Jazz speaks a language of collaboration and creativity.

This program is intended to continue the school community’s conversations regarding the anti-bulling and multi-cultural diversity issues we are facing today. A jazz ensemble is an excellent example for respecting differences while developing personal identity.

Within each jazz tune, the musicians are challenged to cultivate an idea, a musical idea. First, they play the tune together – each player serving a particular role – the group working together. Then, as they continue to develop the tune, they take turns expressing their own opinion by soloing. While others are soloing, the members of the group support them and feed them new ideas. During solos, the musicians use their knowledge and skills, their background and interests, to share their individuality. This process promotes awareness of one another and appropriate behavior.

The impact of this program can be accelerated by a 20 minute discussion with the school staff. The program encourages the recognition of behavioral assets which we list on a poster to leave for each classroom. We are eager to have teachers reference their learning environment as a “jazz” style of creativity, collaboration, and personal growth. We recognize these are “big words” for young people, but we support the functions of each and are happy to do our part in explaining them to your students.

Jazz Is Spoken Here:

• Staff meeting: 20 minute discussion lead by Jazz Arts Group personnel, in advance of the program, during a regularly scheduled staff meeting
• Program: 50 minute assembly during school day at your school by a trio of Jazz Academy teaching artists
• Registration: A limited number of subsidized programs are still available for the 2010-2011 school year. To inquire about dates and cost, please email jrs@jazzartsgroup.org.