• MMF PROGRAMS & EVENTS > MMF Education

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YOUNG JAZZ MASTERS

The Young Jazz Masters (YJM) is an early jazz preparatory program aimed at serving Kansas City Metropolitan Youth that wish to further their music education and research in the fundamentals of jazz studies. This early jazz program will provide research literature, music, active listening labs, and workshops that will challenge and educate students of America’s true art form.

YJM REHEARSE AT THE MMF ON SATURDAY MORNINGS FROM 9AM-12:30 PM

YJM welcomes all students of music to participate and research the fundamentals of jazz and its history. We ask that all participants complete an application which will include a brief essay on his/her interest in jazz music. Participants will have to provide their own instruments and travel to rehearsal site. Prior music experience is not necessary in order to be a part of this program, only enthusiasm and dedication!

YOUNG JAZZ MASTERS PROGRAM

Osmond Fisher

The Director & Founder of YJM is Osmond Fisher. Mr. Fisher is originally from Cleveland, Ohio where his experiences in music began at an early age. He is an accomplished Jazz Trombonist in which his influences include J.J. Johnson, Slide Hampton, Frank Rosilino, and Jack Teagarden. Mr. Fisher has over fourteen years experience teaching and rebuilding successful high school band programs. Mr. Fisher has a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio. He is currently completing a Masters of Arts Degree in Music Education at the University of Central Missouri.

CharCarol Fisher

The Education Coordinator of YJM is CharCarol Fisher. Ms. Fisher is a Music Therapist – Board Certified and educator. She received a Bachelor of Music degree with emphasis in saxophone performance from Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio. Additionally, she received her Master of Arts in Music degree in from The University of Missouri – Kansas City. She is a native of Cleveland Ohio, and learned about the exciting field of music therapy in high school while deciding to combine her love of science and music as a career choice.

YOUTH JAZZ CAMP

- Jayne McShann

- Compiled by Tristan Smith, JAM (Jazz Ambassador Magazine)

The summer Youth Jazz Camp, sponsored by the Historic Jazz Foundation at the Mutual Musicians Foundation is a four week summer jazz camp designed to introduce urban youth and special needs youth in Kansas City, Missouri to jazz as an art form. The pilot program, presented in 2007, was funded by Jay McShann. The 2008 Jazz Camp was awarded grants by the Missouri Arts Council and the Black Community Fund.

GRANT RECIPIENT | MISSOURI ARTS COUNCIL

The school-ages campers had a unique learning experience consisting of classroom instruction and hands-on approach to teaching was motivating and inspiring, which created excitement and gives the students the opportunity to create their own music. Students were introduced to basic music fundamentals, the history of jazz, and the instruments. The students also learn about stage management. While it is evident that every student will not pursue jazz studies, this type of exposure to jazz as an art form makes them aware of the discipline that is necessary to succeed in life, in general, and provides a fun experience where learning is the by-product.

The Jazz Masters consisted of professional jazz musicians who were instructors in the summer Youth Jazz Camp. The College students majoring in music studies and theater arts were interns, assisting the Jazz Masters and reinforcing the lessons taught by the Jazz Master.

At the end of the four week camp, students participated in a finale in which the public was invited. The students showcased their skills that they acquired during the summer Jazz Camp. Students that participated in the Jazz Camp are part of the community of 18th and Vine. Students from Sherwood Center, a school for autism, also were participants in this year’s summer camp.

SHERWOOD CENTER

The Summer Jazz Camp Jazz Masters that have participated are Tyrone Clark, Everett Freeman, Lugman Hamza, Glenn North, Toni Oliver, Al Pearson, Geneva Price, Ray Reed, Mike Warren, and Dennis Winslett. The Camp Director is Jayne McShann and Interns are Desmon Mason, Amy Lewis, Charmaine Washington, and Tiffany Lewis.

The summer Jazz Camp will contribute to the efforts to teach young people about the legacy of Kansas City jazz. We introduce a jazz education experience that can continue in the community, and the students can continue lessons with the jazz masters they were introduced to at camp.

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• MMF PROGRAMS & EVENTS > MMF Education