Sacramento Traditional Jazz Society
2787 Del Monte Street
West Sacramento, CA 95691
(916) 372-5277
October 11, 1991
Assemblyman Willard H. Murray, Jr.
State Capitol
P. 0. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0001
RE: PRESERVATION OF JAZZ AS AN ART FORM
Dear Assemblyman Murray:
Thank you for the opportunity to present information at the interim hearing on
the Preservation of Jazz as an Art Form.
Jazz is a true American art form - an important part of our cultural heritage. Evolving approximately 100 years ago from a focal point in New Orleans, jazz is recognized and appreciated around the world. In 1987 Congress designated jazz as "a rare and valuable national treasure."
The Sacramento Traditional Jazz Society (STJS), a not-for-profit, 501(c) (3) corporation, was formed in 1968 by a small group of musicians and listeners for the purpose of preserving and promoting traditional jazz and education in the playing of musical instruments associated with traditional jazz music. The STJS is governed by a 15 member Board of Directors representing both musician and non-musician members of the Society. The STJS currently has over 4,000 members.
The STJS presents monthly jazz sessions on the second Sunday of the month with professional or semi-professional musicians performing on two performance stages and a third performance stage where less skilled musicians, including young student musicians, can gain experience. Since 1974, the STJS has sponsored the annual Sacramento Jazz Jubilee over the Memorial Day weekend - the largest traditional jazz festival in the world. Educational efforts include an annual Jazz Music Scholarship program providing from $150 to $300 for private music instruction with an emphasis on jazz and, since 1986, a week-long Trad Jazz Camp for young musicians which provides intensive instruction in the history, theory and playing of traditional jazz with an emphasis on improvisation.
In 1990 Congress passed Public Law 101-499, which recognizes the cultural and historical significance of jazz and its New Orleans origins. The legislation directs the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, to conduct a study of the suitability and feasibility of interpreting and preserving the origins of jazz in New Orleans. According to the legislation, the study will:
- identify and assess sites and structures associated with the origins and early history of jazz in New Orleans,
- explore new programs for public outreach, jazz education, supporting second line bands and the efforts of established jazz archives in the city, and preserving the contributions of social and pleasure clubs,
- consider establishing a new national park system unit, or adding to Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, to interpret and preserve the origins of jazz in New Orleans, and
- consider alternatives for providing technical assistance to others involved in the preservation and interpretation of jazz.
The National Park Service, as an agent of the Secretary of the Interior, has assembled an interdisciplinary team to conduct the study.
California has a long and significant jazz history. It dates back to Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" Morton's visits to California in 1912 and then 1917-1922. Joe "King" Oliver's Creole Jazz Band was the first jazz band to visit California opening at the Pergola Dancing Pavilion in San Francisco in June 1921 and then proceeding to Los Angeles in 1922.
Through the years there have been many significant developments in jazz in California. Jazz has had a significant role in both the motion picture industry and the recording industry in California. Two particular styles of jazz evolved in California. They are the San Francisco style (or West Coast style) of traditional jazz that began in the late 30's and the West Coast style of modern jazz from the 50's.
Jazz is an active and vital force in California. There are many active jazz societies throughout California. Jazz is featured at many restaurants and night clubs in California's major cities. There are several successful annual jazz festivals in California. There are an increasing number of jazz radio stations in California. KKJZ here in Sacramento is the newest of them.
While there are many positive signs relating to the health of jazz, there is still much to be done. Jazz is significantly more popular in many other countries around the world than it is in the United States. Many people in this country do not consider jazz to be as "legitimate" an art form as the more "classical" arts.
Even considering the "Jazz Age" in the 20's, jazz has never been the music of choice of the majority. It has always been the responsibility of the relatively small number of devoted and committed jazz musicians and fans to keep the fire burning. This continues to be the case.
We are encouraged by and supportive of your action in conducting an interim hearing regarding the future of jazz in California. State government can play a very important lead role in this area. However, we believe that the greatest possible success will be achieved by involving musicians, fans, and jazz organizations representing both the public and private sectors and the full spectrum of jazz styles. We are ready and available to take an active role in such a process.
Recognizing that state funds are limited at the present time, there are still many things that state government could do to enhance the future of jazz in California. The following are examples of some possible actions:
- California Arts Council - Jazz could be established as a priority for funding in selected, existing California Arts Council grant categories. New jazz grant categories could be established with new funding if funds became available.
- National Endowment for the Arts - The state could take an active role in attracting NEA grant funds to California from the existing Presenters and Festivals, Jazz Management, and Jazz Special Projects categories.
- Jazz Education - We believe that jazz education is the key to the future for jazz.
The Department of Education could again emphasize instrumental
and vocal music. Currently many schools are reducing or eliminating music instruction. Without music instruction in the school there will be a significant decrease in the number of people available to perform jazz. Also, jazz history and appreciation could be taught in the schools.
Colleges could also place an increased emphasis on jazz education, both for musicians and listeners. Extension courses could be made available to the general public.
Again, thank you for taking the lead role in this important effort. And, as
previously stated, we are looking forward to playing an active role in the process.
Sincerely,
Roger Krum
Executive Director
Continue to Addendum, Part 2
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