EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Engagement in the arts encourages a lifelong application of creative thinking. The Jazz Institute of Chicago Jazz Links education programs empower an ever-growing community of teachers and students through collaboration, experiential learning, professional development and direct connections to Chicago’s rich jazz legacy.
Jazz in the Chi Regional Essentially Ellington Jazz Band Festival
A non-competitive festival open to high, middle and elementary school jazz bands throughout the Chicago region and beyond! Through Jazz Institute of Chicago's partnership with Jazz at Lincoln Center, Jazz in the Chi serves as a Regional Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Festival location.
jazz links jam sessions
Monthly Jazz Links Jam Sessions give students the opportunity to perform with world-class professionals in the Jazz Links house band.
Jazz Masters Residency Program
Jazz Master Residencies bring jazz master artists into Chicago Public School K-12 classrooms for eight sessions.
Kiewit-Wang Mentorship Award
The Kiewit-Wang Mentorship Award is given to high school students who show excellence in musicianship as jazz instrumentalists.
JAZZ LINKS STUDENT COUNCIL
The Jazz Links Student Council gives high school jazz musicians the opportunity to develop musically and professionally through exposure to live music, workshops with professional musicians, and performance opportunities throughout the city.
Noteworthy Jazz Ensemble and Teacher’s Advisory Council
A unique ensemble comprised of Chicago Public School music teachers, Noteworthy serves as a platform for jazz advocacy in public schools and allows music teachers to “practice what they teach.”
PAST PROGRAMS
straight ahead jazz exchange
Dig deeper into the music you love during five days of in-depth, hands-on sessions that will educate, challenge and inspire you!
Women’s Jazz Leadership Initiative
The Jazz Institute of Chicago Women’s Jazz Leadership Initiative fosters a community of professional women musicians and female students in Chicagoland by focusing on dialog, connection, and musical exchange.
Jazz Institute of Chicago and Jazz at Lincoln Center present Let Freedom Swing bringing outstanding jazz artists and performances to select elementary schools across the Chicagoland area.