International Jazz Day, established by UNESCO in 2012, is celebrated around the world on April 30th. As Glasgow is a UNESCO city of Music, it is appropriate to mention that Glasgow Jazz Festival launches the 2014 programme on this date followed by a concert by Award winning band, New Focus, at the Old Fruitmarket.
In order to encourage youth participation and awareness, this year’s celebration includes a “Take 5” initiative. Inspired by the famous 1959 hit Take 5, composed by Paul Desmond and made famous by Dave Brubeck, teachers from all around the world are encouraged to “Take 5” (five minutes) to share the positive lessons of jazz music in their classrooms.
There are a number of resources which have been produced and can be accessed on the International Jazz Day website:
Alongside this is a Jazz Educators guide which contains suggested lesson ideas, links and lesson plans:
Click to access IJD-Educator_Guide.pdf
International Jazz Day brings together communities, schools, artists, historians, academics, and jazz enthusiasts all over the world to celebrate and learn about jazz and its roots, future and impact; raise awareness of the need for intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding; and reinforce international cooperation and communication. Each year on April 30, this international art form is recognized for promoting peace, dialogue among cultures, diversity, and respect for human rights and human dignity; eradicating discrimination; promoting freedom of expression; fostering gender equality; and reinforcing the role of youth in enacting social change.
To be part of the ‘Take 5’ initiative, participants are asked to register here.
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