EDUCATION PROGRAMS
We’re communicating the essence and cultural significance of jazz while cultivating a new audience.
A priority of PDX Jazz’s mission is to provide free educational outreach to under-served youth in the greater Portland area and surrounding communities, with a focus on Title 1A-funded schools. Our education programs extend across the entire student body, emphasizing an interdisciplinary appreciation of jazz and its African-American roots from a historical, sociological, and cultural perspective.
Jazz and its connection to art
JAZZ IN THE SCHOOLS
Jazz in the Schools is a K-12 program that introduces students to jazz music’s most important contributors, past and present, and its connection to visual art, a creative medium connecting to every student at every skill level. Students discover how the visual art associated with jazz plays a significant role in mirroring and shaping American culture by creating their own original jazz album cover, interpreting the music, its emotion, and its message through visual expression. This interactive learning experience uniquely combines music, visual art, and American history. Student artwork is proudly exhibited annually at a community event held in various locations each year such as the Portland Art Museum, Peninsula Park Community Center, and other creative spaces in the Portland Metro Area.
Student Art Gallery: Selected artwork from our Jazz in the Schools ANNUAL exhibits
LISTEN ON SPOTIFY: JAZZ IN THE SCHOOLS PLAYLIST
ONLINE RESOURCES
PDX Jazz is also a growing hub for jazz education online. Our free, downloadable resources include lesson plans, presentations, musician spotlights, playlists, and read-aloud videos. These accessible tools are for educators, students, and anyone curious about jazz. We are dedicated to providing the most approachable educational resources that make learning about jazz fun and exciting for every age group.
The musical evolution of jazz
THE AMERICAN REFRAIN: JAZZ AND MODERN MUSIC
The American Refrain: Jazz and Modern Music showcases the rich musical talents of Portland’s finest jazz artists. Presented by PDX Jazz, this live, in school program brings jazz directly to students across the Portland area. In this engaging, hour-long performance with narration, jazz is celebrated by guiding students through the tenets of the genre; building community, storytelling, fighting for social justice, and improvisation. The performance highlights jazz’s modern evolution and its profound influence on the music we hear today.
A positive tool to affect social equity and civil rights
THE MUSIC AND THE MOVEMENT
The Music and the Movement explores the deep connection between jazz, gospel, rhythm and blues, and the Civil Rights Movement. The Music and The Movement is a curriculum unit designed for middle and high school social studies and music classrooms to broaden the understanding of the social importance of jazz. This unit includes lessons on The Civil Rights Movement, jazz, gospel, rhythm and blues, Mahalia Jackson, John Coltrane, and James Brown.
ENROLLMENT
Complete the form below to request a program for your school.