JazzReach brings the legacy of Miles Davis to Georgetown County students

More than 900 elementary students across the Georgetown County School District were transported through a century of American history this week, tracing the life and rhythmic innovations of jazz legend Miles Davis.

The educational outreach program was organized by the Pawleys Island Festival of Music & Art (PIFMA) and made possible by a grant from The Bunnelle Foundation. The funding supported a residency by JazzReach, a nationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to the “promotion, performance, and teaching of jazz.”

Throughout the day, all fourth and fifth-grade students in the district attended one of two hour-long multimedia presentations. The high-energy shows combined a live band with a narrated video chronicle of Davis’ life, from his birth to his death, highlighting his transformative influence on both the genre and global culture.

Organizers noted that the program did more than just introduce students to music; it served as a primary source for connecting artistic expression to 20th-century American history.

“The students loved it,” organizers said, describing the atmosphere as “incredible.”

The educational outreach was followed by an evening performance for the broader community. The Metta Quintet, the resident elite performing ensemble of JazzReach, presented a live concert at The Village House. The performance was featured as part of the Lee Minton Series, offering a sophisticated capstone to a day defined by musical exploration.

By bringing world-class performers to local students, the initiative underscored a commitment to pushing the boundaries of live jazz while ensuring the next generation remains connected to America’s signature art form.

All Photos Credit: Phillip Hall Media