, giving the students feedback on their performances and coaching them for improvement. Resident jazz artist Gilbert Castellanos, a renowned trumpeter who’s played with some of the all-time greats in jazz, also participated. The Palomar College Jazz Band will gave a free performance at noon. The festival is open to the public and free to attend. WHY: This program gives grade school jazz music students critiques and coaching from real pros of the jazz music world, invaluable to the students’ training as they prepare to compete in upcoming jazz music festivals. At a time when school budgets are diminishing and the future of arts education is in question,this festival is a real bright spot in our local education scene. Programs like these will help to ensure that school kids continue to enjoy the host of important benefits of playing a musical instrument. Less