landing-page-bg-1800x1296

jazzAmerica

JazzAmerica

JazzAmerica is the brainchild of Buddy Collette, one of the most important figures in the cultural and political history of Los Angeles. Buddy was beloved and respected for his musicianship, his engaging personality and his tireless commitment to civil rights. He was the first non-white musician to perform on national television, opening the door for all minority musicians. He was also ‘instrumental’ in bringing about the amalgamation of the two previously-segregated musicians’ union locals.

Buddy co-founded JazzAmerica with LA School Board member Valerie Fields and public relations guru Michael O’Daniel in 1994. At about the same time, LA City Councilperson Jackie Goldberg started LACER, a Hollywood-based nonprofit, which subcontracted with JazzAmerica to provide after school jazz instruction in four middle schools and two high schools. Concurrently, Buddy initiated Saturday-morning Master Classes at the Music Center of Los Angeles County.

JazzAmerica offers tuition-free jazz instruction to any student, aged 12 to 20, who makes a commitment to a love for jazz, respect for oneself and others, and a commitment to regular practice and attendance. From January through mid-May, JazzAmerica studies ‘early jazz’ – the music that was invented in New Orleans around the beginning of the 20th century. Through recordings, videos and transcriptions, we focus on the traditional jazz music created by Louis Armstrong and his contemporaries.

From mid-May through mid-August, we add students to form a JazzAmerica Big Band that learns the arrangements of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Mary Lou Williams and others.

JazzAmerica is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and welcomes donations of any magnitude. Please visit www.JazzAmerica.org for further information.

Band Ensemble
Mateo Arce, Taylor Lee and Jimmy Xia – Piano
Ciaran Duff and Max Weiner – Bass
Victor Cyrus Franklin III and Cruz Anthony Herrera – Drums
Gavin Russell – Tenor Saxophone
Jishnu Murkerjee – Alto Saxophone and Flute
Sean Harbour – Trumpet
Felix Polyar – Trombone
Thomas Hemmens – Guitar