KCJO Launches New Educational Programming, Jazz Café

Last month, KCJO successfully launched a new educational offering entitled Jazz Café as a part of our education program, JazzWorks. Jazz Café brings in a live combo formed by KCJO members over a school’s lunch hour at no cost. The program, a vision of Executive Director Lea Petrie, is designed to help foster the next generation’s appreciation of jazz through a fun, immersive, and of course, educational listening experience, without detracting from any class time.

Students at Ewing Marion Kauffman High School dance during Jazz Café

The first Jazz Café program took place at the Ewing Marion Kauffman High School on March 16, reaching over 300 students. “Kids and adults alike loved the experience, felt enriched by it, and were grateful for KCJO’s presence,” said principal Ben Carman-Brown. This energy and enthusiasm was felt by all in attendance, from the musicians to teachers, as students danced and sang along.

If you are interested in educational programming with the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra, please email info@kcjo.org or call 816.225.4949 for more information.