Backcountry Jazz

Community Concerts, public school youth Concerts, in-school education Concerts: Backcountry Jazz (bcjazz) creates and presents Concerts for students and the public with some of the finest artists in Jazz today. These Concerts instill enthusiasm and build a wider audience for the uniquely american art form of Jazz. This year, in-school Concerts were presented to over 1,500 bridgeport public school students, focused on the history, instrumentation, and the joy of listening to Jazz music. In-school Concerts are presented in a lecture demonstration style and are offered as an introduction to improvised music. Due to covid-19 restrictions, youth Concerts were canceled this year. Bcjazz presented ten free outdoor Concerts featuring internationally acclaimed Jazz artists from june through september for over 2,700 atttendees.

After-school program, mentorship program, instrument program: gives bridgeport students who possess a desire to learn and a passion for music sustained comprehensive Jazz training. Instruction covers essential concepts and focuses on helping each student improve their instrumental skills. Students are provided with ensemble workshops and individual lessons, weekly, during the academic year, september - june. For advanced students, performance opportunities are offered through our advanced performing ensemble. Students are provided the opportunity to improve their skills in Jazz, as well as interact with teachers, performing artists, and peers. The mentorship program enhances the training of our most motivated students with prominent working professionals to ensure continued creative input and musical growth. The programs are provided at no cost to participants due to their limited financial means. Students who demonstrate talent and commitment are awarded free instruments. Bcjazz aids with instrument supplies, maintenance costs, and more to ensure students have what they need to succeed.

Backcountry Jazz summer music camp: bcjazz's summer music camp provides students, ages 12-19, with high quality music instruction and performance opportunities. Provided at no cost to participants, camp is open to students from bridgeport and surrounding area schools. Due to economic circumstances beyond their control, these students traditionally have limited exposure to music enrichment activities throughout the year. Instructed by our faculty of Jazz masters, music professionals and university music professors, the program provides a unique Jazz immersion experience. Instrumental (brass, woodwind, string, piano, percussion ) and vocal students receive instruction to develop key skills and enhance knowledge in the fundamentals of music, emphasizing listening skills, improvisation, and the art of performance. Highlights include workshops, masterclasses, small group ensembles, jam sessions, and individual instruction. Faculty are selected for their level of excellence and provide instruction, encouragement, and mentorship throughout camp. Working with these fine artists is an invaluable experience that is otherwise unavailable. Students build confidence and courage and develop important skills for college, career, and life success. Summer music camp ran five days a week for four weeks during july and august, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.