Chicago Jazz Ensemble - Educational Initiatives

Educational Initiatives

An integral part of its mission, CJE is also committed to music education, and to nurturing the next generation of jazz artists by providing young people with mentorship, training, and performance opportunities. To this end, all ensemble members participate in CJE’s education programs as Jazz Mentors. The majority of CJE’s accomplished musicians are also experienced educators; approximately two-thirds of ensemble members are affiliated with Columbia College Chicago’s Music Department. In addition, CJE’s ensemble—40% African-American and 60% Caucasian and has two female members—serves as a model of diversity in the performing arts, and is actively engaged in promoting music education among children of all backgrounds and means.

CJE’s annual education programs currently focus on youth in grades 7–12, with the aim of enhancing students’ existing level of musicianship, and encouraging young people to continue their academic and artistic development at the college level. This year, CJE has begun redeveloping its educational offerings with a particular emphasis on providing music programs for inner-city youth, and enhancing CJE’s collaboration with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS). Through its school-based Chicago Jazz Ensemble in Residence program, CJE’s Jazz Mentors partner with CPS band instructors to provide high-school music students with advanced training in jazz performance. Each 13-week residency culminates in a joint performance by CJE and the participating high-school ensembles. During the coming year, the program is expected to engage eight schools, representing more than 200 students. In March 2006, CJE also launched a collaboration with CPS’ All-City High School Jazz Band, the Jazz Apprentices program. Through biweekly, hands-on instruction by members of CJE’s acclaimed ensemble, professional development seminars with CJE Artistic Director Jon Faddis and noted guest artists from the CJE season, free attendance at CJE concerts, and public performance opportunities with CJE, the Jazz Apprentices program aims to help prepare Band members to continue their musical development at the college and performance level, while providing vital professional mentorship for diverse young people aspiring to careers in jazz. In its pilot year, the program is serving 13 students; in partnership with CPS, CJE aims to expand the program to reach up to 25 students per year.

In 2006–07, CJE will relaunch its Inside the Score program, offering CPS middle-school music students free tickets to CJE’s American Heritage Jazz Series, supplemented by in-school, pre-performance workshops that examine the upcoming concert program through discussion, score study, and recordings. CJE anticipates serving 400 CPS students through this program in the coming year. CJE also partners with the Chicago Jazz Insitute’s Jazz Links program and the Midwest Band Clinic to provide workshops and master classes for young musicians, annually serving up to 20 students in grades 7–12. In December 2006, CJE will also present a free performance at the Midwest Band Clinic’s annual Chicago conference, for an audience of 2,000 Midwestern and international music educators.

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