PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Afterschool Jazz offers comprehensive jazz education during after-school hours for two hours weekly. The curriculum provides essential training that cultivates literacy, proficiency, and excellence in jazz performance. Afterschool Jazz offers two levels for middle school through high school students.
Level 1
6th to 8th grade
Afterschool Jazz Level 1 introduces students to the jazz idiom and focuses on the basic elements of swing, ensemble performance practice, musicianship, and beginning Improvisation.
Requirements: Minimum one year of playing experience and ability to read music. No audition required. Instruments are available as needed.
Level 2
7th to 12th grade
Afterschool Jazz Level 2 is designed for advanced middle school through high school students with 2 + years of experience. This level introduces students to various jazz-based styles such as Afro-Cuban, Afro-Brazilian, Swing, Jazz Fusion, and Hip-Hop, and includes the study of Jazz theory, harmony, and improvisation.
Requirements: 2+ years of experience. Demonstrate knowledge of major & minor scales. Ability to improvise on the Blues.
To view current schedule click the REGISTER button below.
HISTORY
Having observed and identified several gaps related to issues of ethnic and gender inequities and access to jazz education, the Oakland Public Conservatory of Music (OPC) and SFJAZZ Education joined forces to address those gaps by providing resources that strengthen and sustain music education opportunities for middle and high school musicians of color in Oakland and the Greater East Bay.
In the spring of 2015, OPC and SFJAZZ Education collaborated and launched the Afterschool Jazz program (formerly known as OPC-SFJAZZ Academy) to provide opportunities for underserved and under-resourced East Bay music students to learn and perform jazz. The overarching goal of the program is to build a community of youth musicians by increasing music literacy, technical proficiency, and creativity. The ASJ program is offered at OPC’s main campus and OUSD schools with established instrumental music programs.
BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATION
The greatest asset ASJ offers is a faculty of Teaching Artists that consists of some of the top performing and teaching artists in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Participants have access to OPC’s and SFJAZZ’s cadre of visiting artists and clinicians, live concerts, and other opportunities to learn from the masters.
Students and school partners have access to concert tickets and low-cost memberships.
School Site Partners (SSP)
Collaboration and partnership are paramount to our success at Oakland Public Conservatory of Music. The Band Directors at school sites act as crucial partners, contributing to the growth and development of our program. Through their involvement in student recruitment, connection with families, and multi-instrumental expertise, they play a central role in shaping Afterschool Jazz. By acting as co-teachers, SSPs assist in creating a thriving community of young musicians.
We are grateful for the funders and host of individual donors who make this program possible.