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Sisters in Jazz

Is a FREE program we sponsor to promote the participation of young women and non-binary youth in the art form of jazz. Through the implementation of a mentoring program linking these young folks to well established female jazz musicians, this is a true masterclass and an incredible opportunity. 

What do our Sisters in Jazz workshops look like?

  • Requirements:

    • Female, non-binary high school age students

    • Must be able to read music and have an interest in jazz

    • Students should commit to every date as part of the ensemble 

    • Students should commit to a collaborative performance at The Alluvion 

    • No performance or improvisational experience is necessary

  • Logistics

    • Northern Michigan Sisters in Jazz will meet once a month from Saturday, October 26, 2024-June 14, 2025

    • Sessions will take place at The Alluvion, located at 414 East Eighth Street in midtown Traverse City www.thealluvion.org) from 10-1:00.

  • Flow:

    • Mentors will select a broad repertoire of jazz and arrange the music for the group based on skill level. There will be an emphasis on music composed by women as well as music by Michigan composers.

Meet our mentors

One of the most acclaimed and in demand bassists/educators in the world, Marion is a professor of Jazz Studies at the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Oakland University. She is the co-founder of the national Sister’s in Jazz program and the all female jazz ensemble, Straight Ahead, who signed with Atlantic Records in 1986. Marion has toured internationally representing the uniquely American art form of jazz. Learn more about Ms. Hayden at 

 

Marion Hayden

​https://marionhayden.com/

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Laurie Sears, saxophonist and flutist, works with numerous jazz groups, including the Grand Rapids Symphony, Traverse Symphony Orchestra and Traverse Symphony Jazz Orchestra. Some of the national jazz and popular artists that Laurie has shared the stage with include Sarah Vaughan, Mel Torme, Frank Sinatra, Natalie Cole, Aretha Franklin, Liza Minelli, Julie Andrews, Bernadette Peters, Johnny Mathis, Henry Mancini, Smokey Robinson, The Temptations and The Four Tops. While in Chicago, Laurie performed at the Chicago Jazz Festival, with orchestral pops presentations at Ravinia,  entertainers at the Chicago Theater and at numerous musical theaters venues. She has maintained an active private teaching studio for over forty years and has been performing with Building Bridges since 2004​​

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