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Jazz Storytelling

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Get ready for "Kansas City Jazz Storytelling"
Friday, December 6th
Jazz Storytelling is a free, family-friendly, interactive show taking place behind the museum, introducing young kids to the magic of jazz!

Aimed at toddlers to early elementary schoolers, Jazz Storytelling is led by vocalist Lisa Henry, storyteller Brother John, drummer Mike Warren, and bassist Tyrone Clark. Their master storytelling skills bring an innovative, engaged approach for you and the whole family to enjoy! Watch a recent month's episode below to see if this show is right for you and your little ones. We look forward to seeing you!

Kansas City Jazz Storytelling registration OPEN!

Free

Who: Public
When: Friday, December 6 @ 10am
Where: American Jazz Museum Atrium
1616 East 18th Street Kansas City, MO 64108

Schedule

1

12 Street Combo

12 Street Combo

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1:00pm–3:00pM Gem Theater Large Conference Room

This beginner-level combo is for students new to performing jazz. It focuses on basic ensemble playing, improvisation, and an introduction to jazz theory and history. Directed by Aaron Linscheid.

2

J. Miq Combo

J. Miq Combo

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1pm-3pm. Gem Theater Jazz Academy Room

An intermediate-level combo for students with some experience in jazz. This class
emphasizes group performance, improvisation, and a deeper understanding of jazz theory and repertoire. Directed by MusicMan Thomas.

3

Vine Steet Combo

Vine Steet Combo

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1pm-3pm. Gem Theater Small Conference Room

For students with intermediate to advanced jazz experience, this combo focuses on ensemble performance, improvisation, and exploring more complex jazz theory concepts. Directed by Matt Baldwin.

4

18th Street Combo

18th Street Combo

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1:00pm - 3:00pm Gem Theater Main Stage

An advanced-level combo for experienced students. This class develops high-level skills in jazz performance, improvisation, and jazz theory, with a focus on more challenging repertoire. Directed by Stan Kessler and Charles Williams.

5

Vocal JAzz

Vocal JAzz

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11:00PM–1:00PM Jazz Museum Blue Room

For middle and high school students interested in learning vocal jazz techniques, this class explores jazz history, improvisation, and vocal performance. Students will focus on building musical skills and understanding jazz as an art form. Directed by Lisa Henry. Maximum enrollment: 10 students.

6

Piano Class

Piano Class

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Location TBD or varies

Designed for beginning piano students, this class introduces the basics of jazz
improvisation, theory, and ear training. Students will learn foundational skills to develop their creativity and confidence at the keyboard. Directed by Roger Wilder.

PLACEMENT
REQUIREMENTS
FOR COMBOS

Wind Instruments

saxophones
Trumpets
trombones

1. One prepared piece of choice that may or may not include improvisation
2. Sight-reading
3. Improvisation over F or Bb blues changes (optional)

Rhythm Section Instruments

piano
guitar
vibes and bass

1. One prepared piece of choice that may or may not include improvisation
2. Sight-reading
3. Comping and improvisation over F or Bb blues changes

Drum Set

1. One prepared piece of choice that may or may not include improvisation
2. Sight-reading
3. Trading 4’s
4. Be required to play the following grooves - Swing, Funk/Rock, Latin

You may register and pay online, or if you prefer, register in the museum gift store, The Swing Shop, at the museum.                

For more information about the academy, contact Clarence Smith, Manager of Kansas City Jazz Academy, at csmith@kcjazz.org.

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