April is Jazz Appreciation Month, and to celebrate, ETA Emiko Wu introduced her 10th-grade students to jazz in the classroom. During the lesson, she explained common jazz instruments and defining elements of the genre, such as improvisation and call-and-response.

In recognition of America250, the lesson focused on jazz’s American roots, highlighting its development in Black communities in New Orleans. Emiko also discussed how jazz has been used as a form of protest against racial inequality, particularly during the Civil Rights Movement. The presentation concluded with a listening session featuring iconic artists like Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald. The 10th graders also shared traditional music from their cultures with Emiko.

To continue the celebration, Emiko and her students played a variety of English language improvisation games. After reviewing key music vocabulary terms, the 10th graders, currently in the middle of a unit on letter writing, practiced composing letters to their favorite musical artists.

Students wrote their letters while listening to Laufey, a contemporary jazz-pop artist who is especially popular on campus!

Emiko Wu is currently teaching at MAN Insan Cendekia Kota Kendari, Sulawesi Tenggara.