Jazz in the 21st Century

Indianapolis Jazz Foundation Goes to IPS

The gymnasium at Northwest Middle School (formerly a high school) was teaming with fourth graders from 15 IPS elementary schools on Tuesday, March 12 and Thursday, March 14, 2024.  They came for a journey of “Jazz in the 21st Century,” a high-energy program about jazz and Indiana’s rich jazz history.

Jazz Education in Public Schools

As the students filed in by the busloads, they were welcomed with the swoon of a saxophone riff and the rhythm of “When the Saints Go Marching In.”  The IJF quintet, led by Rob Dixon, took the students on a musical journey from the start of jazz in New Orleans to the heyday of Bebop in Indianapolis to the sounds of jazz today. 

Through call and response, hand clapping, dancing in place, and mimicking the moods of music (Happy, Sad, Angry, Crazy, and Cool) the students took an interactive ride through American jazz with stops for Wes Montgomery’s “Road Song” and Freddie Hubbard’s “Red Clay.” 

Indianapolis Public Schools is on a strategic path to bring music back into the curriculum. 

Jazz is being incorporated into their study of Indiana (and Indianapolis) history.  IPS Superintendent Dr. Aleesia Johnson furthered the enthusiasm by attending the Thursday convocation. The introduction to live performance is timely as students will have the opportunity to study a musical instrument starting in fifth grade.

As one teacher wrote: “No one will argue that the event was a great learning experience for the students. We can teach Jazz online and, in our classrooms, but the real live performance makes a difference.”

IJF Quintet for IPS 4th Grade programs of “Jazz in the 21st Century”

Rob Dixon, saxophone

Marlin McKay, trumpet

Jesse Wittman, bass

Kenny Phelps, drums

Steve Allee, keyboard