Birmingham Welcomes the Return of Saturday Jazz Greats Program
Birmingham, AL – After a long seven-year hiatus, the Saturday Jazz Greats music education program has officially returned to the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. This beloved tuition-free program, aimed at students in grades 3 to 12, kicked off on Saturday, October 5, 2024, as professional jazz musicians gathered once again at the historic Carver Theatre.
A Rich Musical History
The Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, located at 1631 4th Ave. North in downtown Birmingham, first began offering the Saturday Jazz Greats program back in 1999. For many years, this program provided invaluable music lessons that included instrumental instruction, music theory, jazz history, and improvisation techniques. Well-known instructors have included notable names such as Dr. Frank Adams and Dr. Tolton Rosser, who have helped shape the musical landscape for young aspiring musicians in the community.
The program was put on hold in 2017 when the Carver Theatre temporarily closed for renovations. After much anticipation, the lobby and performance hall reopened in 2022, but the museum remained closed until it officially opened on August 6, 2024. With the museum’s launch, the Hall was excited to resume its educational offerings.
Enrollment and Costs
This year, students can enroll in Saturday Jazz Greats on a rolling basis. There is a $75 registration fee, but thanks to a recently secured grant, 50 students will benefit from a $50 discount. Classes are free once students are enrolled, and lessons run every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The fall semester is set to conclude in December with a finale concert that promises to showcase the talents of the students.
A New Director and an Experienced Team
The program is being led by Daniel Jose Carr, a highly respected trumpeter and educator who also oversees Birmingham’s longest-running jazz jam session. Carr has brought together a talented team of musicians and instructors from around Alabama. Among them are:
- Bernard McQueen – Electric and upright bass
- Daniel Harper – Trumpet and piano, returning after nearly a decade of teaching
- Terry Harper – Jazz vocals and piano
- Carlos Pino – Guitar
- Arnold Montgomery – Saxophone
- John Nuckols – Percussion
Students Welcome with Enthusiasm
Dr. Leah Tucker, the executive director of the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, welcomed students back with encouraging words. “Learning is fun and when you start playing jazz, you’re going to feel a whole different spirit to yourself. It’s music that uplifts you. It’s very happy. And it’s very creative,” she said during a heartwarming address on the reopening day. She went on to discuss the opportunity for students to learn improvisation, reading music, and teamwork during their time in the program.
Looking Ahead
The Saturday Jazz Greats program is more than just music lessons. It’s a celebration of jazz heritage and community engagement. Dr. Tucker shared success stories from past students, highlighting their continued achievements in the world of music. For instance, one former student toured with Lizzo and another now studies under a prominent jazz educator at Michigan State University.
As the years go by, Dr. Tucker remains optimistic that jazz will not fade into the past. With the newly renovated Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame museum showcasing the significant contributions of artists like Dinah Washington and Sun Ra, this commitment to education and representation of jazz culture in Alabama seems assured.
Exciting Developments at the Hall
In addition to the return of the Saturday Jazz Greats program, the Jazz Hall of Fame has expanded its outreach by enhancing the programming of its recently acquired jazz radio station. This includes a new weekly show, Shure Shot Jazz, which mixes jazz and hip-hop cultures, aiming to reach a broader audience.
The Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame encourages community members to get involved. Opportunities abound for students and adults alike to immerse themselves in the rich musical tradition that defines Birmingham as a vibrant center for jazz. Registration for the next semester is set to begin in spring, and the Jazz Hall of Fame looks forward to continuing this important legacy.
