Jacksonville Arts and Music School Programs: Cultivating Creativity and Shaping the Future

Jacksonville Arts and Music School (JAMS) and Jacksonville University (JU) offer diverse programs designed to cultivate creativity, provide immersive arts education, and shape the future of aspiring artists and musicians. These programs cater to a wide range of students, from elementary to university level, fostering self-expression, skill development, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts.

Jacksonville Arts and Music School (JAMS): An Immersive Arts Education Experience

JAMS provides a fully immersive arts education experience for youth, utilizing art education as a conduit for improving learning skills and self-confidence. The school's philosophy centers around the idea that "if necessity is the mother of invention, then creativity is the tool for a new discovery." JAMS achieves this through various programs and initiatives, creating a dynamic and supportive environment for young artists.

The JAMS 100: After-School and Summer Intensive Program

The JAMS 100 is an after-school and summer intensive program offering a wide range of arts and cultural activities. These include music, dance, creative writing, vocal training, film, visual arts, and drama. Designed for students in grades 4th-12th, the program allows them to explore their interests and talents in a structured yet flexible setting.

House System: Fostering Community and Leadership

JAMS utilizes a house system to foster community and leadership among its students. Each house is named after an influential artist or figure, inspiring students to emulate their dedication and creativity:

House Savage: Named in honor of Augusta Savage, a sculptor and arts educator from the Harlem Renaissance, encouraging students to embrace artistic expression and education.
House Allen: Students of House Allen strive every day to master creative expression, pushing the boundaries of their artistic abilities.
House Davis: Named after jazz musician Miles Davis, this house inspires students to honor the roots of jazz, gospel, and other musical genres as the next generation of musical greats.
House Micheaux: JAMS’ film department named after the African American filmmaker Oscar Micheaux.

JAMS students also attend a leadership development class every Friday, focusing on personal growth and interpersonal skills. As Ayviana, a JAMS student, shared, "Leadership class has really helped me as a person to improve myself." Niveah, another student, added that the class "helped me to do it person-to-person because I was better at being vulnerable to a hundred different strangers than I was being more vulnerable with somebody I knew personally."

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Student Empowerment and Creative Freedom

JAMS emphasizes student empowerment and creative freedom, allowing students to take ownership of their artistic endeavors. This is evident in the JAMS Lights On Afterschool video, a performance created entirely by JAMS students. Niveah, a 9th grader, wrote the poem she sang in the video, while other students composed the accompanying music. The video reflects the independence and creative freedom students experience at JAMS, and the incredible products that result.

Peoples, a figure at JAMS, noted, "It's amazing what young people can do when given access and opportunity." This sentiment underscores JAMS' commitment to providing students with the resources and support they need to thrive.

Adapting to Challenges: Innovation During COVID-19

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, JAMS has innovated to continue serving its students and families. Operating at half capacity, the school has implemented safety protocols to ensure a safe learning environment. Students have their temperature checked, wash their hands, and put away their cell phones to minimize distractions. Younger students receive academic support and participate in their chosen arts class, while high school students have the option to attend homework help.

Jacksonville University (JU): A Dynamic Creative Community

Jacksonville University offers a vibrant and comprehensive arts program, fostering a dynamic creative community where art, science, and philosophy intersect. JU's program is designed to prepare students for careers as performing artists, teachers, composers, and scholars.

Curriculum and Areas of Study

JU's music program covers core subjects such as theory, aural skills, and history, allowing flexibility to tailor the course of study to their interests. Advanced topics include contemporary music, orchestration, and counterpoint. Students can explore various areas of study, including:

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Music performance
Music education
Composition
Music technology
Theatre
Dance
Intellectual Property Law
Music history

Performance Opportunities and Facilities

JU provides numerous performance opportunities for its students, including participation in the Jacksonville University Orchestra. The university also boasts state-of-the-art facilities, such as the Terry Concert Hall, Swisher Theater, and Phillips Black Box, providing students with professional venues to showcase their talents.

Faculty and Mentorship

JU's faculty comprises experienced and dedicated professionals who provide students with personalized mentorship and guidance. Students have the opportunity to learn from accomplished performers, composers, and scholars, deepening their appreciation for music and the arts.

Student Perspective

One JU student, who plays the Cello for the Jacksonville University Orchestra, shared their enthusiasm for being a part of JU. Another student, a flautist, highlighted the significant role of music education in their life. These testimonials underscore the positive impact of JU's music program on its students.

STEAM Institute: Fostering Innovation and Problem-Solving

The recently opened STEAM Institute at JU demonstrates the university's commitment to fostering innovation and problem-solving skills. By integrating science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, the institute prepares students to be lifelong learners and creative thinkers.

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