Jammin' in Kalamazoo

When a trio of music students from Kalamazoo learns their music teacher's house has burned down, they work together to create a community rebuild project that leads to much more than a new home for the teacher. Jammin' in Kalamazoo is a children's book highlighting youth's value in music and the importance of community collaborations in the arts. The Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra commissioned Sonya Hollins to write a children's story that would be put to music by Branford Marsalis. The book debuted on September 19, 2023, during a free community concert where Marsalis performed, and members of the KSO played his composition. Character illustrations were created by Albion, Michigan artist Dennis Reid in collaboration with graphic design by Sean Hollins of RJs Printing in Kalamazoo. The KSO will use the book and its musical lessons as they travel within the community and abroad with their Kids in Tune Education program.