Lesson Plan
Scholastic

Scholastic: Teachers: Classroom Activities: Mardi Gras

For Teachers Pre-K - 1st
With these fun classroom activities, teachers can help their students to learn about Mardi Gras traditions. Make Mardi Gras masks and gumbo while enjoying blues, jazz and other traditional Mardi Gras music. Includes book recommendations.
Article
Scott Alexander

Lieutenant James Reese Europe: Songs Back From the Battle

For Students 9th - 10th
This site is an extensive biography of World War I African American soldier and jazz musician Lieutenant James Reese Europe. It includes much detail about Europe's life, experience in the military, and success as a bandleader. Photos,...
Website
Alabama Department of Archives and History

Alabama Department of Archives & History

For Students Pre-K - 1st
Separate Halls of Fame as established by the Alabama Legislature. Includes: business; international motorsports, military, press association, Alabama sports, women, teachers, music and much more.
Website
PBS

Pbs: American Masters: Quincy Jones

For Students 9th - 10th
PBS highlights American Masters in music and provides a thorough biography, feature essay, and career timeline on Jones.
Unit Plan
CommonLit

Common Lit: Duke Ellington

For Students 7th - 8th
CommonLit.org is a wonderful resource to use in a Language Arts classroom. Each story or article is accompanied by guided reading questions, assessment questions, and discussion questions. In addition, students can click on words to see...
Website
Library of Congress

Loc: America's Story: Robert "Bob" Fosse Was Born

For Students 3rd - 8th
This site is provided for by America's Library. Most of the dance that is seen today in music videos and dance clubs came from a man who lived more that 80 years ago. Learn more about this dance legend at this site from the Library of...
Handout
Dallas Symphony Orchestra

Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids: Aaron Copland

For Students 3rd - 8th
Aaron Copland (1900-1990 CE) was one of the first composers to put jazzy music into symphonic music, Copland was also one of the greatest American composers. Read more about him and his work. Use RealAudio or Windows Media Player to...
Website
Library of Congress

Loc: America's Story: Billie Holiday Was Born

For Students 9th - 10th
Billie Holiday is one of the most well-known blues singers of all time. Visit this Library of Congress site for more about her early years and some great photographs.
Graphic
Curated OER

Red Hot Jazz: The Origins of Jazz

For Students 9th - 10th
Red Hot Jazz outlines the origins of jazz, taking a look at the blend of cultures that existed in New Orleans at the turn of the century when jazz first emerged as a unique musical form. Includes links to additional information about...
Graphic
Curated OER

Red Hot Jazz: The Origins of Jazz

For Students 9th - 10th
Red Hot Jazz outlines the origins of jazz, taking a look at the blend of cultures that existed in New Orleans at the turn of the century when jazz first emerged as a unique musical form. Includes links to additional information about...
Graphic
Curated OER

The Red Hot Jazz Archives

For Students 9th - 10th
"The music called Jazz was born sometime around 1895 in New Orleans." Lots of information on jazz bands and musicians at this RedHotJazz.com site.
Graphic
Curated OER

The Red Hot Jazz Archive: Edward "Duke" Ellington

For Students 9th - 10th
A look at the fascinating life of Duke Ellington, with lots of links to related information. Listen to his music as you read about this great jazz musician.
Graphic
Curated OER

The Red Hot Jazz Archive: Edward "Duke" Ellington

For Students 9th - 10th
A look at the fascinating life of Duke Ellington, with lots of links to related information. Listen to his music as you read about this great jazz musician.
Graphic
Curated OER

Amg All Music Guide: Duke Ellington: Photograph

For Students Pre-K - 1st
Photo of famous jazz musician, Duke Ellington.
Handout
PBS

Classics for Kids: Scott Joplin

For Students 3rd - 8th
A short biography of Scott Joplin (1868-1917 CE). Click to the past radio shows to hear his music and learn more about this famous composer.
Lesson Plan
Alabama Learning Exchange

Alex: The Roaring Twenties

For Teachers 9th - 10th
This activity involves comparing turn of the century music with the music from the Jazz Age. Students will listen to musical selections and analyze how the change in the music reflects the change in cultural attitudes. They will also...
Handout
Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Comission

Explore Pa History: Dorsey Brothers

For Students 9th - 10th
A succinct biographical sketch that examines contributions to the jazz and swing eras by noted musicians, band leaders, and Pennsylvania natives, Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey.
Handout
Georgia Humanities Council and the University of Georgia Press.

New Georgia Encyclopedia: Fletcher Henderson 1897 1952

For Students 9th - 10th
Uncover biographical facts about African American jazz musician, Fletcher Henderson, who formed the first big band orchestra in the early 1920s.
Handout
PBS

Classics for Kids: George Gershwin

For Students 3rd - 8th
A short biography of George Gershwin (1898-1937 CE). Click to the past radio shows to hear his music and learn more about this famous composer.
Handout
Black Past

Black Past: Monk, Thelonius

For Students 9th - 10th
This encyclopedia entry gives a brief account of Thelonius Monk, jazz pianist, and his influence on the jazz scene.
Activity
Digital History

Digital History: Formation of Modern American Mass Culture

For Students 9th - 10th
A mass culture developed in America in the 1920s due to several factors. Read about the influence of radio, movies, and spectator sports in the adoption of common speech. Find out about the creativity of the time in literature and music.
Website
PBS

Pbs: American Masters: Lena Horne

For Students 9th - 10th
PBS profiles American jazz singer and actress Lena Horne's life and music. Includes video.
Website
Oswego City School District

Regents Prep: Entertainment

For Students 9th - 10th
Read about the impact of various forms of entertainment on the popular culture of the Jazz Age. The content is brief but informative.
Website
Other

The Unofficial Billie Holiday Website

For Students 9th - 10th
Even though it is unauthorized, this is an exceptional site about jazz singer Billie Holiday. Included in this site is information about her life, her music and other resources leading to this jazz legend.

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