Our Mission in Action: The Individual Impact of Jazz For Freedom
July 26, 2024
Every year, thousands of Philadelphian schoolchildren excitedly pour into the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts to participate in our transformative, free education initiative, Jazz For Freedom. This interactive, three-part program is specifically geared towards students in grades 5 – 7, teaching them the history of jazz and encouraging their creative expression. Lanai T. Boyd, an insightful and energetic fifth grader who likes cuddling his pet cat and playing the drums, was one of this year’s passionate students. We had the wonderful opportunity to interview Lanai over Zoom, accompanied by Spring Garden School administrator, Carrington Taylor-Brendza.
From the minute that Lanai logged onto the Zoom call, he simply oozed curiosity and enthusiasm. He shared with us that he enjoys learning about math, football, and — as of recently — the historical significance and cultural impact of jazz music. One of his favorite parts of Jazz For Freedom was visiting the Kimmel Center, which is when students get the chance to experience an engaging performance featuring live music, tap dancing, and commentary on arts’ influence on social change.
Question: What was your favorite part of the performance at the Kimmel Center?
Answer: The tap dancing was my favorite part because [of] the way they were moving at the same time, and they were twins! It was calming, relaxing, enjoyable, exciting...a lot of things!
Question: What was it like visiting the Kimmel Center?
Answer: I was surprised! It was so big inside. The glass roof was beautiful. Going into [Perelman Theater] to watch [the performances] was like going inside of a movie theater. [There were] tap dancers and there was a singer and his band. The leader of the band had a double bass. There was a beautiful singer...it was so calming. I learned a lot like, “I should be [myself]!”
Question: Would you like to come back?
Answer: YES! It was magnificent. It was beautiful. I just wanted to run around and look at all the stuff.
Jazz For Freedom also consists of a pre-show workshop at the participating students’ school, where passionate and experienced teaching artists introduce them to the Harlem Renaissance and growth of jazz in Philadelphia. We got a chance to ask Boyd what his favorite part of the in-school session was, in addition to what he learned from the experience.
Question: What was your favorite part of the Jazz for Freedom in-school workshop?
Answer: [My favorite part was] when they played the music. They played saxophone [and] guitar.
Question: What did you learn from the workshop?
Answer: [During the painful time in American history when slavery was still legal] Black people used to use jazz music to communicate with each other. [I also learned that] jazz music makes you calm.
Question: Did you know anything about jazz before the in-school workshop?
Answer: I wouldn’t say it’s my first time [with jazz music]. When I’m in the car with my dad, he plays [it].
Thank you to Lanai for sharing his experience with us! For teachers interested in registering their schools for Jazz For Freedom, please click here and check out this FOX29 story. Plus, hear from one of our incredible Education team members leading the charge in bringing jazz to schools: Josh Lawrence
Your gift to The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts makes the performances you love possible and inspires audiences of all ages. Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to us as we continue to transform lives daily through the arts.