I love encouraging parents to have their children learn about and participate in various musical events. Music has so many benefits for children, not only in their learning to play a musical instrument but importantly also in understanding the rich heritage of various forms. Today, I would like to share about jazz, since International Jazz Day is on April 30.
Jazz music dates from the late 19th to early 20th centuries and has roots in New Orleans, Louisiana, beginning as a mixture of African slave folk songs and chants and European classical music and evolving over time. It uniquely blends African and Caribbean music with marching band instruments and “the blues” and is referred to as “a melting pot” of music.
International Jazz Day was established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in November 2011 “in order to highlight jazz and its diplomatic role of uniting people in all corners of the globe.” On the website jazzday.com, the following information is provided:
International Jazz Day brings together communities, schools, artists, historians, academics, and jazz enthusiasts all over the world to celebrate and learn about jazz and its roots, future, and impact; raise awareness of the need for intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding; and reinforce international cooperation and communication. Each year on April 30, this international art form is recognized for promoting peace, dialogue among cultures, diversity, and respect for human rights and human dignity eradicating discrimination; fostering gender equality; and promoting freedom of expression.
The website has a wide variety of educational resources for individuals as well as educators for April 30 and all year long. Additionally, there are news articles, information about events, and videos. There is a wealth of information for you and your family, including a toolkit with resources.
For more information, please visit: