About KCPT: In the Community

Listen and Learn: Who Says Jazz Isn't Child's Play?

Excerpt from PresentMagazine.com.
Story by Pete Dulin. Photography by Pam Taylor.

Getting Jazzed

James Ward plucks the upright bass and Michael Warren raps on the drums in a steady beat. The sizzling rhythm sets the morning pace at the American Jazz Museum as nearly one hundred people, mostly children aged two to seven, gather eagerly to listen and learn about the music of Louis Armstrong. In fact, the audience can hardly sit still as they begin to dance, tap their feet, clap their hands, and smile. The hosts, local jazz vocalist Lisa Henry and professional storyteller "Brother" John Anderson, encourage the kids to participate. The rhythm quickens as the duo lead a lively crowd of tots and adults in a catchy introduction to music and to each other.

"Hello/how are you?/Pleased/to meet you," Henry and John chant to the beat.
Children and adults join in the call and response as they strut and sway. They amplify the words with youthful energy, hop in excitement, greet, and shake hands with new friends. The jazz storytelling series, held twice a month at the museum for children of all ages, reinforces Missouri Early Childhood Educational Standards and provides a fun means for kids to experience live music and learn about a truly American art form. Children encounter the sights and sounds of jazz: instruments, rhythm, harmony, and melody.

Brother J

"Brother J gets real jazzed with friends at the jazz museum," Henry recites, enunciating the hard consonants so the kids hear the beat of the spoken word.

The storytellers explain the importance of Louis Armstrong as the international ambassador of jazz, his pioneering work as a musician and public figure, and his talent as a trumpeter. Playing to the rapt audience, the lesson later shifts into a vocal demonstration of Armstrong's ability to scat. Chad, a young veteran attendee of the storytelling series, stands at the front of the group next to Henry. He takes turns trading scat phrases with her, mimicking her deep-throated bursts of be-bop-shoo-be-do-bop.

The scats grow progressively more challenging until Chad puts his hand up and attempts to quit in defeat. Henry and Brother John convince him to try again and Chad nails it, walking away with a huge grin to enthusiastic applause. These unrehearsed performances only last a few minutes, but the impact of the experience can last a lifetime.

James Ward

Listen and Learn

Dennis Winslett, education specialist at the American Jazz Museum, says, "The main thing is that it exposes them to jazz. They may not realize the impact until elementary school. They can hear acoustic music and might be interested in playing an instrument. It's good for young people to learn how to interact with music and listen critically as a skill. Critical listening encompasses all of learning in school. The history of music mirrors the history of the world. Rhythm relates to math. Music helps to develop a keen sense of listening; it trains kids aurally to listen to teachers and lessons."

As a jazz saxophonist with a degree in education, Winslett understands the value of interacting with live music at a young age. "If we don't get kids exposed now, they won't make the connection. We've had one or two generations of taking music out of school where parents weren't exposed to classical or jazz music. We need to start influencing audiences for tomorrow. I grew up near the Mutual Musicians Foundation. I want to revive that spirit by bringing in older musicians as mentors."

Lisa Henry

Creating a positive environment where children can see and hear live music opens many pathways for other opportunities. Winslett points out that besides a career as a musician, children might be drawn into the field as a sound engineer or as a composer for movie soundtracks. "A career in music doesn't have to be in rap or American Idol. These skills are conducive to so many avenues. It also brings kids out of their shell where they can perform in front of their peers," he says.

The jazz storytelling series is only one of many regular events to attract visitors of all ages from throughout the country. The museum is an invaluable resource for learning about Kansas City, the history of jazz, and its rich culture.

"It plants the seed of 18th and Vine as a fun place to go. It also enriches your experience as a Kansas Citian. Kids learn that it is fun, and then tell their parents to bring them back to 18th and Vine," says Winslett.

Visit PresentMagazine.com to read the complete story and view more photos about jazz storytelling.

Search term: Jazz Storytelling.

The American Jazz Museum's swingin' storytelling series brings the beauty and vitality of jazz to life for children of all ages by weaving the elements of jazz into interactive stories and songs. The calendar on the museum's web site lists the monthly events.

Jazz Storytelling
American Jazz Museum Atrium
1616 East 18th Street
816.474.8463
www.americanjazzmuseum.com

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