YLJC's response to COVID-19 has been (and will continue to be) strategic and focused on safety. The pandemic crisis is far from over but we are proud to be able to bring some joy and a sense of normalcy to our students and families with the return of in-person classes. As the environment around us continues to change, so will we. We are continuing to update our classrooms safety standards and equipment and, if needed, we are ready to move back to online classes - but we're hopeful that won't be the case.
March 21, 2020 - YLJC moved all of its classes online, and we only missed one week of classes in the transition! Read More. In addition to weekly class meetings, ensembles recorded separate videos (mostly using cell phones) of themselves playing from home, and then they put those videos together to create a virtual ensemble. See Some of the Videos Here.
May 3, 2020 - We launched Jazz Explorations with Gilbert Castellanos, a weekly online series for our students and community. Each week there were discussions on a wide variety of jazz topics as well as master classes with world-renowned artists and special guest panelists. Watch some past Jazz Explorations here.
May 20,2020 - We announced our 2020 Summer Workshop - Online
June 12, 2020 - New website launched.
June 13, 2020 - End-Of-Year All-Ensemble Showcase 2020 - Online. See Some Of The Videos Here.
July 6 - 31, 2020 - Summer Workshop Online that included amazing faculty, masterclasses, and different attendance options to suit every interest. It was a HUGE success!
August 1-28, 2020 - Preparations made for online classes. Strategic plan created and executed for the potential return to in-person classes.
August 29, 2020 - Fall semester starts - Online
September 6, 2020 - In-person classes resume with safety measures in place.
Young Lions Jazz Conservatory had our reopening plan reviewed by the San Diego County Office of Emergency Services, and we were informed that our plan is very thorough and meets the State and local protocols to resume in-person classes - we are so excited to have our students back in the classroom!
Thank you to our board and instructors for getting the classroom prepared and creating a safe environment. We have everything in place - temperature checks, symptom screener, extra masks on hand, fans, hand sanitizer, industrial air filter, vinyl partitions for wind players, and lots and lots of disinfecting spray and wipes. We will continue to improve safety measures as needed and monitor the health and safety of our students and instructors.
We ask that everyone please continue to social distance and wear your mask. We don't want anyone getting sick, and we want our students to be able to continue to play music together in person, so please follow safety guidelines and stay well... do it for the kids!