We've highlighted a variety of resources that teachers can access on the Internet or can order for their classrooms to help commemorate Jazz Appreciation Month. For even more tips on how to celebrate, check out the Smithsonian's booklet, Celebrate Jazz, which includes ideas for teachers, librarians, band directors, community groups, and more!

Calendar of Events
Is your school or community planning a jazz event in April? If so, the Smithsonian Institute would like to add you to their national calendar of activities. Send your submissions to jazz@si.edu. Remember to include the name of the event, where it is located, the time of the event, the price, and any other information you want to share.

Find out what events are happening in your state by visiting: http://www.smithsonianjazz.org
/jam/jam_calendar.asp#other_jam_events

If your school is one of the many to visit Washington, D.C. in April, you might want to check out the many free events celebrating Jazz Appreciation that the Smithsonian is sponsoring. Find the calendar of scheduled events here: http://americanhistory.si.edu/events/programdetail.cfm?newskey=500

Posters for Your Classroom
Every year the Smithsonian issues a poster to commemorate Jazz Appreciation Month. Teachers can receive free copies of the poster for their classrooms, while supplies last. The 2008 poster features Ella Fitzgerald, "The First Lady of Song," with an illustration by the American artist Jeffrey Fulvimari. You can view the poster here: http://www.smithsonianjazz.org/jam/images/
JAM_2008_poster.pdf

In addition, there is some remaining stock for past posters as well. To review previous year's posters got to: http://www.smithsonianjazz.org/jam/jam_posters.asp. Send your request for free posters to jazz@si.edu. Remember to include your name, address, and the number of posters you would like to receive.

Lesson Plans and Web Sites worth Checking Out

Elementary Level

• PBS has created an interactive Web site with a band that allows students to hear how different instruments sound, a timeline of significant events in jazz history, and short biographies of the "great ones" of jazz. The site also includes a section with lesson plans that integrate jazz and jazz history into the core content areas of English language arts, math, and social studies. http://pbskids.org/jazz
• The Smithsonian Jazz Class includes audio clips of some of the jazz greats demonstrating the techniques they are known for. The site also includes lesson plans for elementary through middle school students. http://www.smithsonianjazz.org/class/jc_start.asp

Secondary Level

• The Jazz in Schools program (created by the National Endowments of the Arts and Jazz at the Lincoln Center) is a Web-based curriculum and DVD toolkit that explores Jazz as an indigenous American art form and as a means to understand American history. The Web site includes an interactive timeline that includes specific events in music and jazz history in the context of American history. The site also includes a section on major artists as well as jazz audio clips. High school music teachers and high school librarians can register and order a FREE DVD toolkit that includes lesson plans, audio clips, and slideshows. http://www.neajazzintheschools.org
• Jazz, a film by Ken Burns, is highlighted in this Web site maintained by PBS. In addition to providing lesson plans that integrate jazz history into core content areas, this site includes numerous activities including an interactive map where students can learn about the roots of jazz in clubs and cities across the U.S., and a section that explores the basics of music and how jazz breaks the rule in the Jazz Lab. Users can also try out their keyboarding skills on the virtual piano. http://www.pbs.org/jazz/index.htm

Tools for Promoting Jazz Appreciation Month in Your Community
The Smithsonian Institute has developed a variety of materials for teachers to use to help promote jazz events in their schools and communities. The materials are provided in Word format so that you can personalize them with information about your event, your school logo, etc. You may want to include the JAM logo on any of your print promotions. The logo, designed by the Smithsonian Institute, is free to use on any of your news items or educational materials and can be accessed at: http://www.smithsonianjazz.org/jam/jam_logos.asp.

• Sample Press Release
  This press release will help inform the media about your event. Send the release to local media organizations to encourage coverage of your event.
• Sample Media Advisory
  Simply stated, the media advisory is an outline of the press release that quickly answers the basics—who, what, when, where, and why-of your event. The media advisory can also be customized to highlight a special aspect of your event. For example, if an important community figure will be attending your event, you may want to inform the media about this special photo opportunity.
• Sample Public Service Announcement (PSA)
  Two PSAs are provided for 15- and 30-second radio spots. These are a great way to inform the public about your event in a short amount of time. You might also want to use them during morning announcements at your school.