Welcome, Jazzers!

“In times of change and uncertainty, we need the spirit of jazz more than ever before, to bring people - especially young women and men - together, to nurture freedom and dialogue, to create new bridges of respect and understanding, for greater tolerance and cooperation.”

— Irina Bokova

About Performing Artists at KMS

All the qualities of musical performing arts development are integrated in this unique program.

Our Performing Artists program is a creative, cross-genre education for your young and aspiring musician. The power of music, performance, creativity, personal growth, and belonging are harnessed together to make an incredible difference in your child's life. In this holistic music education program, your child builds their skills sequentially from pre-k through 12th grade, with each year laying a solid foundation for the next. Our carefully crafted program gives your child the tools to develop into a musician who fully expresses themselves creatively, all while thriving in a community of like-minded players. The program runs October through June. Read more about our program foundations here.

Jazz + Creative Orchestras

Kalamazoo Youth Jazz Orchestra director Benje Daneman leads his students on stage at The Union Cabaret and Grille.

Our audition-based large jazz ensembles present a unique opportunity for teens to play professional jazz orchestra arrangements and perform with their peers. Beyond the music, ensemble members are taught to have a high level of professionalism and preparation, punctuality, and a positive, open attitude. It is “team sports” for musicians.

Ages: 12 - 18
Entrance Requirement: jazz audition
Audition Materials: click here to audition; rolling enrollment available for each trimester

KYJO: Kalamazoo Youth Jazz Orchestra (advanced)

ROLLING ENROLLMENT

KYJO is Southwest Michigan’s premier youth jazz ensemble/big band featuring 15 - 18 advanced student musicians allowing them the opportunity to grow as jazz players and musical leaders in their communities.

The class includes:

120-min Band Performance Class (saxophones, trombones, trumpets, piano, guitar, bass, and drums) Tuesdays 6:30-8:30pm

KYJLB: Kalamazoo Youth Jazz Lab and Workshop Band

ROLLING ENROLLMENT

KYJLB is a jazz ensemble/big band for student musicians who aspire to be part of KYJO but need a bit more foundational experience with jazz. Led by professional jazz faculty, this band is the ideal situation for students to solidify their fundamental skills and grow as jazz musicians in a very supportive environment.

The class includes:

75-min Band Performance Class (saxophones, trombones, trumpets, piano, guitar, bass, and drums) Tuesdays 5:00-6:15pm

ROLLING ENROLLMENT

2024 - 2025 Jazz and Creative Orchestras Information

jazz Inclusions

Weekly performance classes/rehearsals from October to June;
3 stage concerts in December, March, and June;
fun activities to inspire creativity + build friendships;
festival participation;
mentorship from local music leaders.

performing artist showcase Dates

Mark your calendar now for your child’s big days! They’ll perform with their group in front of an energizing crowd at the Wesley Foundation of Kalamazoo!