9/2/20
Thanks to Your Support
JAS In-Schools Continues to
“Keep the Music Playing” in our Local Schools
Thanks to the generosity of so many JAS supporters we have been fortunate enough to continue many of our Local Education Initiatives throughout spring, summer and now into the new school year! Thanks to you students have been able to continue their music studies in a variety of ways since the COVID-19 outbreak. Below we highlight just a few of these accomplishments. You can learn more about JAS Music Education initiatives by visiting us here.
JAS Supports RFHS Recording Studio
Roaring Fork High School 2020 Senior and longtime JAS In-Schools student Rex Hamilton and fellow students reached out to JAS for financial assistance to help build a new recording studio at the High School as their capstone project, a graduation requirement for all seniors. Today that studio is up and running, providing students an opportunity to learn more about production as well as showcase their music. Last spring Rex and friends were interviewed by Halle Zander on KDNK public radio, discussing the process, their involvement with JAS and sharing their music. You can hear the full interview & music here.
JAS’ annual summer camps took place in a virtual setting this year. Middle School students worked from their homes to put together a fantastic version of Bernsha Swing which you can enjoy by visiting us here. The High School participants worked together on music composed by Roaring Fork High School student Tyler Treadway titled “Phrase” which you can enjoy here.
With the closing of local schools in March and continued restrictions throughout the summer around social gatherings, JAS began offering Pays to Play private lessons virtually, with students and instructors meeting on platforms like Zoom. The program offers students of any age 3 hours of private lessons paid for by JAS, with scholarships available for under served students who would like to extend the lessons beyond the three hours. Below parents share their feedback on the virtual experience:
“High praises for this program!”
“Encouraging my son and keeping him interested has been very helpful.”
“I’m so glad we’ve happened upon this program. He’s really learning a lot!”
Public Middle and High Schools started the school year with distance learning this week. JAS is in the process of working with each music instructor to see how we can best assist them in this new environment. In-Schools instructors are assisting classes digitally and two JAS Instructors have stepped in to cover the the Carbondale programs which recently lost their instructor. JAS is purchasing microphones that students can use in their homes for select jazz band programs, while also purchasing instruments through our Step-Up program for deserving students. We will continue to adjust programming as needed to make sure we are supporting our local music teachers during these difficult times.
JAS is so fortunate to have local musician and educator Chris Bank as our longtime JAS In-Schools Director. His dedication to maintaining, growing and improving music education for students both in and out of school has benefited thousands of students and numerous teachers throughout the years. Currently, in addition to his duties at JAS In-Schools Director, Chris is filling in as the interim Band Director at Carbondale Middle School following the resignation of their Director just a few weeks ago. The Aspen Times recently did a feature on Chris which we encourage you to read here.