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'''The "Fun With Jazz" Educational Program''' was originated by Birmingham jazz pianist and vocalist [[Ray Reach]] through the [[Alys Stephens Center]] for the Performing Arts at the [[University of Alabama at Birmingham]] (UAB). The program is currently being sponsored by the [[Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame]].
'''The "Fun With Jazz" Educational Program''' is a jazz-based educational program developed by [[Ray Reach]] and sponsored by the [[Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame]]. The program is presented in schools and other institutions. Beginning in [[2006]], Reach and selected accompanists have presented free one-hour lessons introducing jazz through live performance and interactive activities.


"Fun With Jazz" is a free educational program that brings the arts to students at their schools, for grades 1-12 and beyond. In these free, one-hour lessons, Reach will come to a school or organization and introduce students to the exciting world of jazz music through a combination of live music and interactive lessons. With the help accompanying musicians, Reach demonstrates the unique qualities that make jazz a truly American art form.  
== History ==
The program, which was originated under the sponsorship of [[UAB]]'s [[Alys Stephens Center]], includes four basic presentations, any of which can be customized for a particular need.  The very first '''Fun With Jazz''' show was presented at the Alys Stephens Center as part of the ''ASC Kid's Club'' series on February 19, 2006.  The show was such a success that discussions were begun immediately about "...taking the show on the road..." out to schools and organizations. Thus, the '''Fun With Jazz''' program got its start.


A school can bring in the first program only, or sign up for all of them. The program can be tailored for individual schools' or organizations' special needs. For reservations call Ray Reach, Director of Student Jazz Programs for the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, at 205-960-6328. Some examples of the programs are:
==Presentations==
 
*'''''Fun With Jazz I:''''' The basic history of jazz, the concept of improvisation, various jazz instruments, notable musicians and more.  
'''1) Fun With Jazz I:''' In this class Reach will discuss the history of jazz, improvisation, the instruments played, famous musicians and more.  
*'''''Fun With Jazz II, The Musicians:''''' A more detailed look at some of the most important musicians in jazz history.  
 
*'''''Fun With Jazz III, Jazz Today:''''' The influence of jazz in contemporary music and the life of modern musicians and vocalists.
'''2) Fun With Jazz II, The Musicians:''' Students will learn about the most important musicians in jazz history.  
*'''''Fun With Jazz IV, Workshops on Jazz Styles and Improvisational Techniques:''' '' For jazz ensembles in middle school, high school and college, a one or two day intensive workshop covering jazz performance and improvisation techniques.
 
'''3) Fun With Jazz III, Jazz Today:''' The students will learn about jazz vocalists, the life of a contemporary jazz musician and what types of music have evolved from jazz music.  
 
'''4) Fun With Jazz IV, Workshops on Jazz Styles and Improvisational Techniques:''' This service is offered to middle school, high school and college jazz bands. Reach and his jazz faculty will present a one or two day intensive workshop, unlocking the “secrets” to learning how to perform and improvise jazz.
 
 
== The "Fun With Jazz" Faculty ==
 
For the “Fun With Jazz” series, Ray Reach has assembeled a formidable faculty.  Together, this faculty is a working jazz band known as the [[Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame All-Stars]].  The roster of musicians includes:
 
* [[Tommy Stewart]] - Trumperer / arranger / composer - Tommy has been a practicing jazz musician for over 50 years, and has performed with and arraged for Duke Pearson, Sonny Stitt, Ray Charles, and many others
 
* [[Gary Wheat]] - Saxophones - Gary is a graduate of the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa, majoring in Jazz Studies. He is known as one of the finest young saxophonosts in the Southeast.
 
* [[Dave Amaral]] - Saxophone / flute / clarinet - Dave is one of the finest jazz musicians in Alabama. He also holds a law degree and works as a judicial administrator.
 
* [[Cleveland Eaton]] - Bass - Cleve is a veteran of the Ramsey Lewis Trio (11 years)and the Count Basie Orchestra (16 years). He has been playing jazz for over 50 years.
 
* [[Abe Becker]] - Bass - A graduate (in composition) of Indiana University, Abe is Bass Instructor for the UAB Department of Music and for the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame.
 
* [[John Nuckols]] - Drums - John holds a degree in percussion from the University of Alabama. He also studied drums with Alan Dawson, drummer for Dave Brubeck.
 
* [[Chad Fisher]] - Trombone - Chad is a member of the well-known Tuscaloosa Horns, and leads his own ensemble, The Chad Fisher Group.
 
* [[Carlos Pino]] - Guitar -Carlos holds the Bachelor of Arts degree from UAB and the Master of Music degree in Jazz Studies from Rutgers University.
 
* [[Ray Reach]] - Pianist / vocalist / arranger / composer - Ray is the creator and director of the “Fun WIth Jazz” series.  


== Faculty ==
The '''Fun With Jazz''' faculty is made up of the members of the [[Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame All-Stars]].  The roster of musicians includes [[Tommy Stewart]], [[Omari Thomas]], [[Gary Wheat]], [[Dave Amaral]], [[Dave Miller]], [[Cleveland Eaton]], [[Abe Becker]], [[John Nuckols]], [[Sonny Harris]], [[Chad Fisher]], [[Carlos Pino]], and director / pianist [[Ray Reach]].


== External Links ==
== External Links ==
* [http://www.jazzhall.com Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame] website
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray_Reach Ray Reach bio at Wikipedia.com]
* [http://main.uab.edu/show.asp?durki=99796 "Fun With Jazz" press release] at uab.edu
* [http://www.myspace.com/funwithjazzeducationalprogram Fun With Jazz Educational Program] at Myspace.com
* [http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/news.php?id=15682 Jazz News: "Fun with Jazz" Educational Program Now Administered by the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame]


* [http://www.jazzhall.com Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame] website
[[Category:Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame]]
* [http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/musician.php?id=1874 Ray Reach] at All About Jazz
[[Category:Instructional programs]]

Latest revision as of 13:02, 13 July 2008

The "Fun With Jazz" Educational Program is a jazz-based educational program developed by Ray Reach and sponsored by the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. The program is presented in schools and other institutions. Beginning in 2006, Reach and selected accompanists have presented free one-hour lessons introducing jazz through live performance and interactive activities.

History

The program, which was originated under the sponsorship of UAB's Alys Stephens Center, includes four basic presentations, any of which can be customized for a particular need. The very first Fun With Jazz show was presented at the Alys Stephens Center as part of the ASC Kid's Club series on February 19, 2006. The show was such a success that discussions were begun immediately about "...taking the show on the road..." out to schools and organizations. Thus, the Fun With Jazz program got its start.

Presentations

  • Fun With Jazz I: The basic history of jazz, the concept of improvisation, various jazz instruments, notable musicians and more.
  • Fun With Jazz II, The Musicians: A more detailed look at some of the most important musicians in jazz history.
  • Fun With Jazz III, Jazz Today: The influence of jazz in contemporary music and the life of modern musicians and vocalists.
  • Fun With Jazz IV, Workshops on Jazz Styles and Improvisational Techniques: For jazz ensembles in middle school, high school and college, a one or two day intensive workshop covering jazz performance and improvisation techniques.

Faculty

The Fun With Jazz faculty is made up of the members of the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame All-Stars. The roster of musicians includes Tommy Stewart, Omari Thomas, Gary Wheat, Dave Amaral, Dave Miller, Cleveland Eaton, Abe Becker, John Nuckols, Sonny Harris, Chad Fisher, Carlos Pino, and director / pianist Ray Reach.

External Links

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