More on the Blues...

The Blues has importance on a number of levels in American music history.

• A vehicle for story-telling
• A means of self-expression and improvisation
• a relatively easy-to-learn form that allowed for collaboration and musical negotiation
• A song-writing template that has been used throughout Rhythm and Blues and Rock styles.

Here is a link to more information, samples of blues lyrics and blues form templates. 

Just what is the Blues?

The Blues is one of the foundational musical styles of Jazz. The link below is to an essay that discusses the origins and stylistic characteristics of the Blues and what makes the Blues an important contributor to American music.

What is the Blues?

An essay about the origins of the blues.

Jazz History Vocabulary I

Here is a vocabulary list that comes from early Jazz. These terms, and people will be referenced throughout the course and assessed frequently.

GHS Jazz History Vocab I

Jazz Fantasia

Please read the poem Jazz Fantasia by Carl Sandburg
In this blog entry, I want you to discuss the poem.

• How does Sandburg treat instruments through his use of description?
• What do you think he intends the jazzmen to do when he tells them to "Go to it?"
• Describe what you think is going on in the 3rd stanza of this poem..."Moan like an autumn wind..."

I've linked the title with a page in which people are talking about the poem. You can reference that if you need help finding ideas on your own.
(100 word minimum)

New Orleans Jazz Funeral

The following video is from the New Orleans Funeral of the musician "Snooks" Eaglin. 
Describe what is going on in this video. 
What are your thoughts on this type of celebration for a funeral service?

Improvisation

Improvisation is one of the pillar elements of jazz. The ability to compose music on the spot is not unique to jazz. It has been said that Bach and Mozart and many other Classical and Baroque composers were excellent improvisers. While we have the compositions these people wrote, their attempts at improvisation have been lost to time.

Improvisation is something we use everyday in all aspects of life. 

Please discuss how you might use improvisation regularly. (Keep in mind improvisation we are talking about doesn’t have to be limited to music.) A person trapped on a desert island might have to improvise a shelter or a means to gather food and water.

Jazz: Window On America

You've read the NEA Lesson 1 Essay on the origins of Jazz and the Quotations found within the NEA Website.
Please respond to the following question...

How has Jazz defined or redefined what it means to be an American? Use the quotes, the essay and any class discussion to inform your response.Your response should be at least 100 words. Please use google docs to write your paper.

Where did this music come from?

Listen to the song Po' Lazarus. As you read the lyrics and listen, what are your thoughts on this music? What do you think is happening while the singers perform the song? Be sure to point out anything you think might add to the discussion of this song.

Jazz History: First Day Thoughts

How would you describe your relationship with music?                           

• I am thoroughly familiar with the entire scope of all musical endeavorssince the dawn of man           
• I have played an instrument/ sung before and can read and understand music
• I can play the radio but that is about it
• Music scares me                                               
• I like music but only really know about the stuff I listen to

                                                                       

What is your definition of music?

What is Jazz music? 

Why are we studying it? 

If you think you've heard jazz before,

please describe what you've heard.

Please respond to these prompts with substantive answers ("I don't know" or "yes" are not substantive)