Smithsonian's History Explorer Resources Related To "Jumpin' Jazz Concert"

Explore Your Theater

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 13:45:03 GMT

Field trips to a theater or dance studio are great ways to learn about performing arts in your neighborhood. In this activity, students will use discussion prompts and extension activity ideas to make the most of their visit. This activity is part of an OurStory module entitled An American Story in Dance and Music. OurStory is designed to help children and adults explore history together through the use of children's literature, museum objects, and hands-on activities.

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.

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.

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.

Reading Duke Ellington

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 12:55:19 GMT

Use this guide to actively read Duke Ellington: The Piano Prince and His Orchestra, a picture book biography of the Washington, DC native and jazz pioneer. Part of an OurStory module entitled Duke Ellington and Jazz, this activity includes discussion prompts, a glossary, and background information. OurStory is designed to help children and adults explore history together through the use of children's literature, museum collections, and hands-on activities.