Saving the Music and Saving the Children

Organization gives youth an outlet of expression and appreciation for timeless musical genre.

By T.J. Moore

Opportunity presents itself to people in many ways. It may come through doors, windows, or even through word of mouth. For 11-year-old L.T., his opportunity came in the form of a drum set and empty chair at the YMI Cultural Center.

After months of being an observer to the YMI Band, L.T. seized the chance to play the drums when the band’s original drummer did not show up for practice. Band director, Gary Bradley encouraged the eager young man to play a freestyle solo, and a rendition of jazz standard “Killer Joe”. L.T.’s performance instantly impressed Bradley and others attending the band’s rehearsal and inspired his younger sister, Vazja to express her interest in playing the clarinet.



Three
months later, L.T. and Vazja are now members of the Reid Center’s Band,
and both earned a scholarship to Asheville Music School — thanks to the
guidance, support and nurturing of Youth At Jazz.


Formed last
June, Youth At Jazz provides assistance to the youth of western North
Carolina who are interested in music and want to develop their musical
talents. This organization also aids in the preservation of Jazz by
developing the youth’s appreciation for the genre.


The stories of
L.T. and Vazja solidified YAJ founder and president Davidson Jones’
thoughts about the rich and raw talent and potential that lies within
WNC’s youth. “That (performance) confirmed my belief that kids with all
sorts of talent lies dormant and if given the chance it (talent) will
be developed,” he said.

The “Youth at Jazz” program uses jazz as a vehicle to prepare youth for successful adult living. A jazz band, jazz jump rope teams, and a dance troupe are also being developed.

One example of
this belief can be found with the Reid Center Band. Jones and Bradley
had the same idea of creating a band at the center as well as housing
developments across the city. Reid director Lavonne Griffin and
assistant director Anthony Alexander were open to the idea. The newly
formed Reid Center Band is the catalyst in increasing the interest in
music and the arts among the children.

This same interest and
enthusiasm is carrying over to the possible formation of another band
under Youth At Jazz. Currently, plans for a band in the Pisgah View
Apartments are in the works.


Jones looks at
this program holistically. For him it is more than performance within
the Jazz program. “It is about successful adult living,” says Jones.
“When obstacles or any problems arise for the youth and their families
I try to help them search for the expert resources they need.” If that
effort is not met with success Jones offers his best efforts to help
remedy their situations through other collaborative efforts.


The Youth At
Jazz concept was born out of a place of passion and love for Jazz music
and the desire to make a positive impact in the lives of the youth.
According to Jones, an avid Jazz fan, the genre builds character. “Jazz
opens up a bigger world to a lot of human beings. (To me) Jazz
represents the ability to rise up and achieve self respect while
mastering an art,” he says. “If people from different backgrounds,
gender, races, and economic class come together and play Jazz, they
will discover the intent and principles of this country.”


In addition to
Jones’ passion for Jazz, this program is also fueled by empathy. A
Turner’s Station, MD native, Jones knows what it is like to have the
desire to partake in something that might be difficult to do. “I was
one of those kids looking through the windows,” he says. “ I can
identify with the LTs and the Vazjas of the world and this gives me the
desire to bring the kids from outside the window to inside the room.”


One way Jones is
bringing the kids inside the room is to help combat the financial
obstacles that may prevent children from getting involved in the arts.
“It takes money to develop as a musician. It is a class thing. If you
are middle class, you can afford it. If not, then it is not within your
reach. There are kids excluded and looking through the window and I see
the disparity.” Jones said.


Youth At Jazz
fights the economic gap by providing scholarships to help with lessons
and instruments. Each scholar receives access to instruments, practice
books, one hour-long professional lesson per week, and transportation
if needed.


In addition to
the bands and the scholarships, Youth At Jazz also has programs for tap
dancing, supports skill development in the areas of lighting, sound and
production, and a jump rope team. The additional programs are just
another way that Youth At Jazz is living up to the motto of “bringing
the village to one youth at a time”, a motto that Jones picked to
revive another more classic phrase. “We don’t have the concept of ‘it
takes a village to raise a child’ anymore so we have to create it,” he
said.


If you would
like to sponsor a child, or volunteer your services to “Youth At Jazz”
contact Davidson Jones – Youth At Jazz, Inc. at 828 298-9399. You may
also visit the web site at www.youthatjazz.org.