A Vision for the Future
The Ace Theatre Campus
Keep the Music Playing
Preserving Mobile’s musical history while creating new opportunities for education, performance, creativity, and community.
Our Vision
A Home for Mobile’s Living Musical Heritage
The vision for the Ace Theatre campus is to create a permanent place where the rich history of the Excelsior Band can be preserved, celebrated, performed, and passed on to future generations.
The motto of Excelsior Band Preservation and its programmatic arm, The Jazz Studio, is “Keep the Music Playing.” Our goal is to ensure that this important musical tradition continues for generations to come.
Preserving the Legacy
More Than 140 Years of Music
Established in 1883, the Excelsior Band is one of the oldest continually performing jazz and brass ensembles in the United States. The band has also been recognized as an Alabama Folk Heritage Institution.
The Excelsior Band is a significant part of Mobile’s history and culture. Its music has accompanied generations of Mobilians through Mardi Gras celebrations, weddings, funerals, birthday parties, graduations, community gatherings, and other treasured milestones.
The Ace Theatre campus will provide a permanent location where this history can be shared through exhibitions, performances, educational programming, storytelling, and community events.
The Future of The Jazz Studio
Expanding Access to Music Education
The Ace Theatre campus will allow The Jazz Studio to reach more young people and provide new forms of music education in an underserved area of the Mobile community.
Younger Students
The Jazz Studio plans to expand its programming to include younger students, creating earlier opportunities to discover music and develop creative skills.
No Prior Experience Required
Students will be able to participate without prior music instruction, helping remove barriers that may prevent children from exploring their musical abilities.
After-School Programming
The expanded Jazz Studio will operate as an after-school program on the Ace Theatre campus, providing a positive and enriching environment for local students.
Modern Music Education
A planned partnership with Dauphin Street Sound will introduce students to music production, sound, composition, songwriting, and related creative careers.
The Campus
A Place to Learn, Perform and Connect
The Ace Theatre campus will be designed as a cultural and educational space that serves students, musicians, families, and the wider Mobile community.
Jazz Education
Year-round instruction and expanded after-school programming for young musicians.
Live Performances
A welcoming venue for Excelsior Band performances, student showcases, and community events.
Music Production
Classes and hands-on learning in sound, music production, songwriting, and composition.
Living History
A place to preserve and share the history of the Excelsior Band, Mobile jazz, and local musical traditions.
Community Impact
Creating Opportunity in an Underserved Community
The community surrounding the Ace Theatre is currently underserved by enrichment programs such as The Jazz Studio. The campus will help create greater access to music education, mentorship, performance, technology, and creative development.
Programming will continue to grow as community needs and available funding allow. The long-term goal is to build a welcoming campus where students can learn, express themselves, gain confidence, and explore pathways in music and the arts.
The Ace Theatre campus will honor Mobile’s musical past while creating a place where the next generation can shape its future.
Excelsior Band PreservationOur Commitment
Keeping the Music Playing
The Ace Theatre campus will become a place where history is honored, young people are encouraged, artists are supported, and Mobile’s unique musical traditions remain alive for generations to come.
Support the Vision