'Hawkins' documents a school year in the life of jazz teacher and stand-up bassist Marshall Hawkins. In the course of the year, talented but inexperienced young musicians from many countries learn how to listen, take chances, and feel, as they develop into a prize-winning jazz ensemble. We also get glimpses into Marshall's past life as an African-American jazzman who spent years touring with jazz greats including Miles Davis, Roberta Flack, and Herbie Hancock. Along with the students we catch the drift of Marshall's teaching that music is life, and if deeply lived, can be a force to bring people together and overcome racism and other forms of separation.