Outreach Programs

The Victoria Jazz Society prides itself on the development of its extensive Outreach Program, which includes:

WOKSHOPS/CLINICS

The Victoria Jazz Society presents workshop/clinics during both TD Victoria International JazzFest and its year-round programming. These workshops are hosted by touring musicians for the benefit and development of our local musicians. These workshop/clinics were attended by musicians with varying skill levels - from mid and high school music students to professional performing musicians. These workshops are open to, and attended by the general public and are presented at no charge to all attendees. The VJS believes these workshop/clinics are instrumental and irreplaceable in the development of our local music students.

JAZZ IN THE SCHOOLS

In 2009, the VJS began its “Jazz In The Schools” program which is presented annually (October – April). This program involves the VJS contracting a local jazz ensemble to perform and host a workshop/clinic at three – four selected high schools in the Greater Victoria area (School Districts 61, 62, and 63), which have dedicated music programs. These performances and workshop/clinics take place during school hours to maximize attendance of interested music students, to enhance the musical experience of students and to increase future audiences of jazz in the Greater Victoria area. Area high schools that have participated in this program the last three fiscal years include: Vic High, Esquimalt, Lambrick Park, Parklands, Oak Bay, Mt. Doug, Belmont, Reynolds, Stelly’s, Spectrum and Claremont.

FREE TO THE PUBLIC PERFORMANCES

Annually, the Victoria Jazz Society includes “free to the public” performances by local, national, and international artists in the programming of its two festivals, the TD Victoria International JazzFest and the Vancouver Island Blues Bash. In the last fiscal year, 41 concerts were presented free during these festivals, and in addition 23 were presented with minimal cover charge requirements for the benefit of all audiences. The diverse programming of TD Victoria International JazzFest and Vancouver Island Blues Bash on the “free stages” provide opportunities for music lovers of all ages, races, and income levels to attend performances at both festivals at no cost, enabling a greater exposure to a vast range of music for audiences in Victoria, and allowing an appreciation for and love of music to develop for a greater audience

STUDENT TICKET DISCOUNTS

Each fiscal year, the VJS disperses or discounts a large number of tickets to VJS performances. The VJS believes that providing students with free or reduced price tickets increases the access for students to the music, and encourages their musical development and helps to build an audience base for future VJS presentations, while aiding in diversifying our existing audience.

DARRYL MAR MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP

PLEASE NOTE THAT DUE TO BUDGET CONSTRAINTS, THE VJS HAS SUSPENDED THE AWARD OF THE DARRYL MAR SCHOLARSHIP IN 2012.

The Darryl Mar Music Scholarship is a cash award of $1000 given annually to a music student graduating from a public high school in the Greater Victoria area. The award is to be used for continuing the student’s studies in jazz, blues or world music at a post-secondary level of their own choice.