Jazz in Schools was initiated by the Los Angeles Jazz Society in 1988 and provides free jazz education performances by professional musicians in elementary schools during the month of February, Black History Month. The purpose of the project is to introduce young students to jazz as a uniquely American art form and to recognize the important contribution made to American culture by African Americans. The project also addresses the need for the arts in Los Angeles public schools. This is especially true in music, and exposure to jazz is almost non-existent. In order to include the entire City of Los Angeles, schools are selected to represent all fifteen City Council districts equally. The number of school children benefiting from these concerts each year is approximately 23,000. Jazz in Schools is an educational program designed to stimulate young people's interest in music in general and in jazz in particular. Three separate groups of musicians present interactive free jazz education concerts to children in forty-five elementary schools every February. The musicians selected to perform are among the finest jazz artist/educators in Los Angeles and have played with nationally and internationally known jazz artists. The program is designed especially for the enjoyment and education of young people. During concerts, students are introduced to the instruments and their capabilities; they see a demonstration of how the musicians relate to each other in the improvisational style of jazz; they are exposed to different forms of jazz and hear how they developed historically; they learn how jazz is related to current forms of pop music and they interact with musicians in clapping, marching and dancing. Students learn about Latin jazz and its relationship with American jazz as introduced by a Spanish-speaking musician and they learn that jazz provides equal opportunity for women from a female member of the group. Prior to concerts, a Concert Preparation Package is sent to each school. The package was prepared by the founder of Jazz Studies at the University of Southern California and consists of a Teaching Outline on jazz history and a CD representing artists and music presented in the Outline. Schools have also received a 216 page comprehensive illustrated reference guide to jazz, its history and artists, with color photographs and descriptions of musical instruments. All materials are donated to the school for future use. Unlike many school music assemblies which are "concerts only", Jazz in Schools seeks to make the concert a learning and fun experience by preparing the students for the concert and by including their active participation. Students are encouraged to listen to jazz and to consider studying a musical instrument. Administrators and teachers have reported that the students are not only excited about the concerts, but that they also retain much of the information. A common response is, "This was the best assembly I have ever seen," and "This was an experience our children will never forget." Jazz in Schools is under the direction of a committee consisting of board members, educators, musicians and other members of the community who bring special expertise in planning and evaluating the project. Jazz in Schools is funded in part by grants from the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, the Music Performance Fund, and the Herb Alpert Foundation. Jazz In Schools 2006 - Hillcrest Drive Elementary Mayor Villaraigosa attended the LAJS event at Hillcrest Drive Elementary. photo © Lloyd Rucker, 2006 Help to keep the jazz flame alive. Many of the children that are exposed to this program will form lasting memories of jazz, and music in general. Help to do what our public schools are unable to by clicking the "Donate" button below and contributing the amount of your choice to the Jazz in Schools Program. Credit cards accepted securely online via PAYPAL: -or- Mail check payable to: LAJS - Jazz in Schools Program 4425 Stewart Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90066 phone: 310-216-9100 fax: 310-598-5108