Ravinia 2026 Issue 4

e Steans Jazz Program convenes 15 rising musicians from across the country at Ravinia each June for a week of creative, intensive music-making. Much like the unique interplay of jazz, which is essentially a conversation among instruments, this collaborative environment focuses on composing in dialogue with peers. Working together in small groups enables fellows to experiment, create, and embrace the dynamic nature of jazz performance. With personalized guidance from co-directors Billy Childs, John Clayton, and Steve Wilson, fellows enhance their artistry and grow as composers. e program culminates with the Jazz Grandstand performance, which took place this year on June 17, bringing the musicians together in quintets to debut their original works. ough the concert closes their time at Ravinia, fellows have numerous doors opened in the jazz community. The Jazz Program: Composition and Collaboration It has changed my life for the better … especially as a musician far from any large cities with robust jazz scenes, it was powerful to be connected with people closer to the heart of themusic.” – Jazz Program Fellow (2022) “ Learn more at RAVINIA.ORG —Sara Swain i i i i f t t t i i f f ti , i t i i i . li t i i t r l f j , i i ti l ti i t t , t i l ti i t f i i i l it rs. i t t i l l s f l s t i t, t , t i t f j f . it li i f - ir t rs il il , J l t , t ils , f l t i ti t r s . l i t s it t J t f , i t l t i J , i i t si i s t t i i t t t t t ir ri i l . t t l s s t ir ti t i i , f l r s rs i t j it . It lif f r t t r … i l i i f r fr a l iti it r t j , it rf l t t wit l l r t t rt of t m i . J Pr r F l ( ) Learn more at I I . r i RAVINIA.ORG • RAVINIAMAGAZINE 25