Sophisticated Ladies

Learning about Jazz Through the work of Duke Ellington

“Doo, be, shoo, bop, ooh, dee, doo, sha-bam!” Katonah Elementary School’s students learned about jazz great Duke Ellington in an up close, live performance on the school’s stage.

Sophisticated Ladies, a musical review featuring Ellington’s most popular songs including “Take the A Train” and “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing,” was an exciting capstone to Black History Month. 

"The performance, generously funded by the PTO, was many students’ introduction to jazz,” said Principal Cristy Harris. “It was an immersive and memorable way to celebrate African American achievements.”

Exciting Capstone to Black History Month

  • singing and dancing

Time for a Q&A

  • asking questions

Learning About teamwork, practice and rising to the challenge

The show’s four performers, just feet away from the front row, did the Lindy Hop, led a scat singing contest, and shared the impact that the legendary pianist, composer and jazz band leader had on his time … and on ours, influencing artists including Lady Gaga and Beyoncé.

The show concluded with a Q&A with the performers. The elementary school students asked a wide range of questions including do you only perform jazz music, how did you set up the stage and how did you do all of these moves.

The performers’ answers highlighted teamwork, practice and rising to the challenge—all hallmarks of Duke Ellington’s life and attributes students aspire to each day.