Jazz Education Through OneAmerica Pathways Program
On Thursday, June 22nd, The Indianapolis Jazz Foundation was pleased to host a new educational program. In partnership with OneAmerica, the event offered an important educational opportunity for a diverse group of motivated Indianapolis students.
Teaching Indy’s Young About Jazz History and Careers in Music
OneAmerica’s Community Pathways Program is a paid, part-time opportunity for high school graduates that offers one-on-one mentoring and skills training for career success. Students who participate in the program show strong work ethics and are nominated to be part of it. The Indianapolis Jazz Foundation supports these efforts to connect educational opportunities that promote exposing the city’s youth to jazz music and music careers.
Pictured (left to right): Rob Dixon - Indy Jazz Fest Artistic Director, Marc Sciscoe - Indianapolis Jazz Foundation President, Allen McClendon - OneAmerica Pathways Mentor, and David Allee - Indy Jazz Fest Director.
OneAmerica Pathways students participated in an Indy jazz education lunch and learn.
The Indianapolis Jazz Foundation hosted the first Pathways Jazz, Lunch, & Learn at The Jazz Kitchen. OneAmerica provided a buffet-style meal for participants. Part of what makes the Pathways program impactful is that professionals speak to students directly and engage in one-on-one interactions. IJF staff spoke to the students about careers in music— including the value it has for them as individuals and the important impact it has on the community.
Indy Jazz Fest Artistic Director, Rob Dixon spoke about being a musician, his many creative endeavors, and music community leadership. Indianapolis Jazz Foundation Development Director, Elaine Eckhart, spoke about grant writing and other aspects of supporting a non-profit. Plus, Indy Jazz Festival Director and Jazz Kitchen Owner, David Allee spoke about what it takes to put on a large, successful local music festival and what it is like owning a popular jazz club. There was plenty of time for a Q&A session and the students were engaged in the conversation.
Pathways Students Enjoyed a Private Jazz Performance!
The first music career that comes to most minds is a musician, of course! Rob Dixon, The Musical Mayor of Indianapolis, put together a quartet of some of Indy’s most talented jazz musicians to play at the lunch and learn. The jazz quartet performed several originals, including a new song that Rob composed for his group From The 317, which played at Indy Jazz Fest 2022, performs locally, and has an upcoming regional tour. This unreleased tune is called “Fresh Air“ and will be on the highly-anticipated, upcoming “Delux” album release. They also provided music throughout the event, including background music during student presentations.
In addition to observing the live jazz performance, students were given a Jazz on Canvas CD to listen to later.
Students Practiced Life Skills By Presenting About Indianapolis Jazz Hall of Fame Musicians
There was an inspiring jazz education activity at the lunch and learn. Students were paired up and given a list of musicians from the Indianapolis Jazz Hall of Fame to choose from and research. Some of the musicians chosen were Wes Montgomery, J. J. Johnson, Slide Hampton, and Freddie Hubbard. They were then challenged to research and write a brief oral history of these Jazz Hall of Fame artists. After the meal was served and they had some time to practice, Pathways program students then presented what they had learned about the musicians. There was a fun, special, and memorable twist because they presented through microphones, on the stage, with Rob and his quartet accompanying. This was a new opportunity that made their presentations more like a musical performance! The students stepped up to the challenge and delivered some very creative oral histories. Students were encouraged to learn more about the individuals in the Indianapolis Jazz Hall of Fame and to use the website as a resource for continued learning about Indiana Jazz.
Through the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation and One America Pathways Program, local students participated in a one-of-a-kind educational experience. This exciting partnership has the potential to have a continued impact on our community!
