In January 2001, Kansas City Youth Jazz program began with one band and a handful of dedicated students and parents. It has since grown to 4 bands and a jazz choir composed of over 100 students from over 50 different schools throughout greater Kansas City, including students from Lawrence, Lansing, Olathe, Raytown, Raymore-Peculiar, Lee’s Summit, Blue Valley, Blue Springs, Kansas City, MO, Independence, and Turner schools along with several students from Shawnee Mission and Kansas City, Kansas. The staff, students, parents, Board and friends of Kansas City Youth Jazz are diligently committed to:

• Developing and maintaining a multicultural, jazz education program in metropolitan Kansas City where students in grades six through twelve, learn respect, responsibility and tolerance through music.

• Enhancing the music education programs currently taught in public and private schools by providing participation opportunities for students of institutions without music programs and to increase musical creativity for those students in institutions with established music programs.

• Increasing social competency by providing experiences that break down stereotypes and foster cultural sensitivity through students of different social and cultural backgrounds performing side by side and forming bonds of friendship and respect.

• Improving school attendance and academic achievement at all levels of educations through the positive effect of music education.

• Developing the life skills of self-discipline and diligence, self-expression and creativity, cooperation and problem solving.

• Nurturing leadership by increasing self-esteem through the feelings of pride and accomplishment derived from program participation and public performance.