Jerry Granelli, a revered jazz drummer and educator, made an indelible mark on Naropa University through his pioneering spirit and passion for improvisation. Best known to the world as the percussionist on the timeless “A Charlie Brown Christmas” soundtrack, Jerry’s relationship with Naropa began in the summers of 1974 and 1975. These visits sparked a profound connection, leading him to move to Boulder, Colorado, in 1976, where he delved deeply into Tibetan Buddhism and the vibrant community at Naropa.
At Naropa, Jerry co-founded the Creative Music Program alongside percussionist Colin Walcott. Under his visionary guidance, the program became a melting pot of artistic disciplines, fostering collaboration between music, dance, and theater. Jerry brought legendary musicians like Don Cherry and Charlie Haden to Naropa, working closely with poets such as Allen Ginsberg and Anne Waldman. His approach to music education, rooted in the intersection of improvisation and discipline, exemplified Naropa’s ethos of crossing boundaries and cultivating a holistic artistic experience. Through his leadership, Jerry Granelli not only shaped Naropa’s music program but also left a lasting legacy in the world of creative arts education.
