Educational Activities
Discussion Group
On the third Thursday of every month , at 7:30PM, a group of jazz enthusiasts gathers at the Erie Art Museum Annex, to listen to and discuss jazz styles. Each individual comes with a CD and a cut from it they want to share and discuss with the group. Styles will range from dixieland, to big band, to contemporary. Charles Ventrello is the convener of the group. Very knowledgeable about jazz and himself a jazz performer (saxophone), Charles engages the participants in conversations about the music.
Jazz for Young Ears
Dr. Allen Zurcher, JazzErie Program Chair, and Dr. Scott Meier, Director of Jazz Education at Mercyhurst College, have initiated a program to introduce jazz music to Erie area elementary and middle school children.
The program had its successful debut at Jefferson elementary school and Wilson Mills middle school in Erie earlier this year.
Meier and Zurcher used a video, performance and participatory activities to introduce jazz and improvisation to the students.
Sessions run from 30 – 40 minutes for elementary students, and somewhat longer for middle school, according to school scheduling.
The project is funded by JazzErie.
Interested in having this program in your school? Contact Dr. Zurcher at
twofiveone@hotmail.com, or call him at 814/864-4640.
JazzErie Speakers Bureau
JazzErie will provide speakers for area civic groups and service clubs. Presenters will briefly discuss jazz and recap the activities of JazzErie.
To schedule this program for your group, or for more information, contact JazzErie Vice President Ted Ely at
tely@shapiralaw.com, or call him at 814/452-6800.
THE ASCAP FOUNDATION NAMES WINNERS OF ANNUAL YOUNG JAZZ COMPOSER AWARDS