Today I went to Monroe Elementary School to do a little people workshop about the Giants of Jazz subjects of my Jazz In July show, Billie H, Ella F, Fats W, and Irene M. How did I grab their attention immediately? Easily, by referencing the jazziness of one of their favorites, Hannah Montana!
We made stylistic and lyrical adjustments to the Hannah song, "Life's what you make it, so let's make it rock!" We also did little dances, had volunteer leader participants, had simple playacting moments, and kept it really high energy and high zany-ness factor (and by the way, that just summed up all my secrets of success while hanging with the young-uns, in addition to snackies and tangible stimulus).
Anyway, the frame of reference for these precious babes is frightfully small when it comes to music and the arts. In other words, it's nothing at all resembling the kaleidoscopic panoramic vista they deserve and need. So when I get the great chance to be with them, I strive to be an advocate for as many colors of the musical rainbow that I can fit into our time. And I strive to make it meaningful beyond all the cotton candy crap they are being fed every minute of the day by greedy corporate executives (which includes not just the record industry, but TV, magazines, all areas of culture--sorry, top dogs, that means you).
I am always a bit grieved after time spent with these tiny pure-hearted future societal gatekeepers, because the kaleidoscope of truthful creative diversity from which they could and should be nurtured, is held at bay in favor of dollar signs and lies.
The kids I shared some life with today were so open, fearless, ready for exploration and experimentation in what I called "the beautiful and exciting land of the jazz giants." If only we all could be that way, and bring childlike hearts of wonder, play, embracing, and adventure, into our musical life soundtracks, and in so doing, expand our comfort zones into the kaleidoscopic panoramic vistas they were meant to be.
peace, tina
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