SATCHMO’S CLASSROOM MENTORSHIP

Call for Volunteer Artists

The Louis Armstrong House Museum (LAHM) is searching for volunteer artists interested in gaining experience teaching at the museum environment as part of Satchmo’s Classroom, a 10-month (Jan-May/Aug-Dec) museum education program addressed to classes K-12. Mentored by renowned trumpeter, vocalist, composer, and educator, Bria Skonberg, participants will have the opportunity to work with a curated curriculum of dynamic interactive activities centered in the appreciation of music.

The LAHM Teaching Artists team will participate in professional development training providing pedagogical strategies and knowledge that will equip them to engage students at all levels with the artistry and legacy of Louis Armstrong, as well as with the fundamental elements of jazz music.

Requirements

The Teaching Artist mentorship program requires participation in a two-day workshop at the Louis Armstrong House Museum & Archives and a commitment to teach at least two 2-hour sessions each month, to be scheduled on weekday mornings (Tues-Fri). A background in music is highly desirable, although candidates in Education, Museum Studies, or related fields are encouraged to apply. Seven (7) mentees will be selected.

Workshop Schedule

Part 1: Monday, January 27, 2020, 10am-12pm

Part 2: Wednesday, January 29, 2020, 10am-1pm

Both parts hosted at the Louis Armstrong House Museum in Corona.

About Bria

“I play jazz because it’s the closest I can get to flying.…spreading joy, relating the human experience, and putting good into the world to counteract the negative. I want to make music that makes people feel, and think.”— Bria.

Bria was introduced to jazz by a spirited public school band program and local festival in her hometown of Chilliwack, British Columbia. A professional musician since her teens, she moved to Vancouver and graduated from Capilano University with a Degree in Jazz Trumpet Performance, meanwhile managing and touring extensively with her own bands. Bria is now a Co-Founder/Director of the NY Hot Jazz Camp, and has served as faculty at the Teagarden Jazz Camp (Sacramento Jazz Education Foundation), Centrum Jazz Camp, Camp Heebie Jeebies and Junior Jazz Academy (JALC).

She has performed 100+ educational concerts and clinics for students of all ages, has led an ensemble for Jazz at Lincoln Center’s “Jazz for Young People” outreach program, and is an educational advisor to the Louis Armstrong House Museum. She has been an Artist in Residence collaborating with Syracuse University, Ball State University, Binghampton University, Cape May Regional Schools and more. Bria spreads throughout every stage an immense creativity and an honest connection with the audience. In 2018, she was given the task of paying tribute to the first integrated all-women big band, the International Sweethearts of Rhythm, leading to the foundation of Sisterhood of Swing. That is the same energy that she brings to the classroom. Bria performs regularly with the Louis Armstrong Eternity Band at Birdland in New York City.

 About the Museum

Opened in 2003, the Louis Armstrong House Museum is located in Corona (Queens) and is a National Historic Landmark, as well as a New York City Landmark. Louis Armstrong lived in the house with his wife Lucille from 1943 until his death in 1971. The historic house museum is the only fully-preserved home of an American jazz musician. The museum archives are the largest dedicated to a single jazz musician worldwide. The museum hosts approximately 14,000 local and international visitors per year and offers docent-guided tours year-round.

Today, the museum has built long-standing educational programs such as Pops is Tops, a free interactive concert offered to local students, celebrated since 1988 featuring musicians that shared the stage with Louis, including Louis Armstrong All-Stars band member, bassist Arvell Shaw.

To apply, please fill out the form below and attach your resume. The application deadline has been extended until January 17, 2020.