This summer, JazzArts Charlotte has taken the next evolution from a year of virtual, to a mix of in-person and virtual programs. An extra pair of hands arrived just in time to make it happen – meet our summer intern Lauren Muensterman.

Lauren graduated in May with a Bachelors Degree in Commercial Music: Jazz Studies and a Minor in Business, from Liberty University. Searching for real-world experience that combined those two, a professor and mentor introduced her to Lonnie and Ocie Davis, making one of those fortuitous connections that one sees so often in jazz. “This has been a perfect combination of my interests: a business role with the mission of helping people learn to love jazz through performance and education.”

This summer Lauren contributed in a wide variety of ways – from managing social media and interviewing individuals for the newsletter, to taking photos at Jazz at Victoria Yards, and a lot in between. “I figured I’d be doing various things, but I was surprised by the opportunity to teach at Summer Jazz Camp.” Lauren’s perspective as a vocalist was a perfect addition to the seasoned roster of musician educators that led our middle and high school students on their jazz journey this past month.

Through the breadth of summer activities, Lauren says her main take-away is how many moving pieces there are to an organization, or even just one event. She says the experience has given her key insight into managing her own career, and has solidified her interest as a vocalist, and her love of the creative side.

She describes herself as “disciplined, spunky and adventurous”. Outside of work, Lauren explored Charlotte end-to-end, giving our own staff new ideas on places to eat and discover. Inside of work, the team and our patrons have all benefited from Lauren’s skills boosted by that energy, enthusiasm, and willingness to delve into new things.

Don’t hesitate to say hello and even thank you to her at our final Jazz at Victoria Yards Summer event.