Kickstarter

What We Are Raising Money For:

We are set to record a jazz musical called  Holding the Torch for Liberty, the story of the fight for women’s suffrage.  Holding the Torch for Liberty retells the epic true story of the battle that women in this country waged to win the right to vote.  It is an immensely important historical event that few children know about.  The original score has a ragtime, New Orleans and early swing feel. Once the recording is complete, children around the world will have a greater opportunity to learn about jazz music, democracy, and the idea of equality by participating in a unique theatrical experience.

The funds we need will be used to pay for musicians including a children’s choir, vocal coaches, rehearsals, recording and mastering expenses and CD artwork & production.  35 musical tracks will be recorded featuring New Orleans clarinet sensation Evan Christopher, violinist Sara Caswell, trombonist Chris Washburne, bassist Nicki Parrott, drummer Stefan Schatz and pianist Eli Yamin.  Like the CD recording of Nora’s Ark, this fully produced recording will serve as a CD reference for all future productions in schools and arts venues around the world.  The recorded instrumental versions will serve as music for productions if groups do not have a live band accompanying the actors / singers. 

Who We Are:

The Jazz Drama Program (JDP) was founded in 2003 by jazz composer and educator, Eli Yamin and teacher, Clifford Carlson.  The JDP is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit arts organization that writes original jazz musicals for children to perform for their peers.  The JDP creates new jazz theater works that tell stories children can relate to.  Our musicals provide new high quality, age-appropriate musical theatre performance opportunities for young people by introducing jazz as a vibrant means of expression.  

Why It Is Important:

The field of jazz education has grown steadily in the past 50 years.  The primary focus of much of the effort has been on instrumental instruction and the creation of jazz bands in schools, but practically no programs exist for children who don’t play an instrument.  By developing stories which use the language of jazz, not just the music but in the whole aesthetic, the JDP has been able to give a wider range of children who have otherwise no exposure to jazz, a deep, and fulfilling jazz experience.  

After participating in The Jazz Drama Program's jazz musicals, children are more apt to listen to and be receptive to jazz music. They also gain some background knowledge of the music's history and the context in which the music is performed.

Seventh grader Tatiana performed in Holding the Torch for Liberty.  Tatiana writes:

"I learned that in 1920 women had it tough.  If it wasn't for their boldness, power, optimism and courage, women wouldn't have the rights they have now. This experience has changed me by allowing me to visualize through dance and music, [sic] it helps you find your inner voice and soul, it keeps you motivated on the weekends and it teaches you to be focused and to concentrate."

The Goal:

We've already raised more than half of our total funding and we need $8,000 more to fully fund this project.

Because we are a 501 (c) (3) non-profit, all donations / contributions are tax deductible (minus the value of the reward, e.g. CD).  

The Jazz Drama Program thanks you for your generous support and giving children a chance to experience jazz.  For us, there is nothing more fulfilling than helping children to learn about and love music and the arts.  Being a part of our program as a backer will help to reinforce the proclamation that we can all make a real difference in the lives of children. 

Thank you for joining with us and please spread the word.

"...the hippest move in secondary education, ever!"  (Jazz TImes)

Other References:

The Jazz Drama Program Web site
Frequently Asked Questions about The Jazz Drama Program
A documentary on the making of Nora's Ark CD
Music samples from Nora's Ark CD
A documentary on The Jazz Drama Program & "Message from Saturn"
A White Paper explaining The Jazz Drama Program's approach
Eli Yamin's Web site