Trumpet player Ingrid Jensen is coming home to share her knowledge with young aspiring musicians.
She is this year's guest artist for Jazzfest, the annual fundraiser for school music programs presented by Harbour City Jazz Society.
Jensen will be conducting workshops with students from John Barsby Secondary School, Cedar Community Secondary School and Wellington Secondary School. She said she wants the students to have fun, but also wants them to push their boundaries.
"I'll try to get everybody out of their box and improve on their own playing," she said.
Jensen said fundraisers like Jazzfest are "pretty essential" to support music programs in schools.
Jensen has performed in a number of ensembles including her sister's group the Christine Jensen Jazz Orchestra. She has also taught trumpet at the Bruckner Conservatory of Music, University of Michigan and has lectured at several other institutions.
Carmella Luvisotto, band director for Wellington Secondary School, said having a guest artist every year is important.
"It's actually very inspirational for students. It goes to show them 'yes' they can make a life as a jazz musician," said Luvisotto.
Luvisotto said Jensen is a mentor and because she grew up in Nanaimo it shows kids they can make it but it takes hard work.
Jazzfest is Friday (March 10) at 7 p.m. at the Port Theatre.
Tickets are $12 available by calling 250-754-8550 or visit www.porttheatre.com.
People can specify which school music program they want to support by using the school codes: Well for Wellington, Cedar for Cedar and Bars for Barsby.
Luvisotto said people don't have to wait for Jazzfest to donate to school music programs. People can contact the schools anytime of the year to make a donation.
For more information about Jensen, please visit www.ingridjensen.com.
arts@nanaimobulletin.com