ABSTRACT
The title of the chapter refers to the metaphor of mycorrhiza to describe loose networks with an ad hoc nature, which are often created quickly as a result of rapid, emergent interests, but are also vulnerable to just as rapid changes. In this chapter, I outline the way Improbasen is organised, with the intention of providing context for the following chapters. Improbasen is a successful ad hoc organization consisting of the main teacher, the students, and parents in volunteering roles. It is successful despite considerable challenges and inherent tensions among the participants, partly due to unclear role definitions and unspoken expectations. These challenges create resistance, but they also often mobilise the extra effort among the participants to uphold the activity. The chapter also outlines some of the fundamental educational values that permeate Improbasen, primarily from the perspective of how they are perceived by parents. Finally, I explain the gender policy at Improbasen and frame it according to research-based knowledge about gender inequity and imbalance in the jazz field.
