Jazzlinks - Bridging the Movement
Jazzlinks takes history off the page and makes it come alive! This collaboration between the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) and The Jazz Club of Sarasota is designed to educate high school and middle school students about the role of African Americans in U.S. history. Reflected through the songs and statements about the times, the program titled Civil Rights: Bridging The Movement, brings focus to the many contributions of African-Americans in the military and at home during WWII, the Korean, and the Vietnam Wars; taking us from the 1930s up to the 1960s. Come learn how circumstances and different musical styles influenced us all and helped further the dreams of a nation.
Jazzlinks includes three arts-infused experiences:
1. Teacher Workshop: A remote Zoom gathering, enabling the review of standards-centered teaching materials including extensive Document Based Questions focused on WWII, the Korean War and the Vietnam War through primary sources, historical content, and music that illuminates the experiences of African Americans during these transitional times as they navigated the desegregation of the U.S. military. (See Document-Based Questions submitted with application for details.) WBTT will present the classroom session in the Teacher Workshop.
2. Classroom Session: This in person presentation brings our actors directly to your students in the classroom or lecture hall, enabling a more vibrant and lasting experience. Direct interaction and opportunity for conversation after viewing the performance allows for deeper understanding and assimilation of information. Particulars of WWII are presented through text and music related to the historical events of the period. This format allows for the potential combining of classes, if presented in a lecture hall setting, so as many classes as possible can participate in order to enhance learning outcomes.
3. Live Campus Performance: This culminating auditorium performance brings together a talented cast of performers in a new and vibrant presentation that highlights some of the events and music from the 1930s to 1960s; events that helped shape societal changes during WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. This presentation allows for further exploration and understanding of the African-American’s contributions to the military and society in general throughout these years.
Scheduling of this program: The teacher workshop will be conducted via Zoom connection on January 16, 2024 from 2:30-3:30 pm. The classroom sessions and Live performances will be available from February 1 - March 7, 2024.