I can’t wait to let David and Charlie know April 30th is International Jazz Day. In our Homeschool Classes this week we will be studying Jazz as well as Stevie Ray Vaugns career because he was a Jazz Musician and he is David’s favorite singer. Do you know about Jazz composer we should study? For a Field Trip this week we will visit a Recor Store to look for his music and I also plan on looking for a free concert for us to attend. Would you like to go with us?
I would like to invite you to join people around the world as International Jazz Day promotes jazz’s roots and intercultural influence every April 30th. Did you know many people consider jazz as “America’s classical music.” After all, jazz began in New Orleans over 100 years ago. Legendary jazz pianist and composer Herbie Hancock along with the UN helped create International Jazz Day in 2011.
INTERNATIONAL JAZZ DAY ACTIVITIES
- Today doesn’t matter whether you’re new to jazz or want to honor the classics, and the musicians who helped define the Jazz the ultimate way to celebrate International Jazz Day is to check out Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Billie Holiday, Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, and John Coltrane to start and yes, Stevie Ray Vaugn.
- Concerts are held all over the world to celebrate International Jazz Day. If there’s not a concert near you, why not host your own event? You can even register the event on the International Jazz Day website.
JAZZ SUBGENRES TO EXPLORE
- Instead of a drum kit, Latin Jazz uses congas, bongos, or timbales to drive a Latin American style rhythm.
- Avant-garde art musical composition combines with jazz instruments to form this sub-genre, characterized by its emphasis on improvisation and experimentation.
- SwingBeat-driven and highly danceable, swing music features a strong rhythm section. You’ll recognize Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole as famous pop vocalists of the swing movement.
- Soul jazz incorporates strong influences from blues, soul, gospel, and rhythm and blues to create music with repetitive rhythms and bluesy melodies.
WHY PEOPLE LOVE INTERNATIONAL JAZZ DAY
- Herbie Hancock wanted to celebrate the diplomatic role of jazz in unifying people all around the world, and thus International Jazz Day was born.
- Countries from Argentina to Zambia throw jam sessions, music clinics, concerts and more, each with their own unique cultural flavor.
- In 2017, more than 190 countries hosted events for enthusiasts of all skill levels and sub-genres. A major focus of International Jazz Day is community outreach and education. Thanks to UNESCO, beginners and advanced players can access lessons on writing blues music, Indian rhythms, the mathematics of music and more
- Each year, one City is selected for the annual Global Host celebration and everything culminates in one incredible performance. The All-Star Global Concert has featured some of the best jazz musicians from around the world, including Esperanza Spalding, Robert Glasper, and Aretha Franklin, just to name a few.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
