5 Exciting Reads for Jazz Appreciation Month
April is Jazz Appreciation Month, and today, I’ve got five fantastic reads lined up that are ready for your next jazz music lesson. Whether you’re looking to add them to your current music library or check them out at your school or local library, I think you’ll enjoy this amazing list. Let’s jump in and explore some jazz music books that are sure to excite your students.
For each jazz music book, I have included an Amazon link to purchase. Full disclosure – these are affiliate links, but you pay the same price. (No pressure)
1. “This Jazz Man”
First, I want to start with the book “This Jazz Man” by Karen Ehrhardt. I love using this book for Jazz Appreciation month. It is a lively and colorful book that introduces kids to the world of jazz through a familiar tune, “This Old Man.” Each page features a different notable “jazz man” playing a specific instrument. The book not only teaches about musical instruments but also adds a jazzy twist to the traditional counting song. You can use it for a lesson on instruments, specific jazz musicians, or even as a sound story with its playful text.
I like having students play different classroom percussion instruments for each of the numbers or musicians. I match up each jazz phrase (for example: “tap-tap-shuffle-slap!”) with a similar sounding instrument. Then I read or sing the book while students perform during their part. This jazz book is definitely a classic.
2. “Stompin’ at the Savoy: The Story of Norma Miller
Second, here’s a great book called “Stompin’ at the Savoy: The Story of Norma Miller.” It is an engaging and informative book all about Norma Miller, known in the world of dance, jazz, and swing. This book details her life and dancing journey, specifically at the famous Savoy Ballroom. Also, it is very informative about her significant impact in this swing dancing and jazz era.
Although this book may be a little too long for an elementary music lesson, I believe it would work very well for middle school music classes, celebrating jazz appreciation. The history behind the Savoy Ballroom is incredible, and there are lots of books and websites to supplement a lesson on the Harlem Renaissance. Here’s a few if you’re interested in exploring it some more:
Also, there is another great jazz book about the Savoy and the American jazz drum and band leader, “Chick” Webb. You can find it here.
3. “Squeak, Rumble, Whomp! Whomp! Whomp!”
In “Squeak, Rumble, Whomp! Whomp! Whomp!” Wynton Marsalis will take students on a journey through the everyday sounds that lend to the spirit of jazz. This delightful book encourages children to listen to the world around them and appreciate the music in everyday life. From trucks rumbling to flies buzzing and kites whooshing, there’s a lot of sounds to explore in this book.
This idea of using common everyday sounds or found sounds would be an excellent introduction to a found sound percussion project with your middle school students. What kind of sounds can your students find or create just from within the classroom?
4. “Jazz on a Saturday Night”
Next, “Jazz on a Saturday Night,” by Leo and Diane Dillon, introduces children to the diverse world of jazz. With beautiful illustrations and rhythmic text, the book is a musical journey through many jazz performances, experiencing lots of musicians and instruments. From the saxophone’s smooth tones to the piano’s playful notes, this book is a celebration of the different elements that make jazz so extraordinary.
I love how many famous jazz musicians are specifically listed in this book: Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Ella Fitzgerald, and lots more! Pair this book with some biography and listening activities, and it works well as a quiet testing music lesson or even a substitute plan.
5. “Jazz Baby”
Finally, the last book for Jazz Appreciation month is great for younger students. “Jazz Baby” is written by Lisa Wheeler and R. Gregory Christie. This one is sure to get some toe-tapping and dancing, especially if mixed with some jazz music to accompany the book. It brings jazz music to life through the rhythmic text and wonderful illustrations. The story follows a family’s musical evening, as they create various sounds. The authors use such playful sound words to emphasize the energetic rhythm of jazz.
This book is great to use in a jazz music lesson with Kindergarten to second graders. With the playful text, you can create a simple music activity adding body percussion or percussion instruments on repeated words (“clap-clap-clap!” or “boom-boom-boom”). Also, I love how the book mentions tempo, pitch, instruments, and other musical elements.
Well, I hope you found a music activity or idea that you can use in your own classroom during Jazz Appreciation month! Let me know what your favorite one is by leaving a comment below, emailing me (beth@bethsmusicclassroom.com), or sending me a DM on Instagram @bethsmusicclassroom.
If you’re looking for some more posts on children’s literature, check out this post: Children’s Books for the Music Classroom.
