Bringing jazz into local schools
The goal of the Traditional Jazz Project (TJP) 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 greater Sacramento area. Participating teachers who are willing to support and prioritize jazz improvisation as part of their curriculum receive free instructional clinics from our “Improv Team” over the course of the school year. This culminates in the school’s jazz combo performing at a school concert and/or other events.
Led by Mica Dugan and Craig Faniani, the “Improv Team” of 3–5 musician instructors work in tandem with the school music teacher 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. Still in its pilot phase, the TJP looks to expand to a second school for the 2018-19 school year, while continuing to offer curriculum support to the prior year’s school program.
Contact the Foundation if you are interested in launching a TJP in your local school.
