$44,390 raised by 116 donors
89% complete
$50,000 Goal
The Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts (CCJA) is a unique 501-(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to empowering youth and adults to creatively express themselves through the language of jazz. CCJA gives musicians of all ages life-changing musical experiences through mentorship by the region’s most sought-after professional jazz musicians. Our students experience personal and artistic growth through participation in small groups, big bands, vocal ensembles, jazz instruction camps, jam sessions, clinics, community performances, and much more.
Your donation will help us build community, cultivate personal and musical growth, make jazz relentlessly relevant, and nurture joy, creative expression, and belonging for Colorado's youth and adult musicians. Thank you for your support!
"Thank you, thank you for making the experience happen for these kids...You draw a unique group of young people who thrive on making music and living life. As a parent, the experiences you provide are the opportunities I believe that help create a whole human being." Nancy S.
"It brings people together, it brings together your people, and that's one of the hardest things in life is to find your people." Jean-Luc D.
"With CCJA, it's about the kids and the music. CCJA is a fantastic organization. We feel luck our boys have been able to participate it in, and learned the love of music for a lifetime." Nick L.
CCJA provides Colorado musicians unique opportunities for the study and performance of jazz, thereby offering them the ability to explore their creativity and voices, both individually and collectively. Under the mentorship of professional jazz musicians, CCJA helps advance and preserve the art form of jazz, and positively impacts the larger community.
Passionate about their vision of creating a unique jazz program for teens, Paul and Chris Romaine founded CCJA in late 1999 as a partnership. Six students registered for the first small group session, where they met weekly during the school year and played and performed in a small jazz group under the guidance of a professional jazz musician mentor. The program continued to grow, and in March of 2003, CCJA became a Colorado Non-profit corporation, and in early 2004 was granted 501 (c)(3) status. The original "Small Group Program" soon expanded to meet in locations across Denver, Boulder, Longmont and Fort Collins. There are currently an average of 100 students participating in each session, with over 2000 participants over the years.
Along the way, new programming has included summer camps and specialty ensembles, Outreach Programs to schools, expanded public performances, guided public youth and adult jam sessions, a peer mentoring program, SheBop program for young female musicians, a Vocal jazz program, and KinderBop for pre-school aged kids.
Over the last twenty-one years, CCJA groups have performed for tens of thousands of people, with the intention of advancing and preserving America's treasured art form of jazz through helping enlighten the public about the scope, history, and future possibilities of jazz. All of our programs are directed by accomplished professional jazz musicians, who continue to pass on their extensive knowledge, experience, and wisdom to the next generation. Whether students go on to play professionally or for enjoyment, their lives are enriched by their participation in CCJA's programs and they develop a greater understanding and appreciation of the art form that they can carry throughout their lives.
Organization name
Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts
other names
CCJA
2002
Tax id (EIN)
84-1529374
Category
Arts, Culture & Humanities
Organization Size
Medium Organization
Address
800 Kalamath StreetDenver County, CO, US