Outreach Programs
Skills Based Residencies

Without Cityfolk, our students simply would not have the opportunity to make a
meaningful connection with artists of this stature. It makes a real difference for our kids.”
-Joy Jones, Director of Bands, Cleveland School for the Arts,
Horace Mann School and Wogoman Elementary School

Exploring cultures from around the world and learning about what makes the Miami Valley region completely unique has been at the center of Cityfolk's year-round dedication to educational programs. Our skills-based efforts have connected students with the world's greatest jazz artists and make a difference in the lives of young musicians.

Jazz Artists-in-Residence

Matt Wilson Quartet featured in Cityfolk Jazz Artist-In-Residence
And Culture Builds Community Programs February 22-27, 2010

Jazz drummer extraordinaire Matt Wilson and his Quartet will work with students throughout the Miami Valley the week of February 22-27. Cityfolk will feature Wilson, trumpeter Ron Miles, saxophonist and clarinetist Jeff Lederer and bassist Chris Lightcap in a series of Cityfolk-sponsored events at Cleveland School for the Arts, McKinney Middle School in Yellow Springs and the K-12 Gallery for Young People. Wilson will also conduct additional workshops at the University of Dayton, Wittenberg University in Springfield and other locations.

Superb musicians and seasoned educators, Wilson’s quartet excels in relating to all age groups and has worked with student audiences at The Australian Jazz Festival, Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City, William Paterson College, Drake University, Grinnell College, Mineola New York Public Schools, to name just a few.

Since 1987, Cityfolk’s Jazz Artist-in-Residence program has brought internationally known jazz musicians and seasoned educators into area elementary, middle, high school and college music programs for hands-on workshops. In some cases, commissioned works have been created with the artist and their ensembles, while utilizing students in the creative process during the course of the residency. In many instances artists and their bands have joined forces with student ensembles in public performances.

Among the musicians who have conducted educational programs for Cityfolk are:

Other Educational Activities

In April 2006, French-Canadian group Le Vent du Nord was in Dayton for a two-day residency that culminated with a public concert. The band was featured at an evening dance with the Miami Valley Folk Dancers and performed two lecture-demonstrations at Pathways School of Discovery.

In April of 2001, Matapat took their high-energy French-Canadian music and dance to Miami Valley School, where they both performed lecture-demonstrations and held a Quebecois Square Dance. At the end of their stay, Matapat performed on the Celtic Series.

During the Brave Old World residency in January, 1998, preschool and grade school children met with the members of Brave Old World. They learned new dances and new songs and expanded their knowledge of this traditional Jewish music form. Adults and seniors also met with the band, shared memories of klezmer music from synagogues or the old country, danced and sang. The week-long residency program ended with a sold-out concert at the Dayton Art Institute Renaissance Auditorium.

For information on potential workshop availabilities, music that is available to school bands, and to discuss how your school can be a part Cityfolk’s region-wide educational initiative, contact Dave Barber at 937-223-3655, extension 3015.