Research from the American Federation of Teachers suggests that smaller class sizes have a positive impact on student performance. Students are able to receive personalized special attention suited to their individual needs, strengths and weaknesses while instructors are able to be more creative with their styles and approaches to instruction. This more intimate take on education is most effective and fruitful for kids between 15-19 years old. And the Jazz Institute of Chicago takes this into consideration in one of its most exciting educational programs!
The Jazz Links Residency Program brings some of Chicago' s most sought after professional jazz musicians to Chicago Public high school and elementary jazz programs for an 8-session workshop. These workshop sessions concentrate on jazz improvisation and listening techniques that can be applied to many other areas of the students musical and academic development. Resident artists work with band directors to identify the needs of the young musicians in order to provide a stimulating and inspirational experience.
Artist Residents have included Corey Wilkes, Ari Brown, Ruben Alvarez, Ken Chaney , Frank Russell, John Watson, Maggie Brown, Marlene Rosenberg, Joan Hickey, Greg Ward, Corkey McClerkin, T.S. Galoway and Norman Palm.
Held annually between January and March, the residency includes:
- An in-school kick-off assembly featuring artists of the Jazz Institute's Residency Program
- Field trips to local jazz performances
- An end of the program performance for the school's PTA/and or LSC members
- Teaching of Fine Arts State Goals 25-27
The 8-session prgoram aims to encourage musicanship development by:
- Strenghtening jazz theoretical skills (e.g., blues/bebop scales, major and minor scales, modes, playing chord changes)
- Deepening an understanding of the cultural heritage and social customs in jazz.
- Providing structured opportunities for inter-generational communication and mentoring from Chicago's Jazz community.
- Explaining to students how to play and solo on a song
Each week includes some work developing the ear, guided listening to a recording (or live playing) and brief historical perspective. After artists and teacher's assessment of the group has been made, artists can proceed in a way that is appropriate for the group's level, and makes use of their strengths.
The Jazz Institute's JazzLinks Residency Program is provided absolutely free to participating Chicago Public Schools as a result of the munificence of the following sponsors: The Polk Brother's foundation, The Oppenheimer Foundation and Kraft Foods.
For questions or any additional information regarding the Jazz Institute's JazzLinks Residency Program, please contact Diane Chandler-Marshall, JazzLinks Program Education Director at 312-427-1676.
