ColaJazz in the Schools

ColaJazz is one of fifteen arts organizations chosen to beta-test the new Jazz at Lincoln Center After-School Content. ColaJazz is able to present this new jazz curriculum to underserved schools and young people by partnering with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands.

“We know from proven practice that jazz is a great community connector. It brings together folks of all ethnic, socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.” – Mark Rapp

Through our ColaJazz jazz education program, young people learn about communication, self-discovery, and finding value in the individual while celebrating and supporting a group. These young people learn about improvisation, the role of instruments and jazz history.

“Jazz invites its listeners to feel. The look on a student’s face when a connection is made with a song is priceless. It’s the look of a new idea!” says Eboni Ramm, ColaJazz Outreach Educator.

Eboni Ramm is a longtime jazz poet, vocalist and educator. She is a Richland Library Literary Resident and a teaching artist with ARTS ACCESS South Carolina, as well as Youth Corps.

ColaJazz Foundation Founder and Executive Director Mark Rapp says, “We use jazz to teach life skills, tolerance, social equality and to instill the desire to learn, to be curious, creative, adventurous and to be your best self while being community-minded.”

This engaging and educational project exposes young people to America’s original music. It gives them the chance to learn, appreciate, understand, and perhaps pursue, jazz. Communities learn about jazz music on a deeper level and are uplifted through our shared musical experience.

Eboni recalls of a time when our program helped students find a connection with jazz. It helped them to creatively express themselves differently. “Once, a group of elementary school students told me jazz was ‘old people music’. With various activities, it didn’t take long for them to discover an element of jazz they could relate to. They were able to express through poetry the natural connection of jazz to life.” recalls Eboni.

Mark Rapp continues, “We know from proven practice that jazz is a great community connector. It brings together folks of all ethnic, socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.”

During the past year, our program has captured the attention of local educators, musicians and those who support jazz. We are working hard to expand this program into rural communities around the state.

JAZZ FOR YOUR SCHOOL: CONTACT US NOW

Please considering supporting our efforts: https://colajazz.com/support

ColaJazz SC Jazz Education