[Dixielandjazz] Jazz Teachers, Music Teachers, Teachers in the Public School System

[Dave Hanson]

   Steve,

  Glad this thread started, that is, jazz teachers, music teachers etc........

  For the last six years, here in Atlanta, I have been hosting a weekly "session" at the Atlanta Federation of Musicians, local 148-462. In 2000 we remodeled the Union Hall and it became very user
  friendly, in short ,a great place to exchange musical idea's and play. The "Board" purchased a new drum kit, completely rebuilt our 1909 Steinway Model "O" grand piano, provided a sound system, stands and all the neccesities found in a rehearsal studio.

  My idea was to attract players, whether union or not, that had a desire to help keep up their chops, meet new  players and generally participate in playing jazz.
  We have been very successfull and have had over 150 people participate at one time or another. Many jobs have been cultivated from the participants and my phone rings almost daily from those interested in checking us out.

  When I was a kid, there were many places a youngster could go and sit in to learn how to improvise. Those days are behind us, so my motivation was hinged on those fond memeries and what we might be able to accomplish by opening the hall up every tuesday evening.

  We have just started our sixth year and the  participation gets stronger every week.

  For those of you that think the Musicians Union doesn't do anything but take your money, and little else, please feel free to stop by any Tuesday evening, but be prepared to play or just listen, but have a good time. I can guarantee, that you will meet a dedicated group of folks that enjoy 
  anything that has to do with "live music".

  We also have an annual music scholorship program that highschool students participate in for cash grants. They only need to be seniors that are enrolled in as music major anywhere in the US. The total we currently provide is $5000.00 to four participants, but we recently started an additional schlorship fund that will add several thousand dollars to the program.

  We have also paid qualified, degreed instructors for improvisational classes and the turnout was so good, that we continued the classes for an additional four weeks. This was provided free of charge.

  Say what you want about the Union, but there are Unions that are trying to make a difference. The Union is YOU, so don't forget !

   
  Dave Hanson
  Trombone
  Vice President
  Atlanta Federation of Musicians
  Local 148-462