Bring living history to your students
Kanola Band delivers engaging, all-school experiences
Education
New Orleans music is a living piece of American history and a vital piece of our cultural heritage. It’s also about BELONGING and RESILIENCE! Kanola Band delivers engaging, all-school (K - 12) experiences that blend culture, movement, creativity, and fun!
Kanola Band leads elementary kids in discovering the delight of New Orleans music at Bonner Elementary in Moncks Corner, SC on February 20, 2026.
“Our early elementary students were completely captivated by the sounds, sights and stories...the Kanola Band performance was a musical gift for our students and staff!”
For Elementary Schools
Students will experience the culture of New Orleans come alive through music, movement, and storytelling.
• Discover the history and cultural roots of New Orleans from all across the world
• Explore improvisation, call-and-response, and the unique rhythms of New Orleans
• Be a part of a real-life Second Line Celebration with dancing and singing
• Adaptable for any audience size, from full-school assemblies to classroom visits
• Kanola Band will help you prepare your class with:
- Pre-visit video lessons to help engage students before the performance
- Teacher lesson plan - a simple prep guide aligned with state standards
Elementary Book Recommendations
(click the image for purchase link)
For Middle & High School Music Programs
Students will receive an immersive New Orleans experience blending cultural stories, creativity, and hands-on performance experiences.
Workshops & Clinics for Music Students
Explore improvisation and jazz concepts in a fun, supportive setting
Discover how New Orleans shaped the history and evolution of American and modern music
Kanola Band will work directly with your ensembles in a focused clinic format
Programs can be tailor-made to meet the specific needs and goals of your students
Shared & Side-by-Side Performances
Kanola Band partners with your ensembles for an unforgettable joint performance experience - vocal or instrumental ensembles, acting as a special guest(s) in various sizes
Works with all levels and types of ensembles: jazz bands, concert bands, orchestras, choirs, show choirs - even your whole music department
Together, we’ll design a dynamic program that features your students on stage, either sharing the bill or performing side-by-side with the band
“[Benje] is an expert when it comes to performance, which was evident to us at the onset, and just as impressive is his ability to impart his knowledge joyfully, enthusiastically, and effectively to my group of high schoolers.”
— HS Band Director, North Harford HS, Pylesville, MATeacher Trainings & Workshops
Music educators will gain practical guidance from Kanola’s professional teaching artists on bringing jazz and New Orleans culture into the classroom.
- Explore jazz teaching approaches and strategies for all types of ensembles
- Discover improvisation techniques and how to teach them effectively to all abilities
- Gain practical methods for stylistically teaching jazz and New Orleans music