Chicago-based jazz singer Alyssa Allgood is one of three clinicians working with high school vocal jazz groups at the annual Kirkwood Vocal Jazz Festival on Feb. 23. Alyssa and fellow clinicians Kat Sherman and Justin Binek perform in concert, along with Kirkwood’s Jazz Express and Jazz Transit, in a 7:30 concert in Ballantyne Auditorium. Tickets … Continue reading
Carnegie Hall is a name that is world-renowned and for a few Kansas City ensembles, they have the rare opportunity to step onto that stage themselves. Learn about the groups that will be headed to New York to perform there this upcoming season.
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KCKCC Educators Devise Safeguards
By Bobby Reed I Dec. 24, 2020
Jazz educators John Stafford II (left), Jim Mair and Justin Binek of Kansas City Kansas Community College (Photo: Larry F. Levenson)
Being a music educator during the pandemic requires a deep commitment to public health. Teachers who conduct in-person instruction have dual responsibilities: They should help students develop their musical chops while also following protocols to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 on campus. With fall classes in session, educators at Kansas City Kansas Community College are striving to protect the health of students, faculty, staff and local residents. When DownBeat sent an email to John Stafford II the coordinator of KCKCC’s music department regarding steps the school is taking for safe on-campus instruction, his reply was extensive. Stafford’s email described the mandatory use of face coverings and maintaining social distance; the use of air purifiers in musi