About this episode

Marlena Jackson-Retondo interviews Randy Porter about his experiences teaching jazz at Roosevelt Middle School and the impact of music on creativity.

In this episode, KQED’s Marlena Jackson-Retondo visits the band room at Roosevelt Middle School in Oakland and speaks with longtime music teacher Randy Porter, who is retiring after 40 years in Oakland Unified schools. Porter shares how introducing students to experimental jazz, including the music of Sun Ra, helps young musicians explore creativity and possibility.

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