Education - Gold Coast Jazz Society

Jazz Education and Outreach Programs of the Gold Coast Jazz Society

In-School Performance and Presentations

JazzSLAM (Jazz Supports Language Arts & Math)
Designed by musician and educator, Mari Mennel-Bell, JazzSLAM is a free in-school jazz education program targeted to 4th and 5th grade students and includes a one-hour, live and interactive jazz presentation with a professional jazz quartet. Mari has Master’s Degrees in Elementary Education (K-6) and Music (K-12) and a Master’s Degree in Social Work.

The program integrates the music of jazz with elements of Language Arts, Math, and Social Studies to help students with critical thinking skills and strategies for test taking. JazzSLAM is designed to support teacher’s efforts to raise student’s test scores, motivate students to learn how to express themselves within the confines of a given form, and supports teaching with the aural, visual & tactile benefits of music. Students learn how musical forms relate to concepts such as essay writing forms, how musical rhythmic patterns relate to mathematical concepts such as percentages and how the ethnic origins of jazz relate to the geography and social studies.

JazzSLAM is supported by the Gold Coast Jazz Society. Local presentations have been made possible through grant support provided to the Gold Coast Jazz Society by the Broward County Public Schools SEAS program, Children’s Opportunity Group, the Community Foundation of Broward, State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, the Frank Pace Foundation, and Publix Super Markets Charities.

To learn more about the JazzSLAM program, or to book a performance at your school visit www.jazzslam.com or call the Gold Coast Jazz Society office at 954-524-0805.

Read Article published on culturebuildsflorida.org: Art Talk: Gold Coast Jazz Society and Mari Mennel-Bell, founder of JazzSLAM

JAZZ IS ELEMENTARY
An introduction of jazz and its fundamentals for elementary students. Jazz educator, violinist and vocalist, Nicole Yarling leads members of the Gold Coast Jazz Society Band in this live jazz performance. Performance running time is 45 to 60 minutes. A Teacher’s Guide provided prior to the performance. Appropriate for Grade 2 through Grade 5.

FACETS OF JAZZ
A multi-dimensional jazz education program for elementary and middle school students which introduces them to various jazz styles including Blues, Swing, Bop, Latin and Bossa Nova and the elements of syncopation and improvisation. Led by jazz educator, violinist and vocalist, Nicole Yarling, the Facets of Jazz includes video footage of legendary jazz performers and audience interaction. Performance running time is 45 to 60 minutes. A Teacher’s Guide provided prior to the performance.Appropriate for Grade 2 through Grade 8.

ELLA! FIRST LADY OF SONG is a program which will introduce and educate elementary and middle school students about the life and times of jazz legend, Ella Fitzgerald. Ella was one of the most influential musicians in the history of jazz. Jazz vocalist, Nicole Yarling, will bring Ella to life for students. Students will learn about Ms. Fitzgerald’s life and hear some of the most popular jazz of her time. The Teacher’s Guides will provide links to other curriculum areas and will include appropriate prompts for standardized testing activities and a list of appropriate books and websites about jazz to enhance reading skills. Led by jazz educator, violinist and vocalist, Nicole Yarling Ella! First Lady of Song includes video footage of the legendary jazz performer and audience interaction. Performance running time is 45 to 60 minutes. A Teacher’s Guide provided prior to the performance. Appropriate for Grade 2 through Grade 8.

AFTER-SCHOOL JAZZ PROGRAM
Jazz for Wee Ones – A jazz program for younger children in area after-school child care sites, this program introduces jazz and jazz forms through familiar songs performed by a small ensemble of the Gold Coast Jazz Society Band.

Master Classes and Workshops
Many times our mainstage jazz artists will present a master class or workshop in your school for your jazz band students. Appropriate for middle and high school jazz band students. Contact the Gold Coast Jazz Society office if you are interested.

To learn more about bringing a jazz education program to your school, call the Gold Coast Jazz Society office at 954-524-0805.