JAMARI CALDWELL - [X]PRESS Meeting weekly, Savannah Harris, 14, Maureen Sides, 10, and Zack King, 16, practice together at the Oaktown Jazz Workshops.

The compelling sound of jazz filled the room as 14-year-old Savannah Harris kept the drumbeat racing while the sound of trumpet rang out, played by Khalil Shaheed, Harris’ stepfather.

Musicians young and old come together weekly to create this wonderful sound of jazz. At least four instructors assist young musicians at each workshop.

“Jazz music is America’s only true art form. It’s an American cultural tradition that is primarily connected to the lives of African Americans,” said Shaheed, director of Oaktown Jazz.

Shaheed said he became attracted to the trumpet at a young age after hearing Miles Davis. Musicians Clifford Brown, Lee Morgan, and Kenny Dorham, have also inspired him. With 40 years of jazz under his belt, Shaheed instructs his young musicians on the history of jazz and how to become skilled performers.

Since it was founded in 1994, OJW has brought young musicians, 12 -18, together to develop their skills in jazz. OJW offers year-round workshops in Oakland schools and recreation buildings. The youth in the program learn how to play music by ear, improvise, and take pride in the culture of jazz. They are from many cities and backgrounds, but they all share the love for jazz. Many of them have been playing music for more than half their lives. Harris has been playing since the age of 4.

A program within the workshop sends instructors and advanced students into elementary schools to play for the students. They perform at about 20 to 30 schools a year. Jack Dorsey, an instructor who works with OJW shares why they perform at schools.

“Kids aren’t exposed to jazz. If you turn on the TV, radio, or go to the movies, you don’t hear this kind of music. A lot of young people never hear live music until they go to their first concert or they hear it at church. I see 6, 7 and 8-year-old kids who hear the music introduced for the first time and they enjoy it. They jump up and down, clap their hands, and sing along with the music,” he said.

Shaheed enjoys his job as director. Not only do the youth benefit from his workshops, but he does also. His workshops are proven to be successful.

“About 10 kids who I taught now have Master’s degrees in music, and have CD’s out. Every time they come back it is very rewarding,” he said.

Shaheed takes pride in his work and will continue to teach more young Americans about the history of jazz.

“It is very important to us that kids of African descent realize they need to take ownership of jazz music because that is the only way it is going to survive and continue,” he added.