The Jazz Express
The Jazz Express
MUSIC
INTERACTION
EDUCATION
EDITIONS
First edition:AMSTERDAM September 2022 Second edition:ROTTERDAM June 2023 Third edition: GRON+DEVEN April 2024 Fourth edition:AMSTERDAM October 2024PROJECT DESCRIPTION
In collaboration with the Prinses Christina Concours, and with the support of Porticus and ELJA Foundation, New Amsterdam Jazz initiated the Jazz Express, the world’s first concert hall on wheels. Driving through the Netherlands, the Jazz Express aims to introduce jazz to primary school children who otherwise usually wouldn't get in touch with music education.
The Jazz Express hosts educational jazz concerts of approximately 45 minutes each. During these interactive and dynamic concerts, children were introduced to the most important concepts within jazz music. They learn about improvisation, experimentation and thinking outside the box.
Jazz is about freedom of thought, creativity, exploration and experimentation; skills and character traits essential to healthy development of children.
KEY MUSICIANS
Bandleiders: Anna Serierse, Linus Eppinger, Timothy Banchet, Peter Somuah, William Barrett, Gijs Idema, Mo van der Does, Robert Koemans, Jetse de Jong, Kika Sprangers
PCC Jong Talenten: Sadewa Bekker, Elmer Jacobs, Justus Hoitink, Katja Kuipers, Damien Mehldau, Eva van der Sterren, Joep Grotendorst, Tijs Scholten , Jelle Willems
PRODUCERS
Prinses Christina Concours, New Amsterdam Jazz
Stories
Het Parool - November 19th 2022REMON HOLSBERGEN Host - The Jazz Express
“There were many great moments. For example, during the weekend there was a moment when Jetse (the pianist/presenter) let a girl from the audience conduct the band. The performances by Katja (15) and Elmer (15) were also very nice. I also enjoyed the concerts on Wednesday and Thursday, there was a good atmosphere and a lot of interaction between musicians and audience. For example, the prelude and after-“scatting”. And the question who from the audience could hear a groove. There were also great workshops where the musicians let the children play on their instruments.”
“Both groups had a great time and were super excited! Hope it was a success from you guys as well. Thank you for this opportunity.”
WEEKEND SCHOOL
JETSE DE JONG Pianist & Presenter - The Jazz Express
“It was an incredibly fun project to do, super valuable to be able to pass on the music. Also to play with young talent from the PCC was super, many memories came up from myself 10 years ago as a PCC participant!”
MARJAN Deputy Director - OBS De Notenkraker
“It was incredible! Students and teachers really liked it a lot. I myself went along with a group and was also very enthusiastic. Definitely worth repeating. Attending a concert on a bus was a unique experience.”
Impact
Introducing jazz to children without prior exposure to music education
Approximately 2800 children attended
Collaborations with Aslan Muziekcentrum, BIMHUIS, North Sea Round Town
Groningen/Deventer 2024Amsterdam 2024A Nationwide Tour : 4 editions completed
Amsterdam 2022Rotterdam 2023