56 Jazz Street Band
The North Adams All-City Elementary Jazz Band was formed in 1978, one of the first of its kind. Many elementary students were very dedicated practicing and were quite proficient as a result. There was much student interest in trying this ‘new’ musical experience.
Now the 56 Jazz Street Band, in its 29th season continues to provide interested and motivated students with an opportunity to explore the history and performance of jazz. Students learn basic improvisation skills while performing in styles that include: Latin, Swing, Blues, and Rock.
The Band consists mostly of 5th and 6th graders and meets once weekly after school for an hour. There are approximately 10 rehearsals starting in March with a performance at the Elementary Spring Concert in June. Musicians are selected by their music teachers for this group depending on ability and specific instrumentation needs.
Jazz is American music that originated at the beginning of the 20th century. It is a blend of many influences including African melodies, rhythms, and instruments, European melodies, harmonies, and instruments, Early American musical styles such as Blues, Work Songs, Spirituals and Hymns, Ragtime and Marches, and more recently Rock, Afro-Cuban, and other Latin styles. It is highly rhythmic music having historical connections with movement and dance, and is mostly improvised.
