We want every student in the Tri-Valley area to have the chance to experience the arts each year. Whether it’s performances at schools put on by the Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center or the free monthly events at the Bankhead Theater, we certainly try to do our part. Of course, there are also the fun workshops and master classes with visiting artists. In this post, though, we want to talk mainly about our part in the East Bay Jazz High School All-Stars Band.
LVPAC was instrumental in helping director Spencer Sussman get the program going. Basically, the East Bay Jazz High School All Stars program offers students a priceless opportunity for real-world performance experience. Here’s how it works: Each fall, members are selected by audition. Once the group is finalized, they perform both in a big band format as well as a smaller jazz combo. These all-stars are made up of students selected specifically for their ability to improvise. Our center for performing arts is proud to support the East Bay Jazz High School All-Stars by identifying opportunities and providing financial support through the Educational Fund.
More About the East Bay Jazz Music Program
If your high schooler is interested in a program dedicated to high-caliber musical performance and education, then tell them about the East Bay Jazz. The program’s big band and combo ensembles rehearse weekly and perform frequently between January to June. What can you expect your son or daughter to learn? For one thing, East Bay Jazz members fine-tune their skills within the jazz idiom. But it’s the real world performance experience that is simply second to none. There’s nothing better than East Bay Jazz students sharing our love of music with the community and beyond.
Let’s talk more about Spencer for a bit. The director is a tenor and bass trombonist, composer, arranger, and educator from San Francisco. Spencer holds a masters in jazz studies from San Jose State University, studying under the guidance of Scott Whitfield, Thomas Hornig, and Aaron Lington. Through the years, Spencer has performed with the likes of Jon Faddis, Jamie Davis, Clairdee, Fred Berry, and the Glenn Miller Orchestra. Spencer is no stranger to the international stage, performing at the Montreux Jazz Festival, Jazz a Vienne, and at venues across New Zealand. Without a doubt, Spencer has taken the East Bay Jazz High School All-Stars program to new heights.
How You Can Help Amplify the Performing Arts
It’s no secret that across the U.S., performing arts programs are suffering. Each year, LVPAC presents and produces over 250 arts events and activities. Then there’s the number of students we impact. We’re happy to say that we engage with more than 10,000 students and adult learners through the Arts in Education programs.
So how exactly can you help us with our education outreach programs? There are five options to choose from:
- Membership – A gift of $125 or more automatically qualifies you for membership to the LVPAC. Membership gives you access to discounted tickets, pre-sale opportunities, and invitations to members-only events.
- Bricks and seats – The naming of a seat in the Bankhead Theater or a commemorative brick at the theater’s entrance or in the Madden Family Courtyard is tax-deductible. These specific donations provide underwriting for the many programs we have to offer. Think of bricks and seats as an investment in the future of LVPAC.
- Matching gifts – Matching Gift Programs are an easy way to increase the impact of your donation. Who knows? Maybe your employer will decide to double or even triple their tax-deductible contribution. We suggest that you see your human resource department for more information.
- Event sponsorship – Are you hoping to increase brand exposure while also supporting the arts? Event sponsorship is the perfect way to do that. Series sponsors reach an educated and affluent audience that supports our performing arts center. It’s a no-brainer!
- Legacy gifts – A legacy gift allows your charitable intention to be realized while also achieving the most favorable income tax benefits available.
Here at the Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center, we do so much more than put on memorable events that involve live music or theatre. We also continually put educational outreach at the top of our priority list. Feel free to learn more about the East Bay Jazz High School All Stars music program.