The Jazz Band Director Resource Site is a compressive resources site built for K-12 jazz educators. The site is part of the nonprofit organization Jazz Empowers.
The mission of Jazz Empowers is to transform the lives of youth in underserved schools through jazz education.
We fulfill this mission by partnering with underserved schools across the country to start and develop jazz programs. We are driven by our belief that every child in America has the right to a high quality music education. We teach jazz because it is rooted in improvisation which maximizes students’ creativity and self expression. We believe jazz has the power to transform students’ lives intellectually, emotionally, and socially. Because jazz is a language we teach the next generation of jazz musicians to listen, express, and create.
The Vision of Jazz Empowers is that one day all students in America will have the opportunity to learn, love and play jazz.
Our Core Values
Dynamic Musicianship
WE WORK TO DEVELOP WELL-ROUNDED MUSICIANS WHO CAN READ MUSIC, PLAY BY EAR, UNDERSTAND MUSIC THEORY, IMPROVISE, AND THRIVE AS MUSICIANS.
Student Empowerment
WE EMPOWER EACH STUDENT IN OUR PROGRAM THROUGH LEARNING JAZZ AND IMPROVISATION
Accessibility
WE MAKE IT A PRIORITY TO ELIMINATE ECONOMIC BARRIERS THAT PREVENT STUDENTS FROM PARTICIPATING IN OUR JAZZ PROGRAMS.
High-Quality Instruction
WE RECRUIT, HIRE AND TRAIN TALENTED MUSIC EDUCATORS TO TEACH THE STUDENTS IN OUR PROGRAMS.
School Partnership
WE WORK TO CUSTOMIZE OUR PROGRAMS TO MEET THE NEEDS OF EACH INDIVIDUAL SCHOOL.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
WE AIM TO INCLUDE DIVERSE PERSPECTIVES AND EXPERIENCES FROM ALL STAKEHOLDERS IN OUR ORGANIZATIONS INCLUDING STUDENTS, PARENTS, INSTRUCTORS, STAFF, AND BOARD MEMBERS.
