Learning the Foundations with JazzED
/This past summer, we hosted our week-long Summer Jazz Foundations Camp designed for beginning musicians in 4th-8th grade. As summer mornings transitioned into warm afternoons, our students learned the basics of instrumental music, culminating in a jazz showcase at the end of the week.
Here’s what some families had to say about the Summer Foundations Camp:
“Our son who’s playing the saxophone was really stoked to get up every morning and come here. He played trombone all year in his elementary school band, and they had a concert at the end that didn’t sound nearly as good as today, and it’s only been one week!”
“My daughter picked up the saxophone and right off the bat, during Meet Your Instrument Day, the teachers were so sincere and attentive to each child. That followed through to camp. They learned so much in such a short amount of time and we’re very excited to continue with this program. Thank you!”
“First and foremost, thank you for the program. Jenny really enjoyed it. She played the trumpet in middle school, but this time she played drums for the first time. She grew a lot in a week. It’s unbelievable.”
Foundations is entering another year here at Seattle JazzED and we’re still enrolling students! Keep reading to learn more about what you can expect in our Foundations program this year.
Why Foundations?
Foundational Skills
Foundations is perfect for beginning music students who have an interest in learning an instrument. This program serves 4th to 8th graders and teaches 10 different instruments including the flute, clarinet, sax, trumpet, trombone, guitar, bass, drums, violin, and cello. Students will learn side-by-side with other new musicians and sit knee-to-knee with seasoned teaching artists.
Creativity, Collaboration, and Connection
At its core, jazz is about creativity and collaboration. It’s an avenue for expression, a space to collaborate with bandmates, and an opportunity to take risks and try out new ideas.
Following the footsteps of early jazz players, students learn to play by ear. They’ll develop “big ears” to connect and respond to music that surrounds them as well as the music they can create from their imagination. As students progress through Foundations, they will build social connections within the classroom and beyond as they work with fellow musicians through the shared language of music.
Immerse in the Culture and History of Jazz
Foundations is more than learning how to play. Our educators also dive into the history and culture of jazz, deepening the appreciation for the art form and ensuring a more comprehensive education. Our commitment to having an inclusive and diverse curriculum ensures that students not only learn how to play music but can appreciate its roots and evolution.
Fun!
We asked one of our Foundations teachers, Katyrose Jordan, why students should enroll in Foundations.
The response: Why not? It’s gonna be fun!
While we’re really into jazz, it’s not 100% straight-up jazz. Students can explore the rhythms, melodies, and improvisational aspects of jazz while discovering their own unique musical voices.
Meet the Teachers
Katyrose Jordan is our Foundations Lead Teacher and Booking Manager at JazzED. As both performer and teacher, Katyrose is ambitious, dedicated, and community-oriented. She wants to use her background and unique skill set to empower and enrich students’ lives socially, intellectually, and creatively through the transformative power of music.
BJ Montoya is our Foundations Lead Teacher and Curriculum Manager here at JazzED. His passion for teaching came from a family history of teachers and musicians. His teaching emphasizes social playing and creative expression through the many languages and dialects music has to offer.
We are committed to this program being financially accessible for ALL families and offer sliding scale tuition. To learn more, click here.
