Curated OER
Giants of American Music
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.
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
"West Side Story"
In this music history worksheet, students discover the musical "West Side Story" by first reading a summary of the plot. Students answer 5 questions about the story line. Students then read and analyze the lyrics to "America" and discuss...
Curated OER
Welcome to Leonard Bernstein's New York
Students study the life and musical work of Leonard Bernstein. They examine the history of New York City using three Broadway musicals in a web based lesson. They create a portrayal of their own town in this multi-lesson activity.
Library of Congress
Loc: West Side Story: Birth of a Classic
View the online exhibit featuring photographs, documents--opening night telegraphs, letters, notes by Jerome Robbins and Leonard Bernstein, set designs--and other items such as posters, DVD covers, and a pair of slippers worn in the...
Library of Congress
Loc: The Leonard Bernstein Collection
The online version of the Library of Congress' collection. Content includes more than 400,000 items, including music and literary manuscripts, correspondence, photographs, audio and video recordings, fan mail, and other types of...
Other
The Official Leonard Bernstein Site
As the Official site, there are recordings, lectures, letters, photos, publications, scripts, etc. that are unavailable elsewhere. Links to the Library of Congress' Leonard Bernstein Collection, another excellent source.
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: Leonard Bernstein
This site explores the life of Leonard Bernstein. It provides an overview of his life and accomplishments, followed by articles addressing his overnight success, creation of "West Side Story," and radio concerts for children.
Leonard Bernstein Office
West Side Story
This official West Side Story website offers a synopsis of the play, lyrics for all of the songs, information about the creators, and various productions, and much more. The site is created by Jamie Bernstein, Leonard Bernstein's daughter.
National Endowment for the Humanities
Neh: Edsit Ement: More Amazing Americans: A Web Quest
In this lesson plan, students will consider "More Amazing Americans: A WebQuest." The plan includes worksheets and other student materials that can be found under the resource tab. A few of the famous Americans include Leonard Bernstein,...
Yale University
Yale New Haven Teachers Inst.: Am. Musical Theater: Making It Work in Classroom
A great lesson plan for introducing the musical to students. Great bibliography.
Other
Wfmt (Network Chicago): Leonard Bernstein
In their "An American Life" segment, WFMT spotlights Leonard Bernstein in an eleven part documentary series. In addition to a brief biographical overview, audio clips and segments are provided.
Library of Congress
Loc: American Treasures: Something's Coming
Inspiration for the song "Something's Coming" from "West Side Story" came from a speech Arthur Laurents had written for the character Tony in his libretto for the musical.
PBS
Pbs: American Masters: Leonard Bernstein
A brief biography of American composer Leonard Bernstein is presented here. Read the highlights of his career and contributions to music.
Library of Congress
Loc: The Leonard Bernstein Collection
This site from the Library of Congress provides information on perhaps the most important American musical figure of the 20th century has over 400,000 items housed in the Library of Congress. Photographs, his famous Young People's...
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.
Songwriters Hall of Fame
Songwriters Hall of Fame: Leonard Bernstein
This resource provides information about Leonard Bernstein.
Black Past
Black Past: Watts, Andre
This encyclopedia article gives a brief biography of Andre Watts, the first internationally known black classical pianist.
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.
PBS
Classics for Kids: Leonard Bernstein
Classics For Kids provides a short biography of Modern composer Leonard Bernstein, born on August 25, 1918.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids: Leonard Bernstein
Resource about Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990 CE), American musician/composer/conductor. Learn how he became famous just because another conductor was ill. Listen to some of his work using RealAudio or Windows Media Player.
My Hero Project
My Hero: Stephen Sondheim
The creator of music for "West Side Story" and "A Little Night Music," Stephen Sondheim is described in this article as one of the most innovative composers and lyricists of our time.
John F. Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center: Leonard Bernstein
This site from The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts provides an excellent overview on the life and musical accomplishments of composer Leonard Bernstein is found at this site.
Curated OER
New York Philharmonic: Kid Zone! Images: Leonard Bernstein
Line drawing of Leonard Bernstein.