There’s a new band in town. 

Four high school musicians have joined an after-school club led by Travis Lewis from Jazz St. Louis. They’ve formed a rhythm section – drums, bass, guitar and keyboard – with a jazz focus but also encompassing other music that is of interest to the students.

The group meets twice a week after school to learn from Lewis and to practice their music together. Lewis said he enjoys how serious the students are about music. 

“Everyone in the group has a deep love and appreciation of music, and I particularly enjoy the fact that they explore this stuff outside of school and rehearsal hours,” he said. “The best students are often the folks who are curious and will explore new things regardless of whether they have a teacher.”

Andrew and Tyrese, Miriam seniors who are part of the rhythm section, said they really enjoy the freedom of expression within the group, as well as learning new things about playing their instruments. Tyrese said that as he looks ahead to forming his own band, this has been a great introduction for him.

Lewis said there is a vast amount of research exploring the benefits of music for students. “As far as students with learning differences, I think it’s important to remember that music is a large tent. It can connect with anyone, and that intangible connection that people get with music crosses any and all boundaries or differences.”

In fact, Lewis said, most of the virtuoso level musicians he has had the opportunity to study under or perform with have been neurodivergent. “ADHD and autism are traits that are very common in professional musicians.”

A grant from Dana Brown Charitable Trust makes this partnership with Jazz St. Louis possible. Grant funds cover instruction and instruments. The Mockingbird Foundation also contributed toward instruments and other materials. 

Vicki Thurman, high school principal, said she is hopeful the program will continue, and even evolve into a music class within the school day.

Lewis and the group are planning a few performances throughout the school year, kicking it off with a performance at Miriam High School’s Friendsgiving on November 22.

“The students, staff and parents have all been awesome,” Lewis said. “The learning environment itself is very open, and the fact that we can perform Duke Ellington, Miles Davis and Linkin Park in the same rehearsal highlights Miriam’s emphasis on keeping content relevant for its students.”

Jazz St. Louis started in 1995 as an intimate venue for jazz musicians of national and international fame. The organization is dedicated to showcasing unique and diverse jazz performers, preserving the cultural heritage of jazz, and introducing jazz to the younger generations through their education program.
 

Student Life at Miriam High School

Miriam High School is committed to providing students with not only strong academic instruction, but also a fulfilling high school experience and enriching social opportunities. These opportunities include clubs, athletics, spirit days, and special events and are shaped by students’ interests and preferences.

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