Jumpin’ JaKs Pre-K Curriculum

Jazz Parade

Parades are a staple of the history and popularization of jazz as a cultural tradition and a musical art form. Parade bands would play music for nearly any event, from a wedding and Mardi Gras all the way to a funeral procession and recession. Arguably one of the most familiar parade songs is When the Saints Go Marching In. In a first line (the parade on the way to the funeral), it can be played slowly, mournfully, and introspectively. But during the second line (the parade on the way from the funeral), it is upbeat, joyous, and full of life as commemoration for the life lost.

A jazz parade is a great movement activity for young students to help them internalize and move with a steady beat, but to help them refocus after a challenging activity or wake them up if it’s late in the day. This activity can help students with following directions and identifying the sounds of jazz. A parade usually lasts about three minutes, just enough times to let students express themselves and take a few laps around the classroom. You do not need to parade for the full duration of a song if your students are unable to stay focused for that long.

Linked here are two versions of When the Saints Go Marching In that you could use for your Jazz Parade. Older students can spend time listening to both versions and comparing and contrasting the recordings.