The SJRF Artist-In-Residence Program was established in 1997. Its goal is to introduce elementary and middle-school students to Scott Joplin as the King of Ragtime, Classic Ragtime as the root of American music, and Sedalia’s connection to American music history. Key facets:
Recent SJRF Artists-In-Residence Performers:
- Engages one noted Ragtime musician per year as Artist in Residence, who reaches 3,500 students through assemblies in ten Pettis County Missouri schools.
- This program is traditionally scheduled during February/Black History Month and is sponsored in partnership with Parent Teacher Associations and Rotary.
- The performer is hosted by a SJRF Board member family for the week and performs a benefit concert at the Liberty Theatre.
- Promotional material supporting the mission of the SJRF is distributed to students along with an invitation to attend a free family-based event held during the Sedalia Ragtime Festival.
Recent SJRF Artists-In-Residence Performers:
- 2016 Richard Dowling
- 2017 Bill Edwards
- 2018 Bill Barnhart
- 2019 Frederick Hodges
- 2020 Taslimah Bey
