Learning about Seattle Rep’s Jazz Scholars Program

I had the pleasure yesterday to meet with folks (Nicole, Susan and Bruce) from the Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra — they have an interesting predicament. They have a great program called the Seattle Repertory Jazz Scholars Program, that provides free band instruments and lessons to needy kids in under-served school band programs in Seattle and surrounding regions. Their problem?!? They can’t find enough children for their free instruments and lessons! We talked about ways that TeachStreet could help them in the future (by providing a place for their music teachers to merchandise their free classes, etc.), and in the meantime, discussed some ideas for short-term solutions such as recurring Craigslist postings and working more directly with the parents of existing members of the program. But, it’s an interesting problem — free instruments, free lessons and and outstanding organization — and they can’t find students — how is that possible? I’m not sure, but I do know that we’ll be able to help them solve it, and help lots of students learn great jazz, down the road.

In the meantime, if you know of a Seattle school or organization that may be interested in participating in the Jazz Scholars Program, give ‘em a holler!