Jazz & Democracy with Dr Wes
Last night was the 1st Jazz and Democracy workshop at HMCRA, of 4 scheduled workshops that are happening in January and February, led and organized by the inimitable Dr Wesley Watkins (a.k.a. “Dr Wes”). Jazz and Democracy uses jazz as a metaphor to cultivate a profound understanding of American democracy among elementary and secondary students.
Dr Wesley Watkins describes The Jazz & Democracy Project
On January 18th we explored one concept that links jazz and American democracy. Approximately 70 adults and kids participated. Dr. Wes led us in physical activities, and through listening examples with jazz musicians, a 12-Bar Blues, and Supreme Court Justices discussing The Constitution. In the end, everyone worked in groups to create posters what showed what the night’s concept means in jazz, their own life, and democracy:
Part of a poster describing freedom within structure
The next 3 workshops are at 6pm, on Tuesday evenings, in our cafeteria. Dinner is provided and the dates/themes for the next workshops are:
January 25
February 1
February 15 “Musician Night” with a live band
HMCRA is able to provide these workshops thanks to a Family Literacy Grant. Everyone in our school community, children and adults, is invited to these workshops. No musical experience required.
Categories Events | Tags: dr wesley watkins, jazz and democracy