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Everyone thought the presentation was one of the best we have ever had at our school. The group's musicianship and infectious enthusiasm for playing were evident throughout the performance. They completely captivated our 600 students and they were yearning for more when they left."
-Douglas Exley (Principal Sherburne-Earlville Middle School, Sherburne, NY)

Jazz: America’s Music, From New Orleans to New York
Made in the Shade will take students of all ages on a musical journey through the world of jazz. Making stops in places like New Orleans, Kansas City, and New York City, kids will be introduced to various styles of jazz such as dixieland, swing and be-bop. Made in the Shade also covers styles like jazz fusion and latin jazz to demonstrate how jazz combined with other genres and musical traditions. Students will learn about the birth of jazz and how it was born from a combination of African and European influences. In addition, Made in the Shade discusses the nature of improvisation with the aid of demonstrations and student participation. Finally, Made in the Shade finishes the show where it began, New Orleans, by featuring music from the Mardi Gras. This program is presented with fiery enthusiasm and showmanship that only Made in the Shade can provide.

Since 1994 Made in the Shade has performed over 350 school shows in conjunction with Young Audiences of MA.

Goals of the Program: to explore the beginnings of jazz and its evolution; to convey the spirit, energy and joy of jazz by having students participate; to sketch the historical and social contexts in which jazz grew; to help keep the legacy of jazz alive as an important part of American culture.

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In addition to shows for the entire school, Made in the Shade can provide a more intensive study for all students who are currently involved in their school's music program. These clinics are ideal for large or small jazz ensembles. The members of Made in the Shade work directly with the school band (jazz ensemble) to explore areas such as:
  • Section Playing
  • Dynamics and Balance
  • Riffing
  • Call and Response
  • Improvisation
  • Time and Feel
  • Stylistic Considerations
These items are taught and demonstrated through discussions and having students play with the members of Made in the Shade. For more advanced jazz students the topic of improvisation can be studied more in depth, including such topics as:
  • Phrasing
  • Motific Development
  • Pacing
  • Dynamics
  • Solo Shape
  • Harmonic Considerations
For scheduling performances in Massachusetts contact Young Audiences of MA at www.yamass.org

Young Audiences Program Video
The video is available below in two different formats. Each format has a high-bandwidth version, if you are on a cable or DSL connection, and a low-bandwidth version, if you use dial-up.

To download a free player, just click on the player's icon below.
High-Bandwidth Version

Low-Bandwidth Version
High-Bandwidth Version

Low-Bandwidth Version

Roots Music Collective
Dan Fox and Crick Diefendorf from Made in the Shade have teamed up with drummer/percussionist Scott Kessel for a new and exciting school show. Their interactive program, "The Roots of American Music," traces the path of American music from African American work songs to spirituals, blues, jazz, country, and eventually rock 'n roll and today's popular music. Their performance shows students how American music has simultaneously evolved beyond and held on to its roots. Students will learn about the collaborative process involved in making music and will explore their own creativity by composing a new song alongside the artists.

School performances can be scheduled through Young Audiences of MA or Young Audiences of CT.