Jazz House

The Jazz House, a Knox institution since 1997, is founded on the principles that those who live together make better music together and that there are no requirements to appreciate the art of jazz music. Therefore, the purpose is both internal and external.

Internally, the Jazz House is one reason the Knox jazz program is so strong. About half of the Knox Jazz Ensemble lives in the house each year. This number usually includes most of the award winning Cherry Street Combo members as well as members of the other four combos. Organizationally, the Jazz House provides a meeting place for the social life of the jazz band, the business end of the jazz band, the compositional end of the jazz program as well as a gathering place for excess musical instruments including its own piano. The Jazz House also provides a living place for musicians where those who live with each other can grow as both musicians and people.

The external goal of the Jazz House is to provide outreach to members of the Knox and Galesburg communities, as well as to other school's jazz programs. The aim is to give people an appreciation for this only true American music. Therefore, the members of the house host open houses, a radio show, listening and viewing sessions and provide musicians for both pay and volunteer gigs on and off campus.