Program Description
Behind the Scene is a unique educational opportunity for high school musicians eager to learn jazz and enhance their musicianship, communication skills, and teamwork in an ensemble setting. The program targets musicians with intermediate to advanced skills in jazz performance who actively participate in high school jazz ensembles.
Behind the Scene takes place on the first Sunday of each month at The 1905 Jazz Club in North Portland. It includes a brief performance by the acclaimed Christopher Brown Quartet featuring John Nastos (alto sax), Greg Goebel (piano), Garrett Baxter (bass), and Christopher Brown (drums). Following the performance, a one-hour question-and-answer session, a thirty-minute refueling break, followed by one hour of on-stage music mentoring open to all student musicians.
Objectives
The goal is to clarify the processes involved in learning jazz while effectively and sustainably developing musicianship and musical maturity. Participating students will gain increased competitiveness for college scholarships, improved practice efficiency to save time and resources, foster peer relationships, and build a network of young musicians.
Benefits
Behind the Scene offers participants an exceptional chance to learn from all four members of the Christopher Brown Quartet, who collectively bring nearly 100 years of professional jazz experience. The program aims to provide participants with clear guidance and prepare them for success in the New York City jazz scene or any other premier jazz market worldwide.
Sit-In Pass — $20 per session
Perfect for curious or emerging students who want to experience Behind the Scene without a long-term commitment.
- Attend the performance, Q&A, and jam session
- Bring your instrument and sit in (as space allows)
- Be added to our student email list for future opportunities
- Purchase tickets via https://www.the1905jazz.club/
The Headliners: Advanced Jazz Cohort
A selective, high-impact track for serious students preparing for college-level jazz performance.
- Guaranteed stage time with personalized feedback
- Direct mentorship from the Christopher Brown Quartet
- Access to listening lists, practice resources, and session video archives
- Sack lunch and time to build community with peers
- 3-month cohort enrollment
Cost: $275 per quarter (includes all materials, coaching, and lunch)
Scholarships available. We’re committed to access—please reach out if cost is a barrier.
Click here to register!
About Christopher Brown
Christopher Brown is an acclaimed drummer, composer, bandleader, and educator based in Portland, Oregon. With over two decades of professional experience, he has performed alongside legends such as Branford Marsalis, Wynton Marsalis, Roy Hargrove, Benny Golson, Randy Brecker, David Sanborn, John Patitucci, Jimmy Heath, esperanza spalding, Kamasi Washington, Paquito D’Rivera, David Leibman, Beyonce, Ray Charles, and more. While his musical journey began early and rather predictably, the further honing of his craft would later include 20 years of service as a drummer between the U.S. Marine Corps and Army National Guard bands, both of which inform his disciplined approach to music.
Christopher’s versatile and intelligent style can be heard on recordings like “Up in the Air” on Stan Bock’s album “The New Tradition” and “Sour Apples” on Tony Glausi’s live album “Batboy” among others. His work reflects a deep commitment to jazz as both an art form and a vehicle for community building and personal growth. As a leader and educator, he challenges conventional boundaries, using his ensembles to explore the intersection of jazz and everyday life. Through residencies and workshops across the country and internationally, Christopher continues to inspire the next generation of jazz musicians.