Project Description
Students learn an eclectic mix of repertoire including blues songs, classics from the Great American Songbook and jazz standards in a wide range of styles such as swing, funk, bebop and Afro-Cuban. This three-hour program focuses on creative improvisation in both large and small group settings. Students learn to play by ear, explore jazz theory and participate in a weekly performance. Creating and performing their own arrangements, students develop confidence as improvisers, as well as leadership skills. Our world class jazz faculty are all professional performing jazz musicians active in the NYC jazz community and many of our jazz program alums go on to participate in advanced high school programs and colleges. It is recommended that students in this program be enrolled in private lessons or a Band program.
Returning Students
Students who have previously attended the Jazz Travelers Program or The Jazz Summer Camp at BKCM or Jazz Explorers, register before September 9th for the program. To register, call the registration team at 718-622-3300.
Jazz Open House – Sept 9th – FOR ALL STUDENTS!
New Students are invited to attend our Open House on September 9th. Auditions for Jazz Program Sept 9th and Sept 23rd from 11 am to 12 pm. To schedule an audition or to attend the open house, send an email to jazz@bkcm.org.
Annual Schedule for Jazz Travelers Program – Saturdays from 12-3
Sept 9th – First Day of Class + Open House for New Students
September 23, 30
October 7, 14, 21, 28
November 4, 11, 18
December 2, 9, 16
January 6, 13, 20, 27
February 3, 10
March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
April 6, 13, 20
May 4, 18
June 1 (Concert Date)
Concert Dates
January 20th – Winter Performance
June 1st – Final Spring Performance
About the Jazz Travelers Program:
The Jazz Travelers Program is unique in that it serves a mix of levels for students ages 11-18. Participation in the jazz program provides many non-musical benefits, such as developing a sense of responsibility, learning to work together as a team, and feeling a sense of accomplishment in doing something well.All students who have some experience on their instrument are welcome to join. There are six main components:
Diverse Repertoire: Students will learn repertoire that includes classic jazz standards, contemporary works, original compositions and music from around the world that features improvisation. Repertoire is specifically designed for students to feel comfortable and successful with improvisation.
Creative Improvisation: Students learn techniques such as live conduction, free improvisation, cueing, call and response and rhythmic variation, which improves their ability to listen and improvise on the spot.
Small Group Work: Students work collaboratively with professional jazz faculty at an average student-teacher ratio of five to one. Small groups are leveled by age and experience. Faculty and students work together to create an individual group sound.
Jazz Theory: Students increase their understanding of theory and harmony, that is specific to jazz and the repertoire they are learning in their ensemble.
Weekly Performances: Students gain confidence in the weekly performance forum, where they regularly perform for their peers and faculty. Students are also featured throughout the year at private concerts, public recitals and community events at BKCM.
Masterclasses and Workshops: Throughout the year, students engage with guest jazz artists who present on special topics, including workshops with the recipients of the Jazz Leaders Fellowship Grant program, which provides support for Black women and Black non-binary jazz musicians with resources to further develop their craft and careers.
Sample Daily Schedule
12:00 – 12:45 – Improvisation Workshop
12:45 – 2:00 – Combo Rehearsal and Jazz Theory Class
2:00 – 3:00 – Performance Forum / Masterclass
Faculty
Mike McGinnis – Woodwinds
Charlotte Greve – Woodwinds
Allison Philips – Brass
Sean Moran – Guitar
Jeonglim Yang – Bass
Adriel Vincent-Brown – Drums
Registration Info
Please call 718-622-3300 to speak to one of our registrars who will guide you through the registration process and answer any questions you might have. Financial aid is available for qualifying students. To apply please contact kris.mandapat@bkcm.org and fill out the financial aid application.
For complete information on our registration process and policies please click here
