“All About Jazz” Spring Musical Highlights the History and Evolution of Jazz

St. Mark’s Campus Fourth and fifth grade students had spectators’ feet tapping and fingers snapping at a recent spring musical performance of “All that Jazz” in the Lori Schiavone Commons. The musical highlighted the history, influences, and evolution of jazz music in America. View photos.

Students performed, “It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing” (Duke Ellington), “Straighten Up and Fly Right” (Nat King Cole/Irving Mills), “Take the A Train”  (Billy Strayhorn), “Happy Feet” (Cab Calloway), “What a Wonderful World” (Louis Armstrong), “ Sing, Sing, Sing” (Louis Prima), and “Pennies from Heaven” (Billie Holiday).

“Between 1910 and 1920, the seeds of jazz began to take root…,” fifth grade student Dylan F. said during the performance.  “Jazz is always changing and responding to cultural developments in America,” added Elijah L.

In addition to preparing for the spring musical, students researched famous jazz musicians and designed album covers for display during the performance.