Jazz Outreach Initiative
JOI Mission
Jazz Outreach Initiative connects the language of music to the language of life through education, outreach, and performances.
JOI Vision
JOI was founded to fill a need in the community for greater exposure to jazz studies and awareness, focusing on students of all ages. Through festivals, clinics, “Band Directors Academy,” "Jazz for Young People Concerts", and other outreach programs, JOI celebrates the great American art form by promoting it through the next generation of performers, audiences, and consumers.
JOI was founded by Las Vegas native Kenny Rampton who is currently a member of The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. JOI draws inspiration from The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra Artistic Director, Wynton Marsalis.
"Jazz is a metaphor for Democracy. Because jazz is improvisational, it celebrates personal freedom and encourages individual expression. Because jazz is swinging, it dedicates that freedom to finding and maintaining common ground with others. Because jazz is rooted in the blues, it inspires us to face adversity with persistent optimism."