Jen to Africa for Global JazzWomen

Jen Theilacker is a whirlwind of musical energy with a devotion to inspiring under-resourced young music students at her current position at KIPP Public Charter School and elsewhere. She is a founding member of The Association of Black Women Band Directors and is active as a conductor, educator and officer in many music organizations and communities, including working closely with Jazz at Lincoln Center in NYC.

The Global JazzWomen Symposium, taking place in August, is a prestigious gathering of women jazz musicians from around the world. Jen has been invited to participate in this incredible event where she will have the opportunity to collaborate, learn, and share her musical expertise with an international community of artists. This symposium is not only a chance for Jen to share her knowledge, but also to gain invaluable insights and build connections that will further fuel her artistic growth and bring new inspiration to her students.

In addition to the symposium, Jen has been selected to share her experience at Camp Her in Botswana. This camp aims to empower and inspire young women through music education. As a dedicated advocate for community music schools, Jennifer will lead workshops, mentor aspiring musicians, and contribute to the development of local talent. Her presence at Camp Her will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the participants and help foster a vibrant musical community in Botswana.

Jen has never been to Africa, and we are proud to be part of what will be a wonderful reunion of musically dynamic souls who haven’t met yet! This is the kind of mutual sharing that REVA seeks to facilitate.

Please donate if you are able - we will be assisting with hotel and flight costs, and Jen’s hosts will be covering her food and ground transportation. Our goal is $5,000 for transportation and accommodation. WE RECEIVED A MATCHING GRANT UP TO $1,000 so our first $1000 will be matched on this fundraiser!

Reva's partnership with the leaders from the Global JazzWomen events and Camp Her runs deep, including years of sponsoring the Global JazzWomen Hang and online concerts as well as two festivals in Botswana and South Africa. With Sibongile Buda of South Africa and Akhutleleng Kekwaletswe of Botswana, Reva is investing in women-powered community leadership and collaboration in Africa. Bringing Jen Theilacker into this community is a natural progression.

At Rare Earth Vibration Association, Inc.: We develop creative art experiences that educate, inspire and heal people and communities through education, public programs and consulting services. Often, access to the arts is limited by economic and systemic barriers that we are committed to addressing in our programs.