Jazz Impact

The Jazz Ensemble as a model for teams trying to negotiate a world of constant change is based in the idea that the arts have always been a barometer of social change- a weather vane indicating the direction to come. But unlike other arts that produce “objects” (i.e.: paintings, books, films, symphonies) jazz is not a what, it is a how. Jazz is a social process of sustainable, innovative response to change.

The Jazz Ensemble as a model for Organizational Improvisation demonstrates certain behaviors that, while not specific to music, are specific to any attempt at collaborative cooperation, especially under rapidly changing conditions.

These behaviors are covered in the Jazz Impact seminar by the acronym APRIL: Autonomy, Passion, Risk, Innovation and Listening.

Using spoken word and live jazz performance, the 90-minute seminar presents each of these behaviors as integral to our process in jazz and integral to the process of any team-based business trying to negotiate the turbulent emergence of a creative global economy. The use of world-class jazz musicians to demonstrate these ideas simultaneously reaches people at both the intellectual and emotional levels. It also speaks to people about the integral connection between personal development and the skills needed for organizational improvisation.

The flow of activity in a typical seminar alternates between speaking and high-energy ensemble playing. There is an interactive section where people become directly involved in the music-making process through the use of signage that give individuals and teams the power to direct the musicians as we improvise.

The seminar usually concludes with a Q&A section that can go in any direction people want to take it. Inevitably people begin asking very good questions directly related to their specific cultural challenges.

The second element of Jazz Impact is the optional use of the ensemble later in the day as a source of entertainment. This gives people (the band included) a chance to really let loose and swing. At this point people have become familiar enough with the musicians to provide an intimate experience of connection to the band, the music and the ideas of the seminar. There is no additional fee for this option as long as the performance can occur within 12 hours of the seminar. (The market value for this dual product would run approximately $35 to $50,000 if contracted separately.)