Smithsonian's History Explorer Resources Related To "Reading Ballet for Martha"

An American Story in Dance and Music Homepage

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 17:29:04 GMT

In 1943, Martha Graham, Aaron Copland, and Isamu Noguchi created Appalachian Spring, a ballet that told the story of an American pioneer community. By using this OurStory module, children and adults can enjoy exploring this history through children's literature, museum objects, and hands-on activities. Focused around Ballet for Martha an award-winning work of children's literature about the collaboration of three artists to create an American masterpiece, the module includes links to hands-on activities and a list of recommended readings for further exploration.

¡Azúcar! The Life and Music of Celia Cruz Homepage

Fri, 20 Jul 2012 11:49:15 GMT

Explore the life of Celia Cruz, a world-renowned Latina musician, in this online exhibition. An enormous talent who had an impeccable sense of rhythm and an inimitable style, Celia Cruz became an influential and legendary musical figure both in her native country of Cuba, and the United States, her adopted country. Students will connect her life to a variety of subjects including immigration, history, geography, music theory, music history, and art. A non-flash version of the site is available at http://americanhistory.si.edu/celiacruz/printable/.

Join America at Play

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 12:30:30 GMT

Discover America's favorite pastimes, sports and hobbies through the use of brief articles, images, video and audio clips, trivia questions and an interactive game entitled "Batter Up." Students will gain a unique perspective of American history by using this resource from the Library of Congress. Explore the history of some of America's most popular activities with sections on dance, baseball, vacationing, quilting and patriotic celebrations.

Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn: Jazz Composers

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 18:33:43 GMT

Through brief biographies of the composers, primary source documents, and media clips, students will learn about the collaboration of these two great jazz composers and the process involved in writing and recording two of the most celebrated jazz pieces. This website examines two jazz standards, each one its author's most-recorded piece: Caravan, written in 1936 by Duke Ellington and Juan Tizol, and Take the "A" Train, composed in 1941 by Billy Strayhorn.

Music, Poetry and History: The National Anthem

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 15:56:25 GMT

The national anthem describes an actual event in American history. In this classroom activity, students will be able to recite the first verse and paraphrase "The Star-Spangled Banner." Students will also be able to explain why Francis Scott Key wrote these words in 1814. This activity is included in the online exhibition entitled The Star-Spangled Banner: The Flag that Inspired the National Anthem.