“Jazz up your English” Brings American Jazz to School Students in Melaka

Participants taking a photo shot with their “Jazz Master” John Slover Embassy Political Officer.

On April 25, to highlight Jazz Appreciation Month, Political Officer John Slover, introduced American Jazz to 40 school students form Wen Hua Primary School at Melaka Botanical Garden for an English enhancement session called “Jazz Up Your English” organized by Lincoln Corner Melaka in partnership with Kampung Buku Malaysia.   In a lively presentation, John inspired his young audience to gain an appreciation for Jazz by walking through the History of Jazz, playing jazz music from the 1930’s to date, tips to compose lyrics and learn the rhythm of Jazz. 

A highlight for attendees at this program was the rare opportunity to meet face to face with an American and learn about Jazz, “Born in the U.S., Enjoyed by the World.”  The youngsters learned new vocabulary, including Jazz terms, and practiced their newly inspired skills by writing their own lyrics and  improvising music by making their own sounds under the mentorship of their new favorite “Jazz Master” John Slover.  The participants received copies of a State Department publication entitled, “American Lives,” as well as articles from American Popular Music.