Oaktown Jazz Workshops is dedicated to cultivating appreciation and understanding for this uniquely American art form in the community. Our students and faculty give musical presentations in local schools and libraries. Oaktown Jazz Workshops also provides opportunities for our students to learn from high-profile touring musicians who are in town to perform on legendary stages such as Yoshi’s and Zellerbach.
Jazz in the Schools
OJW’s Jazz in the Schools brings concerts and presentations at public schools throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. The artists perform and talk about the history of jazz, famous musicians, and tips on how to listen to and appreciate jazz, with an emphasis on involving students in the discussion. Oaktown Jazz Workshops also partners with public schools to bring our instructors into middle school jazz band classes to lead sectionals and conduct clinics. CONTACT US if you’re interested in us coming to your school!
Oaktown Jazz in the Library
Oaktown Jazz in the Library brings live music to public libraries, for the delight and education of people of every age and from every walk of life. Between tunes, our young musicians, youth mentors, and instructors talk about the history of jazz, its influence on contemporary music, famous musicians, and tips on how to listen to and appreciate jazz, involving the audience in the discussion. Our multi-generational and multi-racial performances reinforce the power and possibility of the Bay Area’s diverse cultures connecting through the arts. CONTACT US if you’re interested in us coming to your library!
Jazz Encounters
Jazz Encounters are special opportunities for Oaktown Jazz Workshops’ students to meet and learn from world-class touring musicians. The format changes from artist to artist, ranging from lecture/demonstrations to hands-on jam sessions. Some of the artists who have graciously donated their time include:
Terence Blanchard, Michael Brecker, George Brooks, George Cables, Art Farmer, Sonny Fortune, Roy Hargrove, Billy Harper, Winard Harper, Gene Harris, Kevin Hays, H.E.R. (Gabi Wilson), Billy Higgins, Dave Holland, Ali Jackson, Javon Jackson, Howard Jones, Sean Jones, Curtis Lundy, Bryan Lynch, Branford Marsalis, Ellis Marsalis, Jason Marsalis, Cecil McBee, Les McCann, Charles McNeal, Charnett Moffett, Frank Morgan, Ulysses Owens Jr., Nicholas Payton, Prasanna, Joshua Redman, Sonny Rollins, Arturo Sandoval, John Santos, Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah, Leni Stern, Mike Stern, Mads Tolling, Steve Turre, Lenny White, Phil Woods, Roy “Future Man” Wooten, Victor Wooten, and Joe Zawinul