[Dixielandjazz] 11th Grade Jazz History

[Steve Barbone]

I'm with you on the format Mart. And also applaud that someone is trying to
get exposure to jazz in the primary grade levels. Jazz at Lincoln Center has
a similar program available at low cost to the schools.

I also believe that their tying in the sociological and historical content
of the times is a plus. Too many time, IMO, we want to separate the music
from what else was happening around it. I don't think you can ignore the
life styles of the musicians and/or the social context. That so and so was a
drunken genius, or a drug addict, or a womanizeer is all part of it.

For me, what was going on at the time is as important as the music itself
when seeking understanding of what, and how, it all happened.

Gee whiz, jazz once accounted for 70% of record sales. IMO, it wasn't all
because your parents appreciated the music anymore than Rock & Roll or Rap
fans were attracted because of the music and/or poetry. ;-) VBG.

The "mass audience reaction" was a lot more complex than that.

Cheers,
Steve Barbone 

on 7/12/06 11:34 AM, mmckay at macjazz at se.rr.com wrote:

> As a retired state level educational administrator/ex band director etc.
> I've got to add that I took a look at these materials and they certainly are
> well done. (Note that I am not discussing the content. I'm talking about the
> format and procedures followed.)
> 
> They are totally complete, tied in a solid and direct manner to national
> norms and standards, based on readily available materials and work from both
> a historical and a jazz/arts perspective.  That pretty well gets all the
> parts covered with pro performers!
> 
> I'm just starting through them from my personal musical perspective and
> would be interested in hearing what others have to say about them,
> musically.
> 
> Mart
> 
> Martin D. McKay, Designated Listener
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: dixielandjazz-bounces at ml.islandnet.com
> [mailto:dixielandjazz-bounces at ml.islandnet.com] On Behalf Of Steve Barbone
> Sent: Wednesday, July 12, 2006 11:07 AM
> To: dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com
> Subject: [Dixielandjazz] 11th Grade Jazz History
> 
> David Richoux <tubaman at tubatoast.com>
> 
>> I stumbled across this website today:
>> 
>> http://www.jazzinamerica.org/lp_o.asp?LPOrder=1&Grade=11  - makes for
>> some interesting reading!
>> 
>> This section test (even without reading the material) is quite amazing
>> -
>> 
>> http://www.jazzinamerica.org/testbank.asp?LPOrder=7&Grade=11
>> 
>> (not saying there is a right or wrong way to present the material - we
>> all have our opinions ;-)
> 
> This is the curriculum supplied by the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz.
> Their mission statement is:
> 
> "The mission of the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz is to offer public
> school-based jazz education programs for young people around the world,
> helping students develop imaginative thinking, creativity, curiosity, a
> positive self image, and a respect for their own and others' cultural
> heritage."
> 
> The courses are designed for 5th, 8th and 11th grades and most material is
> supplied free to interested schools. Most of its funds derive through
> contributions from United Airlines, Verizon, National Endowment for the
> Arts, National Endowment for the Humanities and The US Department of
> Education.
> 
> Most of the participating schools are probably inner city.
> 
> Cheers,
> Steve Barbone
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