JAZZ HOUSE KiDS transforms lives using the power and legacy of jazz through world-class education and performances that create avenues of in school, in the community and at the Jazz House.
IN THE SCHOOLS
The pandemic magnified the disparities in learning and achievement in under-resourced communities. We are redoubling our efforts to return music to eight (8) schools in Newark and Union and look forward to our launch of the JAZZ HOUSE Music Scholars Club in Paterson, NJ. Reigniting our students’ love of music, we aim to spark their enthusiasm that fosters achievement.
Early Childhood Education
The JAZZ HOUSE is returning to its roots and educating our youngest beboppers. We are delighted to be launching programming for children in the Montclair Community Pre-K and Head Start programs here in our own backyard. Students will swing ahead to achieve early learning benchmarks through jazz, develop an early love for music, and take pride in the Black musical heritage from which jazz sprung.
At the JAZZ HOUSE
Intensive, weekly skill-building CLASSES AT THE JAZZ HOUSE, led by our incomparable teaching artists, will help students regain their skills and confidence and provide the magic of being with like-minded peers. We held tuition steady this year, despite the added expenses of acquiring 2,000 square feet of new rehearsal space to allow room for social distancing.
CHiCA Power
In 2022, we will rebuild this essential program that has produced significant gains in bringing young women to the jazz stage and the resulting growth in self-confidence and musicianship. After a two-year absence, we will bring back our seven-week CHICA POWER RESIDENCY led by world-renowned female jazz artists, plus a leadership Summit featuring successful women from fields largely underrepresented by women.
Alumni Leadership
Our mission is to prepare young people to become community leaders and global citizens and help our graduates find their paths both on and off the stage. Working closely with alumni leaders, we are developing GiANT STEPS, a new initiative that will assist the next generation to build networks and pathways for careers in the arts, arts administration and beyond.
WHEN WE GET IT RIGHT…YOUNG PEOPLE THRIVE.
“The past year has been a difficult one for our family but the support we have received from JAZZ HOUSE KiDS has been amazing. Unfortunately, I was diagnosed with cancer, and we ran into some financial difficulties due to my treatment. JAZZ HOUSE KiDS provided Miles with tuition assistance so he could continue doing what he loves: playing music. During this difficult time, the JAZZ HOUSE has provided him with a place to have fun and express himself while developing important life skills such as teamwork, and self-discipline. From the teachers to his fellow students, we are grateful for what the entire JAZZ HOUSE community has done for Miles and look forward to the day that we can pay it forward.“
~ Graham Schreiner, Parent
“I am the mom of Ebban and Ephraim Dorsey, my two saxophonists. Ebban and Ephraim have spent two years at the JAZZ HOUSE. They have grown tremendously, learning empathy and how to be humble, and made lifelong friends that cheer them on whether online or in person. Please support JAZZ HOUSE KiDS, not only for yourself but for your kids. They will grow, they will share, they will become better human beings, they will care about others. I can’t thank the [JAZZ HOUSE] enough for opening the door to us… Thank you so much from the bottom of our heart!
~Bernadine Dorsey, Parent
