Arts education partners team up to offer student jazz workshop

On Dec. 5 Wayne Center for the Arts, in partnership with the Tri-County Educational Service Center and the Ohio Alliance for Arts Education, welcomed nationally recognized jazz pianist, composer and educator Theron Brown for a workshop with more than 45 music students from Waynedale High School. Held in the WCA auditorium, the collaborative event offered students an opportunity to learn directly from a celebrated artist whose musical journey has taken him from Northeast Ohio to international stages.

Throughout the workshop, Brown guided students through the fundamentals of songwriting, improvisation and artistic inspiration. He shared stories of his beginnings in Zanesville, where his music first took shape in the rhythms of church, and how jazz legends such as Thelonious Monk influenced his creative path.

Brown also offered advice about pursuing the arts, telling students their work won’t be for everyone, but they should make it anyway. He encouraged them to respect all forms of art, reminding the group that artists everywhere are sharing their emotions, experiences and vulnerabilities with the world.

“Theron has a remarkable way of connecting with young musicians,” said Sara Starr Brink, executive director of Wayne Center for the Arts. “He empowers students to be bold, curious and unapologetically themselves in their creative journeys. Truly a great artist to kick off this new program partnership.”

Brown’s career includes performances with The Cleveland Orchestra and Snarky Puppy, appearances at the Kennedy Center and Tokyo Kokusai Forum Hall, and a standout role portraying young Herbie Hancock in Don Cheadle’s film "Miles Ahead." In addition to performing, he is deeply engaged in arts education, teaching throughout the region and coordinating arts programming for Akron’s I Promise School.

The workshop was presented in partnership with the Tri-County Educational Service Center and the Ohio Alliance for Arts Education, organizations dedicated to ensuring access to arts learning for students across Ohio. Additional workshops are planned for the future to involve more students throughout the county. The next event will be Feb. 19 with the Escher String Quartet.

Lunch for participating students and instructors was provided by Domino’s and Bowman Beverage.