God Bless the Child
 
For jazz to continue to prosper, we have to nurture our roots, the young people in our schools.  For the future, there must be both musicians to perform and knowledgeable audiences.  JSO is committed to providing opportunities for students to learn, either about jazz, or how to make it come alive as an instrumentalist or vocalist.  Nothing we do has more of an impact - or brings us more satisfaction. 
 
I'd like to share some of our activities, and ask for your support.
 
Elementary and Middle Schools
For student listeners through the eighth grade, JSO supports performances at school assemblies by local professional jazz musicians.  These performances focus on listening to, enjoying and understanding the music.  The roots of jazz from a historical perspective are intertwined with an appreciation for the art of improvisation.  Based on the successful model of "Sound School Assemblies" administered by Ethos, Inc, these assemblies provide a unique educational experience for school.  The "Incredible Journey of Jazz" curriculum piece created by Portland State University Professor Darrell Grant is a 75-minute program telling the story of jazz from its roots in African music and culture, through its development in the United States, to its current role as one of America's most treasured contributions to world culture.  

Middle and High School Jazz Bands
There are several bands in Oregon that draw from many schools, usually on an audition basis.  These bands are at all age and skill levels, from sixth grade through high school.  In recognition of their excellence, JSO invites these bands to perform at JSO events, such as First Jazz, and provides funds for professional clinicians, often nationally known, to work with the students. 

JSO also provides opportunities for school bands through clinician support.  When nationally known jazz musicians come to the area, such as at jazz festivals, JSO engages their services to visit local school jazz bands and provide guidance from acknowledged masters in the field.

Band Camps
There are performance camps for students that normally take place in the summer.  JSO provides scholarship assistance for students to attend these camps, on the basis of need and ability.  Examples are the Mel Brown Camp in Monmouth, and the Bud Shank Camp in Port Townsend.  Applications are screened by the JSO Education Committee.

Funding
Our Education Committee, under the guidance of Sally Shorr and Sandy Stallcup, is in the process of preparing their budget for our coming fiscal year.  They received a tremendous boost at First Jazz (thanks for your support!), and would certainly appreciate more resources.  The need is great.
 
We invite you to play a part!  Donations can be made on our website, jsojazzscene.org, or by mail.
 
Chuck Carpenter
President, JSO
JSOChuck@aol.com