Jazz Improvisation and Inspiration: Birch Creek Faculty Enrich Door County Schools
EGG HARBOR, Wis. (September 25, 2024) – On Friday, September 20, Birch Creek hosted its annual Artists in the Schools event, continuing a 22-year tradition of bringing professional music education to the students of Door County. Since its inception in 2002, this program has exemplified Birch Creek’s dedication to supporting local youth and fostering an appreciation for the arts within the community.
This year’s event featured nationally acclaimed Birch Creek faculty, including Jazz II session faculty and Ambassador Director Marty Robinson (trumpet), Percussion faculty Dane Richeson, and professional bassist and composer Mark Urness. The group visited local schools, sharing their expertise and passion with public school music students.
“It’s important for us as professional musicians, and in this case, all of us are university professors, to connect with future audiences and students who are learning about the world,” said Robinson. “In our opinion, music is a big part of that. It doesn't have to be as a professional. It could be simply making music and enjoying the beauty of the arts as a listener and understanding what that means.”
Accompanied by Birch Creek’s Development & Operations Manager Bob Shogren, the trio engaged students at Sturgeon Bay High School, as well as Sawyer and Sunrise Elementary Schools. Their interactive sessions covered the art of jazz improvisation, offered technical tips, and encouraged active participation, allowing students to experience music in a hands-on and impactful way.
“It was an honor for us to partner with music teachers Heidi Hintz and Cheryl Pfister to bring our program into the Sturgeon Bay schools,” said Shogren. “This year, students were engaged in a masterclass in jazz fundamentals and improvisation. We hope to inspire student appreciation for and interest in learning about music.”
A total of 524 students from the Sturgeon Bay school district participated in this enriching musical experience. Sturgeon Bay High School Band Director Heidi Hintz highlighted the value of this opportunity, noting how closely the professional musicians' teachings aligned with her own classroom activities.
“It’s always a gift to have professionals speak to the students,” Hintz remarked. “What they shared today about rhythm and claves ties directly into our current field show preparations. These experiences give our students a deeper connection to what they’re learning.”
Birch Creek’s Artists in the Schools program exemplifies its commitment to fostering the next generation of musicians and enriching Door County’s cultural life. Through the generosity of its faculty, Birch Creek continues to inspire and nurture young musical talent.