Jazz Legacy Project – featuring the award-winning Jordan High School Jazz Combo

Runtime: 60 minutes

Celebrate the culture, creativity and community of Black History Month by learning more about one of America’s most important art forms! “Jazz Legacy Project” invites students into the vibrant world of jazz through an upbeat, interactive performance designed especially for young audiences.  

Led by longtime educator and musician Justin Varnes, who has spent more than 20 years presenting this acclaimed program through the Young Audiences initiative in Atlanta, the show introduces students to the sounds, history, and creative spirit of jazz. 

Students will discover how jazz works—rhythm, improvisation, musical conversation—and experience live demonstrations that make these concepts fun and easy to understand. The performance culminates in a lively finale where student volunteers are invited to come up, play, and even dance with the band, creating a joyful, memorable experience. 

*Note to teachers – the two performances will be geared towards students of different ages: K-5 at 10:15am and 6-12 at 11:45am. Please choose the appropriate show for your students.  

STUDY GUIDE

NC Standard Course of Study Connections: 

Arts Education Standards — Music K–12 

• CN.1.2 — Identify how music is used in various contexts and traditions
• CN.2.1 — Explore connections between music and culture / Understand jazz as an American art form
• RE.1 — Respond to and analyze music performances
• 9–12: CN.1.3 — Synthesize knowledge of music in cultural, social, and historical contexts (jazz history and African American cultural contributions; evolution from ragtime through contemporary styles) 

Social Studies Standards (2021) 

• 6–8: 8.H.3 — Understand factors that contribute to change in American culture (Great Migration, Harlem Renaissance)
• 9–12: AH1.H.5 — Analyze cultural and artistic movements in American history (Jazz Age, Civil Rights Movement and music)

All Durham Public Schools reservations will be made by the school-designated Arts Liaison. The Arts Liaison was appointed by each school principal to coordinate this effort. Please contact your principal for further action.

Online reservations end five days prior to a performance date. Tickets will still be sold at the box office on the date of the event, dependent upon availability. Please email us for availability at efan@carolinatheatre.org.