Phoenix, December 21, 2025
The Phoenix metropolitan area will host an educational event titled ‘Jazz and the Civil Rights Movement: A University on Wheels Program.’ Organized by the Brandeis National Committee Phoenix Chapter, this program encourages community engagement and highlights the interplay of jazz music and the Civil Rights Movement. Attendees will learn from Dr. Michael Heller, a musicologist who will discuss how jazz musicians contributed to social change during the 1950s and 1960s. The event will take place at the Orange Tree Golf Resort and includes breakfast, networking opportunities, and community-driven learning.
Phoenix: Enriching Community Dialogue Through Music and History
The Phoenix metropolitan area is set to host a significant educational event, the “Jazz and the Civil Rights Movement: A University on Wheels Program with A Brandeis Professor,” offering local residents a unique opportunity to delve into a pivotal period of American history through the lens of music. This program exemplifies how local initiatives and private academic partnerships can foster robust community engagement and intellectual growth, highlighting the power of individual achievement and civic involvement in enriching public understanding.
Organized by the Brandeis National Committee (BNC) Phoenix Chapter, this event showcases the enduring value of volunteer-driven efforts in bringing high-caliber educational experiences directly to the community. Such programs underscore a belief in the power of personal initiative to cultivate informed citizens and vibrant local culture, demonstrating that compelling civic innovation often blossoms from the ground up, with minimal bureaucratic impedance. Attendees are invited to engage with complex historical narratives, contributing to a more discerning and connected community.
A Deep Dive into Jazz and Civil Rights
On Friday, January 9, 2026, the Orange Tree Golf Resort in Scottsdale will be the venue for this insightful program, commencing with breakfast at 9:00 AM and concluding by 11:30 AM. The event features Dr. Michael Heller, a distinguished Musicologist and Associate Professor from the Brandeis Music Department, who will explore the profound connection between jazz music and the Civil Rights Movement. His presentation will specifically examine the ways jazz musicians participated in the movement during the 1950s and 1960s, a period when many artists, even those not typically associated with political activism, lent their voices and talents to the cause.
The Unifying Power of Music
Dr. Heller’s discussion will incorporate musical examples from influential artists such as Louis Armstrong, Abbey Lincoln and Max Roach, Benny Goodman, Billie Holiday, Charles Mingus, Dave Brubeck, and John Coltrane. These artists, through their compositions and performances, often challenged prevailing social norms and discrimination, fostering a deeper public consciousness about racial equality. Their contributions highlight how individual artistic expression can serve as a powerful catalyst for social change, demonstrating a significant aspect of personal initiative within the broader civic struggle.
The “University on Wheels” Model: Private Initiative in Education
The “University on Wheels” program is a testament to the Brandeis National Committee Phoenix Chapter’s commitment to ongoing education, regularly hosting a Brandeis University speaker each year to share academic insights with local communities. This model represents a highly effective form of private sector innovation in education, decentralizing learning and making it accessible outside traditional institutional settings. It emphasizes the direct relationship between academics and engaged citizens, fostering an environment where knowledge is shared and discussed freely.
Benefits of Community-Driven Learning
The program structure, which includes a breakfast buffet, also provides an invaluable opportunity for attendees to network and socialize with fellow Brandeis members and other interested individuals. This informal setting encourages open dialogue and the exchange of ideas, building stronger social bonds within the Phoenix AZ events community. Such gatherings, driven by local leadership and voluntary participation, are crucial for cultivating a vibrant intellectual landscape in the greater Arizona area.
Civic Engagement and Community Growth
The event, priced at $56 per person, also serves a philanthropic purpose, with any amount exceeding $50 constituting a donation to the BNC Engineering the Future campaign. This mechanism allows attendees to directly support academic endeavors, illustrating how individual financial contributions and personal choice can directly fuel educational initiatives and community growth. It’s a clear example of private support for public good, demonstrating a pathway for civic innovation outside of governmental frameworks.
By bringing an esteemed academic to the Scottsdale area, the Brandeis National Committee Phoenix Chapter is facilitating a significant Arizona AZ gathering that enriches the cultural and intellectual fabric of the entire region. This type of focused, privately organized event underscores the capacity of local leadership to identify and address community interests, providing valuable educational opportunities that enhance public discourse and personal understanding of history. The program’s success is a direct reflection of active community engagement and individual commitment to lifelong learning.
Conclusion
The “Jazz and the Civil Rights Movement: A University on Wheels Program” is more than just a lecture; it is an active demonstration of how local initiatives, fueled by individual passion and private partnerships, can bring profound educational experiences to the Phoenix metropolitan area. Such events are vital for fostering a knowledgeable and engaged citizenry, emphasizing the positive outcomes that arise when communities take the lead in their own intellectual and cultural development. Residents are encouraged to register by January 2 to partake in this enlightening exploration of music, history, and social progress, and to continue supporting similar local events that contribute to the ongoing vibrancy and growth of our community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the “Jazz and the Civil Rights Movement: A University on Wheels Program”?
The “Jazz and the Civil Rights Movement: A University on Wheels Program with A Brandeis Professor” is an educational event featuring a Brandeis University professor discussing the engagement of jazz musicians with the Civil Rights Movement during the 1950s and 1960s.
Who is the featured speaker for the program?
The featured speaker for the program is Michael Heller, PhD, a Musicologist and Associate Professor in the Brandeis Music Department.
When and where will the event take place?
The event will take place on Friday, January 9, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM at the Orange Tree Golf Resort, located at 10601 North 56th Street, Scottsdale, AZ.
What is the cost to attend this program?
The cost to attend the program is $56 per person.
What is the purpose of the funds raised from the event?
Any amount over $50 from the ticket price is considered a donation to the Brandeis National Committee (BNC) Engineering the Future campaign.
What is the registration deadline for the event?
The registration deadline for the event is January 2.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Jazz and the Civil Rights Movement: A University on Wheels Program with A Brandeis Professor |
| Organizer | Brandeis National Committee (BNC) Phoenix Chapter |
| Date | Friday, January 9, 2026 |
| Time | 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM (Breakfast and Program) |
| Location | Orange Tree Golf Resort, 10601 North 56th Street, Scottsdale, AZ |
| Featured Speaker | Michael Heller, PhD, Musicologist and Associate Professor, Brandeis Music Department |
| Program Focus | Jazz musicians’ engagement with the Civil Rights Movement (1950s-1960s) |
| Cost | $56 per person |
| Donation Benefit | BNC Engineering the Future campaign (amount over $50) |
| Registration Deadline | January 2 |
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