Jazz in Schools
About the Program
Jazz in Schools, initiated by the Los Angeles Jazz Society in 1988, offers free, age-appropriate jazz performances to LAUSD elementary schools during February, Black History Month. The program introduces young students to jazz and recognizes the cultural contributions of African Americans to this uniquely American art form. The concerts are held across all 15 City Council districts, reaching over 20,000 children annually.
Engaging, Educational Performances
Designed by a Jazz Hall of Fame artist, the program engages students with interactive performances featuring LA’s finest jazz musicians. Students learn about jazz history—including Latin jazz and women in jazz—musical instruments, improvisation, and the genre’s influence on pop music, all while clapping, marching, and dancing along.
Classroom Resources for Teachers
Each school receives a Pre-Concert Preparation Package with a PowerPoint teaching outline and a Post-Concert Reinforcement Package with a jazz quiz and discussion questions. Teachers and students can also enjoy our curated Jazz in Schools Spotify playlist, extending the learning beyond February.
Program Reach and Funding
Our concerts are made possible by government and foundation grants. Depending on funding, we bring performances to 30 to 45 schools annually, selected based on the length of time since their last concert. With over 500 elementary schools in LAUSD, it may take a decade or more to return to a given school.
Sponsor a Concert
Want to bring jazz to your school sooner? If a school, business, or individual wishes to underwrite a concert, we will be happy to arrange a privately sponsored concert during the month of February. All donations to the Los Angeles Jazz Society are tax-deductible and will be acknowledged as such.
Contact Us
For additional information, please contact:
Rita Zwern, Director, Jazz in Schools
📞 (818) 566-7982
📧 ritazwern@gmail.com
Special Thanks
With gratitude to Dr. Thom Mason for creating the Pre-Concert Preparation Package and to Dessa Drake, LAUSD elementary school teacher, for developing the complementary PowerPoint. We also thank the Los Angeles Unified School District for distributing materials and resources to participating schools.
Spotify Playlist
The following is a terrific example of songs that our students may enjoy. And, should check back periodically as it will be updated throughout the year.
To open the Spotify Playlist: Click Here
– Click below to watch a video on Jazz in Schools –
PRE-CONCERT EDUCATIONAL POWERPOINT: VIMEO (30 MINUTES)
PRE-CONCERT EDUCATIONAL POWERPOINT:
Slide Presentation (30 Minutes)
Link to Google Drive: CLICK HERE(Download Only) View As PDF
JAZZ GROUP LEADERS
Jazz in Schools employs three jazz combos of five musicians. All of the musicians are among the finest and most experienced jazz musician/educators in Los Angeles.
