At Columbia College Chicago, the CJE sponsors Listening Sessions, master classes, and clinics, presented by artists appearing as guests with the Ensemble during its concert season. While these classes are aimed at those studying music as a profession, they are not restricted to music students – or to Columbia students for that matter; they are open and free to the public. The content of these programs ranges from discussions of technique and coaching sessions to discussion of musical approach and cultural history. Recent guest artists include Miguel Zenon, Christian McBride, Meshell Ndegeocello, Etienne Charles, Stanton Moore, Henry Butler, Donald Harrison, David Sanchez, Steve Wilson, and Steve Turre.
One of the CJE’s most celebrated student opportunities is our
student performance program during the Winter and Spring terms. For these performances, we invite
an exceptional student or student group from the Music Department to perform
with the Ensemble. This opportunity is a
very unique honor for students to gain experience in a professional setting,
often with some of the greatest jazz musicians of the 21st century.
In addition to working with the Columbia College Music Department, the CJE works as an extension to the curriculum across the college, both in and outside the classroom. Jazz music, along with its rich history and its core methodology of improvisation, create an exceptional opportunity for wide-ranging points of discussion, from cultural movements to approach to collaboration and individual preparation. Recent collaborations include work with the Center for Black Music Research and the college's Critical Encounters program, a school-wide initiative intended to synchronize conversations between Columbia and the community in an ongoing dialogue around a central socially and culturally relevant issue each academic year.
Another element of cross-disciplinary work is the CJE learning lab. As a professional arts organization embedded in a major arts and media college, the CJE has the unique opportunity to support the development of emerging leaders in the arts through mentorship and internship programs. Internships are available to exceptional students in departments ranging from marketing and music business to music education and the teaching artist program.
