Local Education Initatives

JAS Street Horns

Sponsored by Jazz Aspen Snowmass, the JAS Street Horns program is for advanced Middle and High School musicians interested in a high-level band experience with their peers from across the Western Slope.

Led by Basalt Band Director Chance Davis, alongside JAS In-Schools Director Chris Bank, additional JAS In-Schools Faculty, and visiting professional jazz musicians, the Street Horns is comprised of students across the Western Slope of Colorado.

Berklee City Music Network

Jazz Aspen Snowmass is thrilled to be a member of the Berklee City Music Network, a nonprofit education program that harnesses the energy of contemporary music to reach under-served 4th-12th graders across the country. Through this partnership JAS has introduced Berklee PULSE, a state-of-the-art online method of teaching, to local Middle and High Schools. Berklee City Music and JAS also offer two full scholarships for deserving students to attend the prestigious Berklee 5-Week Summer program each August. For more information on Berklee City Music Network please visit: www.berkleecitymusicnetwork.org

District 8 Honor Jazz

Top music students from the Western Slope of CO audition for their spot to attend a weekend of workshops, sectionals and public concerts with a faculty from accredited music programs at CU, DU and Mesa State College.

Faculty Assistance Program

The Faculty Assistance Program provides funding to bring local musicians into classrooms to offer student assistance in an instrument that is not their teacher’s discipline or in classes that are so large instructors aren’t able to offer the individual assistance that may be needed.

JAS/JFMAF Scholarship Fund

JAS has partnered with the JFMAF Scholarship Fund to increase awareness and reach of their scholarships, and to co-present new programming creating more opportunities for students to expand their drive and expertise in the medium of sound. The fund’s goal is to award scholarships to high school graduates who show exceptional promise in the medium of sound and are committed to continuing their education.

Pays to Play

Pays to Play is a private lesson fund allowing Roaring Fork Valley youth to take private music lessons in any discipline from a local instructor recommended by JAS. JAS pays for 3 hours of lessons to increase opportunities for music education, while supporting the economy of local musicians.

If you would like to have your student participate in the Pays to Play program, please take a look at the Directory below and choose a teacher that fits you and your child’s needs. Reach out to the teacher directly and they will get you started.

SheBop

SheBop Young Women in Jazz Workshop

Jazz Aspen Snowmass has partnered with the Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts to bring their “SheBop” workshop to the Western Slope. She-Bop was established in 2017 as a meaningful way of connecting young instrumentalists with professional female mentors. The two-day program, open to female musicians ages 10-18, is led by director Annie Booth and consists of small group playing, instrument masterclasses, jam sessions, improvisation workshops and important and meaningful mentoring and connection. Returning in Fall 2026!

Share Your Voice Songwriting Program

If you love creating and writing music, this competition is for you! Open to students grades 5-12, the JAS Share Your Voice Competition will allow you to share your creations with our judges and the chance to be the grand winner! One high school winner will receive a cash prize of $500 plus the opportunity to perform your song live at a JAS Cafe event. One Middle School winner will receive a cash prize of $500 and up to four honorable mention winners will receive a cash prize of $100. APPLICATIONS FOR 2025 WILL OPEN THIS WINTER!

Step-Up

Step-Up offers financial assistance for local students and families to acquire intermediate to professional quality instruments so they will be better equipped to succeed in their musical goals. Families apply for available funds and are eligible to receive assistance of up to 100% of the cost of a new instrument.

Stuff for Students

Stuff for Students supports local schools through instrument and equipment grants and funds to repair broken instruments throughout the school year. See how you can help.

Summer Camps

JAS’ 2026 Summer Camp will run June 22-25 from 10am–1pm at the Paul JAS Center. This year will once again focus on “Street Horns.” The camp overlaps with the JAS Academy and JAS June Experience. Camp participants will have the opportunity to share a class with advanced Jazz students and prodigious teachers! Look for registration info soon.

Tickets for Teachers

This program provides complimentary performance tickets for the JAS June and Labor Day Experiences and the JAS Café to teachers and students throughout the Roaring Fork Valley school districts.