Dizzy Gillespie's B–flat Trumpet

Grade Range: K-12
Resource Type(s): Artifacts, Primary Sources
Date Posted: 1/29/2009

This custom-made "Silver Flair" trumpet belonged to renowned trumpeter, bandleader, and composer John Birks "Dizzy" Gillespie, a founder of the modern jazz style known as bebop. Renowned for his musical virtuosity and for his impish good humor and wit, Gillespie played this trumpet in the early 1980s. Its uniquely shaped upturned bell was Gillespie's internationally known trademark.

Use this Investigation Sheet to guide students through describing the object and analyzing its meaning.


Instructional Strategies