Student Porch

The Porchfest student porch features performances by the Jacksonville Arts and Music School Jazz Combo (noon), the Douglas Anderson School of the Arts Songwriters (1 p.m.) and the School of Rock Mandarin House Band (2 p.m.) at 1325 Laura Street.

The Jacksonville Arts and Music School, affectionately known as JAMS, is a Creative Youth Development program with a mission to empower the creative leaders of tomorrow… today. Since 2014, JAMS has cultivated thought innovation by using the arts as the conduit for leadership development in Jacksonville, Florida. Our commitment lies in providing opportunities for personal growth, cultural exchange, and social inclusion, ultimately shaping competent leaders for a brighter future.

The Douglas Anderson School of the Arts Songwriting Program features aspiring songwriters of all skill levels making their first steps toward a career in “the biz.” Students work in a lab setting learning structure, lyric writing, expression and performance, articulation and a range of other techniques to bring their songwriting to whatever their next level might be. We have students who have never written a note and others who are songwriting veterans. It’s the perfect environment for students to blossom. Only in its second year, the DA Songwriting program has proven itself to be fertile ground for the next generation of pop songwriters and performers.

The School of Rock House Band is an audition-based program available to students between the ages of 12 and 18. These students have the opportunity to be part of a gigging band, performing at events around the community and even going on tour during the summer! Not only are these students excellent musicians, they are also considered leaders in the school community and are expected to further the culture and core values that set the School of Rock apart.