Education

Education is central to the Jazz Arts Group's mission and purpose. With a variety of jazz education and outreach programs designed to engage everyone from school-age children to adults, from dabbling musicians to conservatory-bound students, we serve as a resource for schools, young musicians and the community.

For Schools & Educators
The American Jazz Experience (K-8)
Jazz For Kids (K-3)
All That Jazz (4-6)
Professional Development

For Young Musicians
Hank Marr High School Jazz Award (9-12)
July Jams (6-12)
Teen Board
Student Discounts

For the Community
Jazz Academy
PBJ & Jazz

Jazz Education Resources
Educational Resources

Youth Jazz Programs Information
The Columbus Youth Jazz Programs are a result of an innovative collaboration between one of Columbus' leading arts organizations, the Jazz Arts Group, and the city's Recreation and Parks Department. As a national leader in jazz education and performance, JAG has taken the lead with unprecedented support by providing the participating students with free access to concerts, clinics with world-renown guest artists and performance opportunities throughout the community culminating in the Sunday matinee series at the famed Southern Theatre.

The Youth Jazz Program consists of the following ensembles:

Columbus Youth Jazz Workshop (CYJW)
The gateway experience for many of our students, open primarily to students in grades 7 through 10, the CYJW provides an initial enrichment program that allows the student to explore their individual skills within a supportive and relaxed ensemble environment.
Director: Mark Donavan
Rehearsals are on Sunday afternoons at the Columbus Performing Arts Center and a $75 per semester participation fee is underwritten by the City of Columbus for students placed in this band.

Columbus Youth Jazz Studio (CYJS)
CYJS was started as a response to an overwhelming need for a "transition" ensemble. The CYJS is intended for students primarily in grades 9 through 12 and focuses on the developing high school student who wants to continue improving their individual skills within the context of a top level ensemble. Many of these students continue on into our Youth Orchestra or continue their studies in college.
Director: Kie Watkins
Rehearsals are on Sunday afternoons at Fort Hayes High School and there is a $75 per semester participation fee.

Columbus Youth Jazz Orchestra (CYJO)
The flagship ensemble of the education program, CYJO is dedicated to the performance of the most important and challenging literature taken from the great American big bands. The CYJO is now in their eighteenth season and seventh year of presentation by the Jazz Arts Group at their Sunday matinees at the Southern Theatre. Graduates of the CYJO have attended the finest music schools in the world and are making their mark in the community as educators, performers and promoters of jazz music.
Director: Todd Stoll
Rehearsals are on Sunday afternoons at the Columbus Music Hall and there is a $75 per semester participation fee.

Youth Jazz Program Auditions Information
Audition Poster
To pre-register for auditions by mail: print and complete this form then mail to Judy Shafer, Jazz Arts Group, 939 N. High Street, Columbus, OH 43201.
To pre-register for auditions by e-mail, contact Judy Shafer.
For more information about the audition process, read our FAQ’s.