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Lesson Plan
National Endowment for the Humanities

Neh: Edsit Ement: Learning the Blues

For Teachers 9th - 10th
This lesson plan introduces young scholars to the blues. The origin and development of the blues is explored as well as its distinctive structure.
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Handout
Other

Down Beat: Cecil Taylor

For Students 9th - 10th
A detailed site containing information in the following sections: photos, biography, and archived news articles about avant-garde pianist/composer Cecil Taylor.
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Handout
Other

Down Beat: Albert Ayler

For Students 9th - 10th
A detailed article containing the following sections: biography, discography, photos, and news articles about Albert Ayler.
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Handout
Songwriters Hall of Fame

Songwriters Hall of Fame: Scott Joplin

For Students 9th - 10th
This resource provides information about Scott Joplin.
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Website
Digital History

Digital History: The Roaring Twenties [Pdf]

For Students 9th - 10th
Read this comprehensive look at the Roaring Twenties, or Jazz Age. Read about Prohibition and its ramifications, women's gains, entertainment, and literature. Also find out about the resurgence of racial unrest and violence. A very good...
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Handout
PBS

Pbs: Independent Lens: Life, Music, Photos of M. Hinton

For Students 9th - 10th
Jazz bassist Milt Hinton is also known for the many photographs he has taken of legendary musicians. This site by PBS provides a biography, music samples and some of the pictures taken by this talented man.
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Website
Independence Hall Association

U.s. History: Books and Movies

For Students 5th - 8th
A look at the literature and movies written and produced in the Jazz Age. See how the writers of the age reflected the consumer society and the emptiness of middle class. Movies appealed to mass culture and millions went to the movies...
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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.
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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.
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Primary
Library of Congress

Loc: The Gerry Mulligan Collection

For Students 9th - 10th
A collection of scores, recordings, and memorabilia of the jazz great Gerry Mulligan.
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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.
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Handout
Other

Down Beat Magazine: Clifford Brown

For Students 9th - 10th
Although he died at the young age of 25, Clifford Brown was one of the best trumpet players in jazz. Read a brief biography, view pictures and view a list of his recordings.
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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.
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Website
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Miles Davis

For Students 9th - 10th
Biographical details on jazz musician Miles Davis, a 2006 inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Includes a timeline and key songs.
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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.
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Handout
Black Past

Black Past: Ellington, Edward "Duke"

For Students 9th - 10th
Duke Ellington's prominence as one of the greatest American composers and key figure in the development of the genre of jazz is highlighted in this encyclopedia entry.
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Handout
Black Past

Black Past: Henderson, Fletcher Hamilton, Jr.

For Students 9th - 10th
This is a brief encyclopedia entry about Fletcher Henderson, jazz musician.
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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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Handout
Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Comission

Explore Pa History: Billie Holiday

For Students 9th - 10th
Examine the life and historical contributions of renown jazz vocalist and Pennsylvania native, Billie Holiday in this concise biography.
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Handout
PBS

Pbs American Masters: Sarah Vaughan

For Students 9th - 10th
An informative biography of jazz singer Sarah Vaughan (1924-1990 CE) is presented highlighting her long musical career.
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Website
PBS

Pbs: American Masters: George Balanchine

For Students 9th - 10th
From the PBS series, American Masters, this is the biography for the American jazz dancer and choreographer, George Balanchine.
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Website
Other

Amg: All Music Guide: Duke Ellington

For Students 9th - 10th
This resource presents an overview of the musical career of Duke Ellington tells the chronological story of his rise to fame as an American jazz musician.
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Handout
Black Past

Black Past: Fitzgerald, Ella

For Students 9th - 10th
This encyclopedia entry details the life of Ella Fitzgerald, the incredible jazz singer.
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Handout
Black Past

Black Past: Holliday, Billie

For Students 9th - 10th
This encyclopedia entry tells of Billie Holliday's life. She was, perhaps, the most accomplished jazz vocalist. There is a link to a PBS website for further information.

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