"It Might as Well Be Spring," by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, won the Academy Award for Best Original Song eighty years ago this week, in 1946.  It was featured in the film musical “State Fair,” and is fondly remembered for its wistful lyrics having to do with spring fever.  Many musicians over the years have taken the last word of the title and created albums called “It Might as Well Be Swing.” 

We officially entered the season of spring on Friday, March 20. And traditionally, spring also means … Swing!  March is Arts Education Month and Music in Our Schools Month, and April is Jazz Education Month. 

Michael Bird is an assistant professor of music at Faulkner University.