Book your school at this link.
Email [email protected] with questions or for more information
For more than two decades, KCCK-FM has invested in the future of music in our community by offering Schoolhouse Jazz and Blues in the Schools free of charge to area schools.
Through live performance, narration and interaction with musicians, these programs demonstrate how jazz and blues developed through social, economic and political changes in our country’s history, and what sets them apart from other musical forms. The programs engage students through both sound and visuals, so work for all learning styles. Kids get up and participate by clapping and singing along, too.
The Program:
The main Schoolhouse Jazz or Blues in the Schools program is an all-school assembly with professional performer-educators. It is a good adjunct for Black History Month in February or for Jazz Appreciation month in April, but can be done anytime throughout the school year. The presentation runs about 35 minutes. Clinics and presentation for smaller groups, such as units in music class, are also available.
Bring Jazz & Blues to your school!
- Sign up for a date and time at https://fantastical.app/dgreencr/schoolhousejazz-bluesintheschools
- Morning and afternoon times are available, Monday-Thursday April-May 2024 at either 10am or 1pm (These are performance times, we’ll arrive 60 minutes prior to set up)
- Morning or afternoon slots (or both) are available. You can do one all-school assembly, or divide into two sessions.
- Power/AV needs:
- Easy access to normal wall outlets.
What Teachers Say
“The enthusiasm and knowledge of every member of your group really brought jazz to life for our students… It instantly became one of our favorite programs!”
-Tina March, Bowman Woods Elementary
“I greatly appreciate your student engagement and history of jazz, applying it to all kinds of music. Great job!”
– Todd Schendel, Hoover Elementary
The Faculty
The musician lineup changes occasionally, based on the availability of the musicians, but the core groups consist of:
- Blake Shaw, Narrator, Vocalist, and Bass. One of the region’s most in-demand players and clinicians, Blake teaches music to kids as young as pre-school.
- Dennis McPartland, Drums. Retired faculty member at Kirkwood and Indian Hills Community Colleges.
- Al Naylor, Trumpet. Past member of the Coe Jazz faculty and 30-year veteran of K-12 music instruction. Member of the Jazz Educators of Iowa Hall of Fame.
- Peter Hart, Saxophone. Graduate of the Eastman School of Music, leader of the Vanguard Jazz Collective and Thelonious Assault.
- Gail Williams, Piano. Performer and accompanist, member of the Iowa Women’s jazz Orchestra.
- Paul Williams, Guitar. Performer, producer, and composer.
- John Heim, Bass, Guitar, Vocalist. Twenty-five year music educator and performer
- Bryce Janey, Guitar and Vocalist. Iowa Blues Challenge winner, Bryce has been performing professionally since age 13.
- Freddy Jones, Harmonica. One of the region’s few blues harmonica experts.