Beginning in 1999, Jazz Hall of Fame artists and educators, Washington Rucker and Ernie Fields, Jr., took leadership roles in presenting their specially prepared programs for young people, with each artist conducting his group in fifteen concerts. Jazz in Schools is an educational program designed to stimulate young people's interest in music in general and in jazz in particular. Prior to concerts, a Concert Preparation Package prepared by Dr. Thom Mason, Professor and Founder of Jazz Studies at the University of Southern California, is sent to each school. The package consists of a Teaching Outline on jazz history, audio tapes representing artists and music presented in the Outline and a copy of a comprehensive book about jazz. All materials are donated to the schools for ongoing use.
Students learn about Latin jazz as introduced by a Spanish speaking musician.
From administrators and teachers we have learned that students are not only excited about the concerts, but that they also retain much of the information. Scientists are finding that music serves as a nurturing stimulation to exercise children's intellect and enhances learning at a much faster rate. Even though the importance of arts in education is beginning to gain the attention of educators, there is still a serious vacuum at the elementary level where the impact is greatest. Most musicians can cite a musical experience in their early years that created an interest in pursuing music. That is what we hope to accomplish with our project.