Seattle JazzED Unveils New Mission Statement

 In a recent board meeting held on June 13th, 2023, Seattle JazzED proudly announced the adoption of a new mission statement that propels our commitment to jazz education to new heights. Today, we unveil this inspiring mission that encapsulates our values and reaffirms our belief in the liberating force of music. 

New Seattle JazzED mission statement:

"Through jazz education that liberates and inspires, Seattle JazzED increases access in the music room, celebrates student expression, and builds lasting connections rooted in community."

Access for All

At the heart of our mission lies a steadfast dedication to ensuring that jazz education is accessible to every young person, with celebration of their individual identities. We believe that the power of music should transcend barriers, creating opportunities for aspiring musicians. Seattle JazzED fosters inclusivity by intentionally removing barriers to participation by offering sliding scale tuition, free loaner instruments, and community-based programs, among other initiatives.

Liberation Through Music

Jazz is more than just a genre; it's a call to action and an artistic language that emboldens individuals to discover their unique voices and express themselves freely. As a quintessential Black American art form, jazz has its roots in the African American community, emerging from the rich cultural heritage and experiences of Black musicians. It serves as a testament to resilience, creativity, and the power of artistic expression in the face of oppression. At Seattle JazzED, we are proud to be a part of the ongoing legacy of jazz as we contribute to a larger movement of cultural appreciation, understanding, and social justice. Through our programs, we seek to create an environment where students can break free from constraints, whether they be self-imposed limitations, societal expectations, or conventional norms. By immersing themselves in the improvisational nature of jazz, students discover a profound sense of autonomy and unlock boundless possibilities for personal growth.

Celebrating Student Expression

Seattle JazzED celebrates the unique artistic voices of our students. We foster a supportive and nurturing environment that encourages young musicians to explore their individual styles, experiment with improvisation, and fearlessly express themselves through their instruments. By honoring and amplifying their voices, we not only cultivate exceptional musicians but also instill confidence and self-assurance that will transcend the music room and positively impact their lives.

Community and Connection

Seattle JazzED recognizes that music education thrives in a connected community. Our mission extends beyond individual skill development, emphasizing the importance of building lasting connections rooted in a shared love for music. We are dedicated to creating a vibrant and collaborative network among our students, educators, and the wider Seattle community. Together, we forge relationships that inspire growth, provide support, and foster a sense of belonging .

Seattle JazzED's new mission statement stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and embodies the essence of our commitment to youth and music education. The year-long process, involving our dedicated staff, students, educators, board members and community members, has resulted in a mission statement that resonates deeply with our shared values and vision. As we move forward, we do so with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that our mission is not only aligned with our organization but with the hearts and minds of those we serve.

BDX is BACK! Educational Drumline Fest Returns

Seattle JazzED is proud to announce its upcoming BDX Drumline Festival, set to take place on Saturday, June 3, at the Amazon Meeting Center in the South Lake Union neighborhood. This educational showcase will provide percussionists with the opportunity to workshop with professional drumline adjudicators from across the Pacific Northwest, receiving valuable feedback to improve their craft.

The festival will feature secondary school performances from Chimacum High School, Chimacum Jr. High School, Clayburn Middle School, Garfield High School, Life Christian Academy, North Creek High School, Orting Middle School, Robert Bateman Secondary School, Seattle JazzED Drumline, Sequoyah Middle School, Shorewood High School, South Shore Pk-8, Stanwood High School, and West Seattle High School. After performing, percussionists will move to individual clinics, where they will receive personalized feedback from professional drumline educators. The adjudicators are a diverse group, largely from the Pacific Northwest, with years of experience in the field. They include Chris Patin, Josie Dietrich, David Vaughns, and Christopher Grant.

The BDX Drumline Festival was started at Garfield High School by Tony Sodano, who is co-leading this year's event with educators Kelly Clingan and Beth Fortune. Sodano's vision for the festival was to create a non-competitive space for percussionists to learn and grow, and that vision continues today.

The Seahawks Drumline, Blue Thunder, will also perform for students. The day will conclude with an awards ceremony, where adjudicators will honor outstanding groups for specific skills with a focus on feedback.

 The BDX Drumline Festival promises to be a day full of music and learning, featuring some of the most talented percussionists from the Pacific Northwest. It is an event not to be missed!

Presenting sponsors of the festival include Amazon and the Douglas R. Roach Jazz Futures Fund. To learn more about the BDX Drumline Festiva and reserve tickets, visit www.seattlejazzed.org/bdx.

2023 BDX design created by Alex Radakovich.

May the Musical Shoe Fit: Meet Your Instrument Day

Each year, to welcome beginning musicians and set them up for success, Seattle JazzED hosts Meet Your Instrument Day. During the event, music educators leading the Summer Jazz Foundations Camp and the year-long Foundations program introduce and demonstrate all the available instruments for their new students. Throughout the day, students try out each of the following instruments: flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, guitar, bass guitar, cello, violin and drums. At the conclusion of the event, they are asked to select the top three instruments that they’d like to play in the program.

The staff's responsibility is to then carefully consider the students’ instrument preferences and allocate the instruments in a way that ensures balanced classrooms. This process ultimately results in assigning each student with an instrument that they will be playing throughout the program.

But why is Meet Your Instrument Day important?

PERSONAL CHOICE

Different instruments have different sounds and playing styles. It is important for a musician to choose an instrument that THEY enjoy playing and that sparks joy within themselves.

COMFORT

Playing an instrument requires physical coordination and endurance. A musician should choose an instrument that feels comfortable to hold and play, as it will allow them to play for longer periods of time and with greater ease.

MOTIVATION

When a musician is playing an instrument they enjoy, they are more likely to be motivated to practice and improve their skills. This motivation can lead to greater success and enjoyment in their musical pursuits.

BREAKING DOWN STEREOTYPES

Gender stereotypes continue to persist at all levels regarding student participation in music. Instrument choice has been associated with gender stereotypes, with some instruments considered more "masculine" or "feminine" than others. For example, the drums are often associated with masculinity, while the flute is associated with femininity.

Any person, regardless of their gender identity, should have the freedom to choose the instrument that they are most interested in playing. Encouraging young people to explore a range of instruments can lead to greater opportunities for collaboration and learning.

CREATIVITY

When a musician has the freedom to choose their instrument, they can explore different sounds and techniques. This can lead to greater creativity and innovation in their musical compositions.

Allowing young musicians to choose their instruments based on personal preference and comfort can have a profound impact on their musical development, creativity, and lifelong interest in music. By encouraging all young people to explore a range of instruments, we can create a more vibrant and dynamic musical landscape that reflects the diverse interests and talents of musicians of all genders and backgrounds!

Meet Your Instrument Day is a required event for students participating in the Summer Foundations Camp and will be hosted at Seattle JazzED’s site (380 Boren Ave N) on Sunday, May 21 from 11AM-1PM.

Thanks to a community of generous donors and community members, Seattle JazzED is able to offer free loaner instruments and sliding scale tuition to all participating students. Learn more about how you can show your support of our mission to increase access to music education across our community by clicking here.