TESTIMONIALS

The CJO’s unique, hands-on approach to education outreach has been met with overwhelmingly positive reactions from students, some of whom claim the clinic was their most significant musical experience ever. Band directors give the Clinic & Concert Program and Jazz Residency Program high marks as well.

To gather feedback from students and band directors the CJO distributes easy-to-complete surveys following each program. Here’s what some of our education program participants have said:

Band Director Comments

Thank you for making last night possible. The growth I heard in the students during the clinic was remarkable. They literally jumped a whole level with just thirty minutes of individual instruction, and section work, calls and responses, and emulation. The CJO professionals treated the kids with interest and enthusiasm and in return the students were receptive to all they had to share with them. Talking with them right after the clinic, the students said it was an exhilarating, fun and eye-opening experience. What a terrific and inspiring opportunity for our students, our staff and our community! I wish I had that sort of opportunity when I was in high school...or even in my adulthood. You've started something truly special. This ensemble has a wealth of performing and teaching experience which makes it uniquely capable of inspiring hundreds of Cleveland children not just to become appreciators of the art form, but to strive for goals they once thought impossible. This might be the CJO's greatest gift to the city of Cleveland. Many thanks for the work that you do. -- Band Director, Bay High School

The clinicians were clear and concise. Their suggestions added to the level of playing. –Band Director, Hudson High School

[The CJO Clinic] is all they’re [the students] talking about today! –Band Director, Garfield High School

It’s nice to have someone else confirm musical aspects that the director has been saying all along. Sometimes it takes someone else to drive the point home. – Band Director, Hudson High School

Student Comments

This was something like a dream come true for me, playing with a professional. Just wow, easily one of the best experiences I’ve ever had as a musician. –Student, North High School

[I liked] how they worked with you and showed you how to do something rather than just tell you. -- Student, North High School

It is really fun playing with Jack Schantz! – Student, Hudson High School

What I liked most about the Clinic was getting suggestions on what I could do better and how by someone who has been playing longer than I have been alive.{I liked] being sat amongst professionals and realizing that they are relatively "normal." (sorry about the cliché).I got to listen to how they played very closely and things like intonation, volume and tonguing. -- Student, North High School

[I liked] the fact that a person took the time out to come and teach me.The critique was great, they were very personable and had a huge impact on our overall performance. -- Student, North High School

High class, specific critiques were given.They truly helped us play as an ensemble rather than just playing the music.[I liked] how helpful Jack was. He rocked my socks! -- Student, Hudson High School

We sounded a lot better than we normally did after the Clinic.I liked that we actually worked on the song instead of listening to someone talk the whole time. -- Student, Bay High School