Jazz & Democracy At PS4

Musicians from The Jazz & Democracy Project visited PS4 to perform for 4th and 5th grade students.

Hosted by Mr. Means (Music Teacher) and Mr. Cantu (Dean/ESL Teacher) students in grades 4 and 5 recently enjoyed a performance by a group of talented musicians from The Jazz & Democracy Project!  Their Jazz for Young People Concert Series allowed students to answer questions about where jazz began, details about woodwind instruments, and about the form or patterns that "blues" music follows.  Mr. Means was very proud of our students.  "I was so proud", he said.  "It was wonderful to see our students make the connection between jazz music and what we must do for a successful democracy".

Mr. Means speaks to students about the history of jazz music.

Mr. Cantu speaks to students about the connection between jazz, democracy and pride.

The Jazz and Democracy Project at PS4 is organized by Mr. Cantu who serves as our Arts Liaison.  The project helps the scholars make connections between democracy and jazz in a historical perspective.  It is a music integrated curriculum that utilizes jazz as a metaphor to bring American democracy to life, enrich the study and teaching of U.S. history, government, civics and culture, and inspire youth to become active, positive contributors to their communities.

For more information about the Jazz and Democracy project at PS4, contact Mr. Cantu.