PBS
Broadway and The American Dream
Considering a unit study of American Musical Theatre? What better way to start than at the very beginning. Eight pairs of cards provide class members with background information about the genre from 1893 through 2004. The cards are...
Curated OER
From Page to Stage
Students, utilizing video clips and Web sites, compare specific passages from original texts to moments in Broadway musicals on which they were based, analyzing similarities and differences between them. They adapt literature into a...
Curated OER
Writing With Punch
Students watch the series "Unforgiveable Blackness". They examine the media's response to Jack Johnson in the film. They role-play the role of reporters to compose poems of headlines.
Curated OER
"We'd Like to Thank You, Herbert Hoover"
Young scholars examine video clips and Web sites related to relevant productions, study song lyrics, and compare and contrast actual history with Broadway history. They create lyrics for a new song based on a contemporary or historical...
Curated OER
Unionized We Stand
Young scholars compose a statement of basic rights to protect their own health and well-being. They research the history, power and purpose of unions in the United States before creating their own union to promote the interests of students.
Education World
Every Day Edit - George Gershwin
In this everyday editing instructional activity, students correct grammatical mistakes in a short paragraph about George Gershwin. The errors range from capitalization, punctuation, spelling, and grammar.
Curated OER
Georgia O'Keefe - A Unit for Grades 9-12
SStudents view examples of O'Keef's work and watch a video about her life. They use colored pencil to create a 6" x 6" reproduction of a 2" x 2" square cut from a magazine picture, finding and using the most interesting shapes in the...
iTheatrics and Broadway
School of Rock the Musical: Education Guide
That old fashioned rock and roll comes alive as theatre arts students prepare to attend a live performance of the musical School of Rock. Packed with both pre- and post-production materials, the guide has it all. Rock on!
Curated OER
"Mambo" from West Side Story by Leonard Bernstein
Students encounter and study "Mambo" from "West Side Story," by Leonard Bernstein. They practice utilizing musical elements (instrumentation, tempo, and dynamics) to create a certain mood for a scene with music. Each student interprets...
Curated OER
Introduction to Musical Theater
Students made oral presentations of a famous muscial theater performance. They research the musical, view selections, and listen to music.
PBS
Pbs: Broadway: The American Musical: Operetta
As part of a larger look at the American musical, this brief look at the popularity of the operetta in the last part of the 19th century discusses why it was so popular with the middle class. Included is a short video that discusses...
American Academy of Achievement
Academy of Achievement: Stephen Sondheim
A biography of Stephen Sondheim, a Broadway composer and lyricist who won several Tony Awards as well as a Pulitzer Prize. Includes a profile, videos, and a photo gallery.
Other
Todd & Sharon Peach: Oscar Hammerstein on Jerome Kern
This is a moving tribute for Jerome Kern after his death by friend and partner Oscar Hammerstein II. He discuss his life and impact.
Other
The Peaches: Todd's Irving Berlin Page
If you're interested in the lyrics of Irving Berlin's songs, then you may want to check this personal site out. Just click on the song title and find the lyrics as well as when, where, and why it was composed.
NPR: National Public Radio
Npr: A Centennial Tribute to Richard Rodgers
This site has a concise summary of the contributions of composer Richard Rodgers to American music and theater. Centennial tribute provides a brief biography and extensive exploration of the musical influences which shaped Rodgers career.
PBS
Classics for Kids: Leonard Bernstein
A short biography of Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990 CE). Click to the past radio shows to hear his music and learn more about this famous composer.
Other
Parlor Songs: Irving Berlin the Dean of American Songwriters
Read about the dean of American songwriters, Irving Berlin, along with lyrics from some of his famous tunes from the 20s and 30s era in American history.
Seymour Brody
Jewish Heroes in America: Leonard Bernstein
Presents a biographical summary of the life of conductor, composer, and pianist Leonard Bernstein. He composed music not only for symphonies, but also for Broadway (West Side Story) and operas.
John F. Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center: Andrew Lloyd Webber
Features comprehensive biographical details on "the most successful composer of our time", Andrew Lloyd Weber. His play, "The Phantom of the Opera", is the longest running musical in Broadway history and he has won an Oscar, a Golden...
PBS
Pbs American Masters: Richard Rodgers
This site has a comprehensive biography of the American composer. Site details Rodgers collaboration with lyricist Lorenz Hart and later work with Oscar Hammerstein. There is also the "Career Timeline" or the audio/video resources found...
Library of Congress
Loc: Today in History: February 13: Victor Herbert/ascap
This is an article discussing the founding of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP). It gives a detailed overview of it's first director, Victor Herbert.
American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise
Jewish Virtual Library: Irving Berlin
A brief biography featuring Irving Berlin's rise to fame as a prolific American songwriter in the 20s and 30s.
Other
Rodgers and Hammerstein Organization: Shows Collections: Irving Berlin
Detailed biography and discography of the work of songwriter, Irving Berlin.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids: George Gershwin
Interested in popular and serious music, Gershwin (1898-1937) played a big part in bringing jazz to a more important place in American music. He helped mix it with classical music in his compositions. Read more about his work, including...