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Worksheet
Curated OER

Giants of American Music

For Students 5th - 6th
In this music worksheet, learners answer questions about composers George Gershwin, Aaron Copland, John Philip Sousa, and Leonard Bernstein. Students also reflect on why they are called the Giants of American Music.
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Worksheet
Curated OER

Giants of American Music

For Students 2nd - 3rd
In this music worksheet, students match a description with the following composers: George Gershwin, Aaron Copland, John Philip Sousa, Leonard Bernstein. Students also reflect on why they are called Giants of American Music.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

George Gershwin

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Pupils explore the life and accomplishments of George Gershwin. They listen to Latin rhythms and practice the rhythmic parts. Students identify Latin instruments George Gershwin added to the orchestra. After practice, they perform a...
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Handout
National Arts Centre (Canada)

National Arts Centre: Arts Alive: Music Resources: Famous Composers

For Students 3rd - 8th
Visit this site to read about the life and works of great composers such as Ludwig van Beethoven, Franz Schubert, Igor Stravinsky, George Gershwin, plus many more!
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Handout
PBS

Classics for Kids: Gershwin Biography

For Students 3rd - 8th
A brief biography of American composer, George Gershwin.
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Website
Other

The Official George & Ira Gershwin Web Site

For Students 9th - 10th
Brothers George and Ira Gershwin had a large impact on American music. Visit their official website that includes biographies, a timeline and a jukebox to listen to their music.
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Activity
Read Works

Read Works: Program Notes Rhapsody in Blue

For Students 8th
[Free Registration/Login Required] This PDF is the Program Notes from The New York Philharmonic's production of "Rhapsody in Blue" by George Gershwin. It provides information about Gershwin and his writing of the "jazz concerto." It is...
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Activity
Read Works

Read Works: Notes on the Program: Cuban Overture

For Students 11th - 12th
[Free Registration/Login Required] This PDF is the Program Notes from The New York Philharmonic's production of "Cuban Overture" by George Gershwin. It provides information about Gershwin and his writing of the "Cuban Overture." It is...
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Website
Library of Congress

Loc: The Gershwin Legacy: George and Ira Gershwin

For Students 9th - 10th
With their famous music and lyrics, the Library of Congress presents an in depth exhibit of primary source materials from the Gershwin brothers.
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Lesson Plan
Yale University

Yale New Haven Teachers Inst.: Am. Musical Theater: Making It Work in Classroom

For Teachers 9th - 10th
A great lesson plan for introducing the musical to students. Great bibliography.
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Handout
PBS

Encyclopedia of Composers & Songwriters

For Students 9th - 10th
A great resource for learning about some of America's greatest composers and songwriters. From Irving Berlin to George Gershwin, among other, this resource provides biographies, pictures and some video.
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Interactive
Quia

Quia: Composer Timeline

For Students 6th - 8th
Try to put this list of nine famous composers in order from the earliest to the most recent. If you need help, click on "Give me a hint," or check your answers at the end of the quiz.
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Website
PBS

Pbs Great Performances: Porgy and Bess an American Voice

For Students 9th - 10th
Revisit the original production of "Porgy and Bess" with interviews, photos, and stories never told. Although the site doesn't have any clips from the musical, it does provide links where you can find them.
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Website
PBS

Pbs: American Masters: George Gershwin

For Students 9th - 10th
The PBS series American Masters features composer George Gershwin. Highlights of his influential career are documented.
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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.
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Handout
Dallas Symphony Orchestra

Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids: Listen by Composer: George Gershwin

For Students 3rd - 8th
A brief overview of composer George Gershwin, accompanied with audio samples of his music.
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Handout
Dallas Symphony Orchestra

Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids: Listening Library

For Students 3rd - 5th
At this resource listen to a selection of audio clips that feature the works of a full range of composers and a full orchestra of instruments. Scroll down an alphabetical list to find the composer or instrument you want, then choose the...
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Handout
Classical Net

Classical Net: George Gershwin

For Students 9th - 10th
A short biography and many related links are included on this page about American composer, George Gershwin.
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Handout
Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Comission

Explore Pa History: William Strayhorn

For Students 9th - 10th
Examine the historical contributions made to the jazz world by this noted composer and arranger from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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Handout
PBS

Classics for Kids: George Gershwin

For Students 4th - 8th
Classics For Kids provides a short biography of Modern composer George Gershwin, born on September 26, 1898. This site also includes an opportunity to listen to a song composed by Gershwin.
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Graphic
Smithsonian Institution

National Postal Museum: Art of the Stamp: Ira and George Gershwin

For Students 9th - 10th
View the artwork for a U.S. postage stamp issued in 1999 to commemorate American composers George and Ira Gershwin. With a short passage highlighting their collaborated efforts.
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Handout
Dallas Symphony Orchestra

Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids: George Gershwin

For Students 3rd - 8th
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...
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Handout
Other

Gershwin fan.com

For Students 9th - 10th
The site is a commercial one designed to sell Gershwin books, recordings, etc. Also included is great information on both George and Ira such as a detailed biography, photos, etc.
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Graphic
Curated OER

George Gershwin

For Students Pre-K - 1st
An image of George Gershwin.