Jazz Alive, a K-12 ‘feeder’ program developed by the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic addresses this problem through exposing children to music at the beginning of their formal education. The program then tracks the child all the way through high school at which point students may decide to continue their studies at the college level. “By building music programs and jazz bands at the elementary level,” says Orbert Davis “we can effectively improve the quality of CPS high school bands all around and can demonstrate involvement in music keeps our children focused and in school.”

The program is currently in its third year since its pilot at Chicago west side’s Victor Herbert Elementary in 2006 and now in an additional six public elementary schools. In 2007-08, the program had 20 teaching artists and 8 touring groups in 4 elementary schools working with over 1,000 students. By the end of the school year we had over 140 students perform music only after 10 weeks of instruction on instruments they had never played before. This year we are in 8 schools and service over 4,000 students. We have one jazz band, a string ensemble, and over 150 students performing on a variety of instruments ranging from piano to drumline.

In addition to our programming throughout the school year, we are currently in development of our Jazz Academy which will be housed on the campus of the University of Illinois-Chicago. We plan to launch our camp this summer to provide additional programming for our students. This camp is non-residential and offers students an opportunity to get specific and advanced instruction on technique and ensemble playing while being exposed to university life and the value of higher education.

“Jazz Alive” is one of the most comprehensive programs of its kind. It focuses on issues such as, student enrichment, music advocacy with an emphasis on jazz, the connection between disciplines, professional development, and parental involvement. True to its mission and vision the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic is a constant innovator in both artistic and education programming changing the lives of the students and community it serves one music note at a time.