Jazz CoolCats is a ten-week after-school series of jazz education classes for elementary school children K-5. The curriculum and lesson plan, which meet California art education standards, were developed by a professional musician/teacher who is also the primary instructor for the residency.

The program is designed to develop an appreciation for jazz and how to listen to the music in depth. The students learn how history has affected the progression of jazz and how it is relevant to today’s current music. The goal is to engage the students in communicative elements of jazz, recognizing differences in tempo and dynamics, and understanding the culture it represents. They identify legendary jazz musicians, jazz styles and periods in an historical context. The students are introduced to the fundamental roles of each musical instrument within the art form of jazz. They learn to perform “call and response” to rhythms and to be able to scat sing a simple melody.

The series concludes with a Culmination Musical Program performed for other school students illustrating what they have learned.