STUDENTS’ JAM!
jam session: an often impromptu performance by a group, especially of jazz musicians, that is characterized by improvisation
(2022 Merriam-Webster, Incorporated)
Jazz is a music born of spontaneous composition (improvisation) and the exchange of musical ideas in these impromptu sessions. Older musicians would share their ideas with younger players, helping them to learn the music (rarely written in those days,) how to create a solo, to know what is expected at these learning sessions, and to encourage them, not only verbally, but especially through the inspiration of their playing.
Jazz Education is our mission as we seek to provide highly motivated young musicians the unique opportunity to perform in a “real world” situation with professional-caliber jazz musicians.These JAM SESSIONS are geared towards that opportunity of sharing ideas in a real world situation. Area middle school and high school players, as well as other local musicians of all ages, are invited to join the members of the award winning Jazz Orgy (all educators as well as players) and noted regional jazz educators/performers for an authentic jazz jam session. The sessions are held at two locations: the Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts (THELMA) in Fond du Lac on the 1st Tuesday of each month and the The Waters in Oshkosh on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. The creativity begins at 6:30pm, with a half hour of jazz theory. The jam session starts at 7:00 and continues until 9:00pm to allow for additional participants. Come out, bring an instrument to “jam” or just listen, support and experience spontaneous composition – jazz education before your eyes.
2026-2027 Season
THELMA The Waters
October 6, 2026 October 20, 2026
November 3, 2026 November 17, 2026
DECEMBER - NONE DECEMBER - NONE
January 5, 2027 January 19, 2027
February 2, 2027 February 16, 2027
March 2, 2027 March 16, 2027
April 6, 2027 April 20, 2027
MAY - NONE MAY - NONE
