JazzAmerica
JazzAmerica
in 1994. Their dream was to perpetuate America’s only indigenous art form by increasing
awareness of jazz in the community, recognizing the achievements of jazz innovators,
and bringing jazz education to young people. “We believe that the study of jazz provides
a valuable opportunity for individual growth – in the areas of self-discipline,
responsibility, creativity and self-confidence – as well as in the development of social
skills – including cooperation, respect for elders and peers, and group identification.”
We are proud to offer jazz education which, from the inception of the organization, has
always been tuition-free!
JazzAmerica initiated its Saturday Master Classes in the summer of 1994 in
collaboration with the Music Center of Los Angeles County. That first year, over 90
students studied under Buddy Collette, John Stephens and Tony White (woodwinds);
Bobby Bryant (trumpet); George Bohanon (trombone); Gerald Wiggins (piano); Ndugu
Chancler (drums); and Richard Simon (bass). These classes, now called “WorkChops,”
have continued annually, and are usually conducted at either the Barbara Morrison
Performing Arts Center or Musicians Union Local 47.
In 1995, JazzAmerica joined with LACER, a Hollywood-based nonprofit cofounded by
City Councilmember Jackie Goldberg, to introduce after-school music instruction at
LeConte, Irving, and King middle schools, as well as Fairfax high school. For the
ensuing twelve years, JazzAmerica instructors taught hundreds of children the rudiments
of jazz on flute, saxophone, trumpet, piano, guitar, bass and drums. One exceptionally
gifted group of students recorded a CD entitled “Jazz After School” in the spring of 2000.
Meanwhile, the weekend JazzAmerica “WorkChops” series continues. Every year we
build a new combo, often a big band, to nurture a crop of high school-age musicians,
many of whom develop into active members of the jazz community. To name a few:
– Mahesh Balasooriya (piano), a shy 12-year-old in our first after-school program at
LeConte middle school, now makes his living as a jazz musician and arranger.
– Robyn Javier, a JA trombonist for three years, toured Japan with high school all-stars
in 2003. She still plays a mean trombone – and is now a renowned neuroscientist!
– Two cousins, Jamael and Darynn Dean, joined us over ten years ago; he’s a thriving
New York pianist, while vocalist Darynn graduated from the New England
Conservatory and now teaches at UCLA between tours.
– Katie Thiroux (bass), Chloe Feoranzo (reeds) and Jordan Klein (trombone) all
received the LA Jazz Society’s New Talent Award. Katie earned an MA from CSU-
Long Beach; both she and Chloe are full-time musicians with a worldwide following.
Among the students you’re hearing today, all have expressed an interest in pursuing
careers in music – be it performing, producing, composing, arranging, or in combination.
JazzAmerica is proud of its 30 years of helping students ‘develop their voice’ in jazz.
But we need your support to continue.
In our early days we received grants from the Los Angeles Department of Cultural
Affairs. Today our support derives from one foundation, a single jazz club, and from a
number of interested parents and supportive individuals. We salute the Ella Fitzgerald
Charitable Foundation and the Valley Jazz Club for their solid and consistent
contributions. With today’s cutbacks in public arts education and an economy that hasn’t
fully recovered, we need you – the “village” of die-hard jazz fans – to step up to keep this
vital service – and Buddy Collette’s dream – alive.
JazzAmerica is pleased to do our part to “perpetuate America’s only indigenous art
form.” When you encounter our fine musician-educators – Sean Harbour, Otto Granillo,
Mike Price – please thank them for their dedication to The Cause.
