Smithsonian's History Explorer Resources Related To "History Explorer Podcast: Mary Lou Williams, Jazz Master"

Duke Ellington and Jazz Homepage

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 18:34:25 GMT

Children and adults can enjoy exploring the story behind one of America’s pioneers of jazz music, Duke Ellington, through children's literature, museum collections, and hands-on activities. Focused around Duke Ellington: The Piano Prince and His Orchestra, a picture book biography of the Washington, DC native, the module includes links to hands-on activities and a list of recommended readings for further exploration.

Groovin' to Jazz 12-15

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 11:02:52 GMT

In this music activity, students will learn how to listen to and appreciate authentic jazz recordings by listening to fifteen recordings by jazz greats and reading brief introductions that discuss the relevance of the songs as well as how to listen to them.

Groovin' to Jazz 8-13

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 15:50:39 GMT

In this music activity, students will learn how to listen to and appreciate authentic jazz recordings by listening to sixteen recordings by jazz greats and reading brief introductions that discuss the relevance of the songs as well as how to listen to them.

Treasures of American History: American Identity

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 14:57:07 GMT

In this section of the online exhibition entitled Treasures of American History, students will explore the diverse roots of American culture as well as common experiences shared across lines of race, ethnicity, and region. They will learn how culturally, Americans have defined themselves in many ways—through artistic expression, ethnic traditions, work and play, and home and community life. A Spanish version of the exhibition is available on the exhibition's homepage.

History Explorer Podcast: Exploring the Electric Guitar

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 17:34:10 GMT

In this episode of the History Explorer podcast series, learn about the invention of this fascinating instrument as Exhibition Program Manager Monica Smith discusses the history of the guitar and those involved in its creation. The Teacher’s Guide includes links to the podcast in two formats and related images.

History Explorer Podcast: Remembering John Levy

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 11:04:35 GMT

Though not as well-known as figures such as Duke Ellington or Ella Fitzgerald, John Levy made significant contributions to jazz music, both as a bassist and as the first black personal manager in jazz. In this episode of History Explorer, Sarah Coffee interviews Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra Director Ken Kimery about Levy's story and legacy. Ken discusses how he uses John's oral history, available at smithsonianjazz.org, to teach about topics ranging from segregation to prohibition, to finding one's musical "voice." This resource set includes a teachers guide and student worksheet.