A Reflection on our Summer Jazz Workshop

The Pearl Arts Center hosted the Pearl Arts Summer Jazz Workshop June 1 – 5, 2026. Fifty students from eleven different middle schools and high schools attended the workshop. The workshop was coordinated by retired Snider Band Director Kevin Klee. The week featured inspired leadership from Aaron King – North Side High School, Doug Hassell – Carroll High School, Jason Witzigreuter – Homestead High School, and Marcus Farr – Snider High School. Students participated in like-instrument master classes, differentiated improvisation classes, and full-ensemble rehearsals. The beautiful facilities of the Pearl Arts Center provided the background for a week of fun and musical learning. The highlight of the week was the showcase concert on Friday evening, featuring the advanced improvisation class, the Main Street Jazz Band, and the Pearl Street Jazz Band. Almost 200 fans attended the final concert.

“I tend to be a rather optimistic person, but the 2026 Pearl Arts Summer Jazz Workshop exceeded my wildest expectations. The atmosphere of excitement and enthusiasm between students and faculty members was contagious.” – Kevin Klee