“How do I join your band?” John Brown’s Big Band in Action

Like a New Orleans big band on the move, members of John Brown’s Little Big Band sauntered down the aisles of Jordan-Matthews High School—horns up, energy high—playing a jazzy rendition of “When the Saints Go Marching In.”

You could feel it immediately: surprise, curiosity, a few wide eyes—and then smiles. For some students from Chatham Central, Chatham Early College, One Academy, and Jordan Matthews, it was their very first live jazz experience.

Between laying down bass lines and leading the group, Brown introduced each instrument as the musicians jumped in with riffs, solos, and playful moments that showed off what each one could do. And when the band slipped into familiar tunes—like the Flintstones theme and “Happy” by Pharrell Williams—something clicked. Students lit up as they recognized the songs, even as the style itself felt brand new.

Afterward, the room didn’t quiet down—it buzzed. Questions flew: “Does your instrument sound like your voice?” “How do I join your band?” Some students stuck around, talking one-on-one with the musicians, already imagining what it might take to do this themselves.

And honestly, that’s the whole point.

At Chatham Arts Council, we’re here for moments like this—the ones where something new sparks, and where a student sees a possibility they hadn’t seen before. Because if even one student walks away inspired, curious, or ready to try something new, we’ve made an impact.

Enormous Thank You to Our Sponsors

Without the financial support of our sponsors, we wouldn’t be able to bring arts to schools in Chatham County. We are incredibly thankful for these gifts!

If you or your company would like to support Artists-in-Schools with a financial contribution, please reach out to David O’Dell, our Director of Community Giving [link]. We would love to partner with you!