[Dixielandjazz] Dixielandjazz Digest, Vol 65, Issue 14

[Stephen G Barbone]

John Huntsberger wrote about volunteering to play at schools and then

> David Richoux <tubaman at tubatoast.com> wrote:
>
> For some strange reason, the high schools in Alameda have recently
> totally rejected the idea of our band playing (for free or
> otherwise!) Sometimes it was the music teacher, sometimes it was the
> administration. I guess we don't fit the curriculum or something...
> we did several similar programs about 10 years ago, for the same
> schools.


Barbone Street routinely does school programs and gets paid for it. We  
cut them a break and play for $75 a man, one hour concerts. The PTA/ 
PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) pay for it if the schools have no  
money in the budget. (Just did one last week at a Friends School)

Couple of Hints,

1) Screw the High Schools. Many of their music teachers suffer from  
IAJE syndrome. (protect turf) Go to the elementary schools. Main thing  
is too keep after them and not quit asking because some idiot once  
said no. But dammit, at least cover your expenses. When you give music  
away, people equate it as worthless.

2) Go light on explaining  jazz history to 5 year olds. RELATE the  
MUSIC to them. Like show how jazz borrows from older music by showing  
that "What a Wonderful World" is "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star", so no  
wonder most people like it, etc. Children do not relate to Kid Ory or  
ODJB and you haven't got time to explain it coherently to them.

I have a brief write-up on elementary school programs that have worked  
for Barbone Street over the past 10 years and would be happy to share.  
Write me off list if interested. Ignore my spam filter, just put  
"school program" in the subject and it will come through.

Cheers,
Steve Barbone
www.barbonestreet.com
www.myspace.com/barbonestreetjazzband

"I get satisfaction of three kinds. One is creating something, one is  
being paid for it, and one is the feeling that I haven't just been  
sitting on my ass all afternoon."

William F, Buckley