When you think of Oakland, California, perhaps what comes to mind is the NFL’s Oakland Raiders or maybe MLB’s Oakland Athletics. However, for Ravi Abcarian, Executive Director of the Oaktown Jazz Workshops, it’s all about infusing the rich sounds of jazz music with the backdrop of youth growing up in Oakland.
For Ravi, as an accomplished jazz bassist and teacher for over 20 years, sharing the passion of jazz music with the children of the East Bay, and the city of Oakland is something he truly enjoys.
Oaktown Jazz Workshops approach to teaching jazz music is different than what is taught in a high school, as where kids may read sheet music or perform in the school band. With the Workshops, professional musicians offer instruction and the traditional method is used, which consists of learning to play by ear, the freedom of improvisation, and creativity offered in the arrangements. The Workshops are available all year long and to children between the ages of 10 to 18.
Teaching with the Oaktown Jazz Workshops for more than 17 years, Ravi knew well the needs of the program and his students. Although having the fundamental instruments for a jazz band (drums, piano, bass) they were in definite need of an electric guitar. Knowing what he wanted but uncertain where to turn, he consulted fellow musician and contributing journalist to Guitar Player Magazine, Jude Gold.
“Fender was the first company that came to mind because of the solid, high quality instruments that it produces,” he says. Jude suggested Fender as a source of support as well, he says.
Upon contacting the Fender Music Foundation and qualifying for the donation of a Sunburst Gretsch Pro Jet electric guitar, Ravi and the Oaktown Jazz Workshops now have a complete musical ensemble.
Ravi believes the partnership between the Fender Music Foundation and the Oaktown Jazz Workshops program has been wonderful and he’s grateful because typically securing grants from other foundations would only cover operational expenses. Also, the kids enjoy the sound of the Gretsch because past instrument donations were used and worn-out.
“Playing on brand new Fender instruments has really boosted confidence levels among our young musicians,” he says.
