As part of the California Arts Council’s “Artists-in-Schools” program, the Symphonic Jazz Orchestra began a yearlong pilot music program for 2nd grade students in the Fall of 2007 that has grown to include a weekly residency program for 1st grade students and an Instrumental Workshop program for 3rd Grade students. For 2008/09, over 1,200 students are receiving sequential, comprehensive music education taught by members of the Symphonic Jazz Orchestra. The program, funded by a seed grant from the California Arts Council, provides for weekly music classes for five public schools in the Culver City Unified School District.

The orchestra’s 2nd grade residency program, largely built on the National Endowment for the Arts "Jazz in the Schools" curriculum, introduces students to both classical and jazz history, music theory, solfege, famous composers, and the families of the orchestra. Throughout the 28-week program, the students also compose blues songs that are performed by members of the orchestra at a special final assembly.

The orchestra’s 1st grade residency program introduces students to music theory, singing, and solfege, as they learn to master the playing of bells. Throughout the 28-week program, the students perform simple Americana songs as well as pieces by Beethoven and Mozart.

The orchestra’s 3rd grade instrumental workshops include mini-concerts by three ensembles from within the Symphonic Jazz Orchestra - a string quartet, brass quintet and woodwind quintet. Following each of the presentations, all of the students then get to play the instruments they just heard - including flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, violin and cello. This launches them into the school's band and orchestra program in 4th grade. Thanks to Rico Reeds for their support of this program.

The Symphonic Jazz Orchestra is the only ensemble of its kind in the country, bringing together the worlds of jazz and classical music. The 67-member professional ensemble has performed across Southern California at such venues as Royce Hall and the Ford Amphitheatre. Through its Community Outreach Program, the orchestra has served over 13,000 young people and their families with special family and educational concerts, master classes, workshops and assemblies.

What Teachers and Principals are Saying...

"The residency was all so well planned and organized. The students all know the different instruments, different styles of music, and learned that they too can compose songs. Thanks for a marvelous program."
D. Arancibia, La Ballona Elementary

"Having the students compose their own blues songs really gave them the opportunity to apply everything they have learned throught the year. An amazing experience!"
D. Nissim, Linwood Howe Elementary

"The residency is well paced with students mastering note values and patterning, as well as tieing into science and math. My students always look forward to their weekly music classes."
L. Harter, Farragut Elementary

"It was so meaningful to have the SJO musicians perform for our students. The students now know the sounds that go with the instruments and how each instrument works."
P. Sires, El Rincon Elementary

"As principal, I have had the joy of seeing the program unfold and know how invaluable this program is to our students. The residency ensures that music education and enjoyment will become an important and vital part of these children's lives now and in the future."
B. Brown, Farragut Elementary Principal

"We are so fortunate to have the SJO's Artists-in-Schools program. Beyond the pure joy that the performances bring, and the music lessons that also cover history and science, we now see that the music instruction builds success in mathematics. How can you get better than that?"
R. LaBriola, Linwood Howe Principal

SJO Community Outreach Partners

UCLA's Design for Sharing (Los Angeles)
Ford Amphitheatre (Hollywood)
Latino Arts Initiative (Los Angeles)
The World Stage (Leimert Park)
Harmony Project (Hollywood)
San Gabriel Mission Playhouse (San Gabriel)
Guadalupe Youth Center (San Fernando Valley)
Catholic Charities of Los Angeles (Los Angeles)
El Marino Elementary (Culver City)
Farragut Elementary (Culver City)
Gabriella Elementary (Los Angeles)
Garfield Elementary (Alhambra)
Hamilton High School (Los Angeles)
La Ballona Elementary (Culver City)
Linwood Howe Elementary (Culver City)
San Jose Elementary (Mission Hills)
Sierra Vista Elementary (East L.A.)
California State Summer School for the Arts (CalArts)