Art Abrams Swing Machine Big Band - Support for Music Education

For some time now, Art Abrams has recognized a real need to make sure that our youth be given every opportunity possible to be enriched by the pursuit of music in their schools.  To that end, Art and Yvonne Abrams have pledged that they will assist school music departments in raising funds. 

In the past, the Swing Machine has played fund raising concerts for the music departments of Lake Oswego and West Linn high schools, and for the Beacock's Mt. Hood Festival of Jazz Workshop, held on the Columbia Sternwheeler "A Taste of Jazz" cruise.  More recently, the Swing Machine performed at the "Slice of Summer" Concerts to benefit the Canby High School Band.

When playing for the high schools, it is rewarding to see the passion and enthusiasm the young musicians exhibit. Their eagerness for big band jazz is amazing and gratifying. Because of the 21 year old age restrictions in clubs, it is hard for them to get exposure to professional working musicians.

Art Abrams and the Swing Machine desire to help ensure that the American art form of big band jazz continues, and continue to look for ways to provide opportunities for young musicians to learn and grow.  They do this by supporting jazz workshops, clinics, and music department fund raising efforts.

If your school music department would like to discuss opportunities to get the Swing Machine involved in your music education or fundraising efforts, please call the SMBB hotline at: 503-630-7317 or 503-630-7224. You can also reach us by email at: artabrams@cascadeaccess.com