Jump for Jazz: Behind the Scenes in 40 Columbus Pre-K Classrooms
WHAT IS JUMP FOR JAZZ?
The Jump for Jazz program, formerly known as Jumpin’ JaKs, is a cornerstone of early-childhood programming at Columbus Jazz. This pre-K program has served more than 4,500 students since 2011. Jump for Jazz was created alongside music educator Rebecca Ogden through a generous PNC Grow Up Great grant. Its core mission is fusing arts education with early childhood learning.
PNC Grow Up Great partners with educators and non-profit organizations across the country to bring high-quality programs and experiences to children from birth to age five. The 15-year collaboration reflects PNC’s continued trust in Columbus Jazz and the lasting impact of Jump for Jazz on young learners.
PNC Bank Central Ohio Regional President, Mary Auch says,
We are honored to support Columbus Jazz and its inspiring work with young learners, helping ensure every child has the opportunity to experience the joy and magic of music.
INTRODUCING STUDENTS TO JAZZ
In Jump for Jazz, students participate in a four-visit residency. This introduces kids aged 3-5 to jazz while developing crucial early childhood development skills including communication, literacy, and social-emotional skills.
Students explore the sounds of jazz each week through musical literacy activities and coloring sheets. They also receive their very own ‘Jazz Bear’ book to take home. Jazz Bear is the handsome, miniature mascot for our Jump for Jazz program. His theme song is astutely named, “Jazz Bear” and follows this character through a listening exploration of the jazz combo instruments.
Originally written by Ogden, “Jazz Bear” is based on the children’s favorite storybook by Bill Martin Jr., “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?”. This song is often heard at school assemblies long after program visits.
Hear Jazz Bear’s iconic theme song here. Jazz Bear often makes an appearance at the Columbus Jazz marketing table, see if you can spot him at the next gig!
Each Jump for Jazz residency culminates in an in-class, live performance by teaching artists and additional guest musicians. In 2026, Jump for Jazz students were introduced to instruments such as the trombone, piano, electric guitar, and clear crowd favorite – upright bass. Teachers note this as being the best part of the program, “The instruments! My students loved when they brought the instruments in to see and hear!”
HOW DOES JUMP FOR JAZZ REACH MORE STUDENTS?
Beginning in 2026, the Jump for Jazz curriculum was expanded. This included offering a track for General Needs Classrooms as well as an Alternative Curriculum with Special Needs adaptations. Along with continued training for teaching artists, these tailored tracks allow educators to support the needs of each student and their learning environment. A teacher from the Jump for Jazz program said, “We love the days when [Jump for Jazz] comes! It’s always a highlight and perfectly age appropriate.” The curriculum offers flexibility and accessibility for both students and educators in widely varied classroom settings.
WHAT IS THE LASTING IMPACT OF JUMP FOR JAZZ?
Since 2011, Jump for Jazz has visited over 400 classrooms in Columbus City Schools, Child Development Council of Franklin County, YWCA, and Salvation Army pre-K locations. Teachers enthusiastically embrace the program, sharing that its positive effects resonate in classrooms well past the final visit. As a 2025 Pre-K educator commented, “My children looked forward to the program each week. They had a ball reading the book as well as reading other books to Jazz bear. At our winter performance the kids recited the Jazz [Bear] Book for their parents.”
The 2026-2027 teaching artists are Maggie Green and Paul Strawser. Both Green and Strawser are professional musicians and educators who have robust teaching studios and work with Columbus Jazz on a multitude of projects including Columbus Jazz on Tour, Jam Sessions at Natalie’s, and Vocal Jazz Workshops.
Interested in learning more about the program? Learn more here and connect with the team.