NOJO Youth Orchestra
NOJO EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
Education is at the heart of NOJO’s mission. NOJO offers educational programs at The New Orleans Jazz & Blues Market, including free youth classes, open soundchecks, and masterclasses.
The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra School of Music (NOJOSoM) provides free Saturday classes; the NOJOSoM provides small ensemble instruction in Jazz idioms. In addition, NOJO partners with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) via its Music for Life program, where youth gather for a monthly large ensemble rehearsal facilitated by members of NOJO’s Big Band and artist-mentors from the LPO.
Some of NOJO’s most rewarding educational work takes place with community organizations throughout the New Orleans area, developing cultural, academic and community-building programing while fostering mutual respect in celebrating all that jazz has to offer. From free rehearsal space and music training for people of all ages and complimentary admission to concert performances, to professional development for educators and administrators, our many partnerships provide underserved students and those who serve them with opportunities to learn, create and engage.
New Orleans Jazz Orchestra Youth Big Band
A Pre-Professional Jazz Education Program for High School Students
The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra (NOJO) Youth Big Band is a free, high-level after-school music program designed to mentor and train high school students (grades 9–12) in the rich tradition of Big Band jazz. Classes are held weekly on Saturdays at 12:00 PM during the school year at The New Orleans Jazz & Blues Market, the home of NOJO.
Led by Artist Educators and professional musicians from the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, the program offers private instruction, sectionals, and full ensemble rehearsals that prepare students for advanced performance opportunities. Through this pre-professional program, students develop a strong foundation in jazz technique, improvisation, and ensemble performance within the authentic Big Band format.
In New Orleans public schools, there are currently no formal Big Band programs available for youth. For many students passionate about jazz, options are limited to contemporary or classical training, such as at institutions like NOCCA. NOJO’s Youth Big Band addresses this gap by offering traditional jazz training and exposure to professional pathways in music.
Participants will have the opportunity to engage in jam sessions, attend masterclasses with touring musicians, and perform in community concerts throughout the year. A highlight of the program includes the chance to travel internationally to perform at the prestigious Jazz Ascona Festival in Switzerland, where students share the stage with the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra and other celebrated artists from around the world.
By nurturing the next generation of jazz musicians in a professional and inspiring environment, the NOJO Youth Big Band showcases both the legacy and the future of New Orleans jazz.
Jazz for Young Audiences
Jazz for Young Audiences gives students the opportunity to learn about the history of Jazz and experience live performances from members of the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra. These workshops are held both at The New Orleans Jazz & Blues Market and at various satellite locations across the region.
The program begins with a live performance of selected jazz pieces, followed by a breakdown of core jazz concepts, including improvisation, rhythm, and harmony. Each musician will introduce their instrument, sharing their journey into jazz, including why they chose their instrument, how long they’ve been playing, and how they’ve turned their passion for music into a career.
These events aim to educate, inspire, and empower young musicians by providing them with insights from seasoned professionals, concluding with an interactive Q&A session where students can engage directly with the musicians.
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