Education and Community

Recognizing that the Telluride Jazz Celebration is music education of the highest order, Executive Director Paul Machado utilizes his artistic line-up to bring first-rate musical opportunities to the somewhat isolated Telluride region both during the Jazz Celebration week and year round. The original programs evolved into five distinct areas of interest:

1. Telluride Student All-Stars Jazz Ensemble. For the serious student, this program is directed by renowned jazz educator and performer Professor Bob Montgomery. A national talent search is conducted for students age 13 and up via audition tapes. Students selected receive full scholarships to this special weeklong program held June 2 to June 8. The All-Stars typically number from 8 to 10 students and work together throughout the week developing their skills as future professionals, and performing nightly at a club in town and on the Telluride Jazz Celebration Main Stage during the weekend. Additional funding for air transportation, lodging, meals, and festival passes is available on a limited basis. [details]

2. Jazz Workshop and Clinic Series. For all ages and abilities, these clinics welcome those wishing to learn more in their specific area of interest. Clinics feature a world class artist who is in Telluride to perform instructing a limited number of students in his or her craft, whether it be voice, strings, horns or percussion. Tentative plans for this summer include a Giacamo Gates jazz vocal clinic and Bola Abimbola African songs workshop.

3. Winter Jazz/Artists in the Schools Series. These programs take place January through March and involve two evening performances and three interactive student performances. The Telluride Society for Jazz brings world class musicians, frequently who have been or will be featured at the Jazz Celebration, to perform in the winter. The artists perform locally at the Michael D. Palm Theatre or Sheridan Opera House in the evening. The day of their performance they give an informal concert for regional middle and high school students. The program includes a question and answer session and the musicians explain their roots, how long they have been playing, and what Jazz is all about.

4. Free Jazz Project. This program is our newest and involves free performances for the regional community with a special invitation to our Latino neighbors. There are five free performances in the heart of Telluride at the Raynier Free Stage in Elks Park and at the Wilkinson Public Library as part of our Artists in the Library program. The Free Jazz Project welcomes everyone interested in Jazz and the week’s festivities and wraps up with a fiesta in Elks Park with Latin music, traditional Mexican food and camaraderie.

5. Raynier Free Stage. The site of all free performances in Elks Park is also host to a panel discussion that includes educators, artists, and Telluride Jazz representatives who choose a timely topic pertaining to the Jazz world. The audience is invited to participate in an informal Q and A. The Raynier Free Stage hosts at least 14 performances over the Jazz Celebration week and boasts the only performances on Thursday evening to open the Celebration to the community and visitors.