And All That Jazz...

Focus: Writing, History through Jazz
Genre: Biographical sketches

PBS - Jazz Kids: Lesson Page
http://www.pbs.org/jazz//kids/lesson/chops_and_axes.html

A Jazz Lesson

 

Grades: 4-8

Subject areas: Music, History, Language Arts, and Theatre

Summary:
Students will explore the lives of various jazz musicians. They will become familiar with the social and historical events that were present during the lives of these individuals. They will listen to the music of the artists and become knowledgeable about their styles. This activity will culminate in the production of a news/talk show created and performed by the students highlighting the lives of these musical figures.

Objectives:

• Students will listen to, analyze, and describe music.
• Students will gain an understanding of music in relation to history and culture.
• Students will gain experience in theatre arts skills.
• Students will gain experience in the general skills and strategies of writing.
• Students will gain experience in the general skills and strategies of reading.
• Students will use the Internet to do research.

A Fun Activity to Follow Up: Guide students to perform a "Jazz Talk Show" through which they can either present the information they gathered or even dress up and act as their researched musician!

Benefits: Encourages students to be well-prepared, make eye contact with other students, practice speaking skills, and even act out a part as a talk show host!