Bringing jazz into local schools

The mission of the SacJEF Jazz in Schools Project is to provide a sustainable jazz improvisation program in the setting of a small combo for school music teachers and students in grades 5 - 12 in the Sacramento region.  Participating teachers who are willing to support and prioritize jazz improvisation as part of their curriculum receive free in-classroom instructional clinics from our “Improv Team” over the course of the school year.  

Led by musician/educator Bill Dendle, an “Improv Team” of musician instructors/clinicians work in tandem with school music teachers and their students in developing a flexible curriculum that can be adapted to different student levels in a way that the teacher can understand and follow. Emphasis is on early or "traditional" jazz.

Still in its pilot phase, the Jazz in Schools Project can, thanks to Proposition 28 funding,   expand to multiple schools beginning with the 2024-25 school year.

 Contact the Foundation for more detailed information, or if you are interested in building a jazz program in your local school.