Fun With Jazz Educational Program
Encyclopedia
The "Fun With Jazz" Educational Program is a program of jazz educational concerts and demonstrations developed by Ray Reach
and sponsored by the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame
.
at the University of Alabama at Birmingham
, Reach and the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame All-Stars
have presented free one-hour lessons introducing jazz at schools, colleges and other institutions.
The program offers four basic presentations, any of which are customizable to fit a particular need. The Fun With Jazz program began at the Alys Stephens Center as part of the ASC Kid's Club series. The first show was presented on February 19, 2006. The show was a resounding success, prompting discussions about "...taking the show on the road..." out to schools and other organizations. Thus, the Fun With Jazz program was born.
. The roster of musicians includes:
Ray Reach
Raymond Everett Reach, Jr. is an American pianist, vocalist and educator residing in Birmingham, Alabama, now serving as Director of Student Jazz Programs for the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, director of the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame All-Stars and President and CEO of Ray Reach Music and Magic City...
and sponsored by the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame
Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame
The Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame was founded in 1978, and opened a museum on September 18, 1993, with a mission "to foster, encourage, educate, and cultivate a general appreciation of the medium of jazz music as a legitimate, original and distinctive art form indigenous to America...
.
History
Starting in 2006, originally sponsored by the Alys Stephens CenterAlys Stephens Center
The Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center is a state-of-the-art performing arts facility located on the campus of the University of Alabama at Birmingham . It hosts over 250,000 people for more than 300 diverse events annually. The ASC is the center for entertainment and arts education in...
at the University of Alabama at Birmingham
University of Alabama at Birmingham
The University of Alabama at Birmingham is a public university in Birmingham in the U.S. state of Alabama. Developing from an extension center established in 1936, the institution became an autonomous institution in 1969 and is today one of three institutions in the University of Alabama System...
, Reach and the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame All-Stars
Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame All-Stars
The Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame All-Stars is a working jazz ensemble, featuring some of the finest jazz musicians Alabama has to offer...
have presented free one-hour lessons introducing jazz at schools, colleges and other institutions.
The program offers four basic presentations, any of which are customizable to fit a particular need. The Fun With Jazz program began at the Alys Stephens Center as part of the ASC Kid's Club series. The first show was presented on February 19, 2006. The show was a resounding success, prompting discussions about "...taking the show on the road..." out to schools and other organizations. Thus, the Fun With Jazz program was born.
The 4 Presentations
- Fun With Jazz I presents the basic history of jazz, an explanation of improvisation, a demonstration of the various jazz instruments, and a discussion of notable musicians and more.
- Fun With Jazz II, The Musicians presents a more detailed discussion of some of the most important musicians from the long history of jazz.
- Fun With Jazz III, Jazz Today covers the influence of jazz in contemporary culture music and discusses the lives and careers of modern musicians and vocalists who are influenced by jazz.
- Fun With Jazz IV, Workshops on Jazz Styles and Improvisational Techniques is presented in the form of a one or two day intensive workshop. The workshop covers jazz performance and improvisation techniques and is presented to jazz ensembles in middle school, high school and college and universities.
Faculty
The Fun With Jazz program is taught by the resident faculty of the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, known collectively as the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame All-StarsAlabama Jazz Hall of Fame All-Stars
The Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame All-Stars is a working jazz ensemble, featuring some of the finest jazz musicians Alabama has to offer...
. The roster of musicians includes:
- Trumpets: Tommy StewartTommy Stewart (trumpeter)Tommy Stewart is an American trumpeter, arranger, producer, composer and pianist residing in Birmingham, Alabama. He is a member of several active performing groups, including the Magic City Jazz Orchestra, Cleveland Eaton and the Alabama All-Stars, the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame All-Stars, and Ray...
, Omari Thomas, Bo Berry - Trombone: Chad Fisher, Billy Bargetzi
- Woodwinds: Gary Wheat, Dave Amaral, Dave MillerDave MillerDave Miller may refer to:* Dave Miller , United States baseball player and coach* Dave Miller , South African athlete in cricket* Dave Miller , British athlete in football...
- Bass: Cleveland EatonCleveland EatonCleveland "Cleve" Eaton is an American jazz double bassist from Fairfield, Alabama, a suburb of Birmingham, Alabama. His most famous accomplishments are substantial playing stints with the Ramsey Lewis Trio and later with the Count Basie Orchestra...
, Abe Becker, Chris Wendle, Robert DicksonRobert Dickson (bassist)Robert Dickson is an American jazz bassist residing in Atlanta, Georgia. A native of Montgomery, Alabama, Robert lived and worked in Birmingham, Alabama for more than 15 years. He holds the Bachelor of Music from the University of Alabama and the Master of Music from the University of New... - Drums: Steve Ramos, John Nuckols, Sonny Harris
- Guitar: Carlos Pino
- Founding Director / Pianist: Ray ReachRay ReachRaymond Everett Reach, Jr. is an American pianist, vocalist and educator residing in Birmingham, Alabama, now serving as Director of Student Jazz Programs for the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, director of the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame All-Stars and President and CEO of Ray Reach Music and Magic City...
.