Community Outreach
Outreach Programs
Education is a central tenet of the Willamette Jazz Society's (WJS) mission “to foster a vibrant local jazz scene through concerts and educational programs that encourage our community to love, study and perform live jazz.” WJS hosted 192 concerts at The Jazz Station (TJS) concert venue (a project of WJS) which highlights a variety of artists ranging from advanced high school and college student first-time performers to internationally recognized musicians.
​
We provide six community outreach programs: First Monday Night Big Band, One Set Wednesday, The Jazz Station Jam, Classical on Broadway, Acoustic Americana and The Nutcracker Suite.
One Set Wednesdays/
Second Set Jam
OSW provides students with an opportunity to showcase their talents in a one-hour gig in front of a supportive audience – often their first performance as an ensemble leader on stage. Students learn how to contract, market and produce their own shows. This creates a “real-world” performance environment where students can experience all the facets of professional musicianship that a school classroom or individual music lessons cannot. TJS is the only venue within our community that offers this opportunity to students and community members.
One Set Wednesdays
First Monday Night Big Band
First Monday Night Big Band
The First Monday Night Big Band, directed by UO Professor Emeritus of Jazz Studies, Steve Owen, is home to many of the region’s top professional players. This large jazz ensemble plays compositions from classic works by Basie and Ellington to pieces written by contemporary composers. The second Big Band set is opened-up for local students and community musicians to sit-in with professional band members and play together. Big Band musicians donate their time and all proceeds go back to support The Jazz Station.
The Jazz Station Jam
The Jazz Station offers the only local opportunity for high school, college and amateur musicians to play in front of a supportive audience with a professional sound system, stage lighting, and baby grand piano. Each session features a pro rhythm section and host.
The Jazz Station Jam expands options for both school-age students and life-long learners interested in developing and honing improvisation and performance skills, receiving instruction, and meeting other community musicians. The concept of the jam session as a community-building activity is central to jazz.
Classical on Broadway
“Classical on Broadway” music program, the first Sunday of every month, showcases performers from the Eugene Symphony, the University of Oregon faculty, renowned out-of-town artists, and top university students.
​
The Jazz Station offers chamber audience-members a one-of-a-kind, relaxed and intimate listening experience. The series is hosted by Artistic Directors Eunhye Grace Choi, acclaimed pianist and chamber musician, and Wonkak Kim, UO Professor of Clarinet.
First Thursday Acoustic Americana
​
“Acoustic Americana” blends elements of folk, country, bluegrass, and traditional American roots music, and features acoustic instruments like guitar, banjo, fiddle, and mandolin. Indeed, jazz and acoustic Americana share roots in the blues and other early American musical styles like folk and gospel, creating a foundation of shared influences.
​
The Jazz Station is pleased to present accomplished regional performers in this entertaining genre on the first Thursday of each month.
Holiday Jazz Orchestra, December 2024
Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s Nutcracker Suite
Our annual holiday series celebrates the work of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, exposing Lane County audiences to this uniquely American regional reinterpretation of a European classic played by professional musicians. This is an excellent opportunity for new and seasoned fans alike to enjoy and learn about American jazz at an accessible price.
​
The Duke Ellington & Billy Strayhorn Nutcracker Suite series has become a holiday tradition that Lane County audiences look forward to each year. Events like these enrich our community, build The Jazz Station awareness within the arts marketplace, and create a sense of local community.