Jenkins Orphanage Bands

Miss Bee Jackson does the “Charleston” while the Jenkins Orphanage Band plays in the background. Other scenes include Ms. Jackson teaching young women how to dance, children dancing, a closeup of the trombone players, and a high shot of people dancing in the street in front of the Jenkins Orphanage.

The Jenkins Orphanage Band of Charleston has been recognized as one of the country’s important Jazz “incubators”. This Fox Movietone News film is the earliest extant sound recording of the band. Brass and percussion ensemble composed of band members performing on sidewalk. Close ups of the youthful musicians playing their instruments. Shots of boys and girls dancing in front of band.