Baylor Jazz Ensemble Hosts Educational Concert for Kids Celebrating Black History Month

The Baylor Jazz Ensemble will be taking the stage at Jones Concert Hall for a special children's concert. Scheduled on February 13 with performances at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., the concert is designed to honor Black History Month by spotlighting the works of prominent Black jazz artists.

Educational Outreach to Young Students

Partnering with neighborhood public elementary schools, the ensemble is set to welcome approximately 1,700 students. This initiative aims to enlighten these young minds about the rich legacy of jazz musicians and the historical significance of their contributions to music.

A Tribute to Jazz Legends

The performance will feature the timeless works of jazz legends like Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Ella Fitzgerald. The ensemble intends to replicate the authentic styles of these artists, offering the audience a genuine jazz experience.

The Ensemble's director, Alex Parker, plans to enhance the interactive aspect of the concert by inviting students to join in on improvisational sessions on stage. He also looks forward to helping students understand the concept of scat singing, a form of vocal jazz improvisation, by engaging in call-and-response activities during the concert.

More Than Music

According to Parker, the event is much more than a musical listen; it's about experiencing jazz as a unique art form and learning about its originators. He believes jazz is not only reflective of America's musical evolution but also its diverse societal fabric.

As future citizens, students can gain insights into music theory, lyrical inspirations, and the cultural roots of jazz, affirming the genre's standing as 'America's music.'

Music as a Teaching Tool

Emily Doncer, a junior and trumpet player from Frisco, acknowledges the potency of music as a means to convey historical narratives. She emphasizes that making history palpable through music can forge a stronger connection with the younger audience.

The event serves as a medium for the Baylor School of Music to promote an inclusive environment valuing diversity and recognizing every individual's role in the community's tapestry.

Parker underscores the importance of not just preserving the music but also understanding the legacy of its creators. The concert stands as an effort to introduce young listeners to jazz's uniqueness and the historical impact of its founders' creativity and stories.

education, jazz, history