Gold Coast Jazz Presents JazzSLAM Education Program in Local Elementary Schools

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Fort Lauderdale, FL – How can a jazz quartet teach math and reading concepts through music? Through a program called JazzSLAM. This fun and interactive program reinforces basic language arts and math concerts through the music of jazz. Students experience how improvisation is similar to writing essays. They learn how "read, think and explain" questions are similar to the "12 bar blues" how narrative essay form is similar to "A-A-B-A" song form; and how persuasive and expository essay forms are similar to the "verse-chorus" song form.

JazzSLAM, the acronym for Jazz Supports Language Arts & Math, is a program that uses students' interest in music to help them understand the inherent underlying structures found also in language arts and math. JazzSLAM was designed by local jazz musician and educator, Mari Mennell-Bell. The program is being presented by the Gold Coast Jazz Society in several local elementary schools from December through May.

Program creator, Mari Mennel-Bell, holds a dual Masters degree in Elementary Education (K-6) and Music Education (K-12) from New York University and a Masters degree in Social Work from Adelphi University. While living in New York City she worked for The Children's Television Workshop as a researcher and as an independent consultant on "Using Music to Teach Reading". When her children were in school in Broward County, she observed their challenges to stay focused on academics and was inspired to create an experiential, hands-on approach to academic skills so she developed a program that makes learning fun through the use of jazz.

Presentations of the JazzSLAM program will occur in the following schools in Broward County:

Sheridan Hills Elementary - Dec 17; Coconut Palm Elementary - Jan. 21; Pembroke Pines Charter East Elementary - Jan. 26 ; Mirror Lake Elementary - Feb 2; Tradewinds Elementary - April 20; Deerfield Beach Elementary - April 27; Westchester Elementary and Norcrest Elementary in May (exact dates TBA).

The Gold Coast Jazz Society, the presenter of this program, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of jazz music through a mainstage concert series, free community concerts, jazz education programs and other events. Go online www.goldcoastjazz.org for more information about the Gold Coast Jazz Society or call 954-524-0805.