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Coteaching Reading Comprehension Strategies in Elementary School Libraries: Maximizing Your Impact

Pathfinder: Jazz

Links selected by: Judi Moreillon, Ph.D.


The following links provide resources to support elementary school students' investigations into jazz music and musicians.

Picasso's cubist painting (1921): "Three Musicians"

AAA Musical Playground for Kids: The History of Jazz Music (Suggested by Sarah Neale - August 2018)

History of Jazz on the Same Day Music Web Site (Suggested by Ms. Rivera and her students - Janaury 2011)

Jazz terms available from the Jazz in America Website

Jazz Education: Timeline by Eve Hullett (Suggested by Nicole in Mrs. Crawford's after school class - June 2012)

Web Sites for Learning about Jazz Musicians:

Louis Armstrong

Also known as "Satchmo" or "Pops," Louis Armstrong began his jazz musician career as a trumpet player and ended it as the best known jazz singer of his time. Some people say he invented jazz singing.

Satchmo.Net - The Official Site of the Louis Armstrong House & Archives
Includes his biography, information about his house in Queens, New York, and the Satchmo archives (documents including instruments, music, photographs, and awards).

Ephemera Press: The Queens Jazz Trail - This site tells about a walking tour that can take you to the homes and burial places of famous jazz musicians, including Louis Armstrong.

All About Jazz - Use "Search" to find Louis Armstrong's Biography

Kristen's Painting
by Kristen
   

Duke Ellington

Nicknamed "Duke," Edward Kennedy Ellington played his piano for royalty and for everyday people. He was a great composer as well as a musician.

All About Jazz - Use "search to find Duke Ellington's Biography

 

 

Dakota's Painting
by Dakota

John Coltrane

John Coltrane played the clarinet before he found the alsto saxophone. He was influenced by the tenor saxophonist Lester Young who played with Count Basie's Band. "Train" played with Dizzy Gillespie and Miles Davis before forming his own quartet.

Official Site - Biography, photos, movies (that include other jazz artists!)

All About Jazz - Use "search" to find John Coltrane's Biography

 

Amber's Painting
by Amber

Miles Davis

Miles Davis started taking trumpt lessons when he was twelve. His mother was a music teacher. Just after he graduated from high school, Miles was allowed to sit in with Billy Eckstine's band, which included Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie "Bird" Parker.

Miles Davis, the "Picasso of Jazz" by Pedro Jerónimo   

All About Jazz - Use "search" to find Miles Davis's Biography

Dizzy Gillespie

"Dizzy" Gillespie's real name was John Birks Gillespie. He earned this nickname because he enjoyed being silly on stage!

All About Jazz - Use "search" to find Dizzy Gillespie's Biography

 

 

Zoi's Painting
by Zoi

Charlie Parker

Charlie "Yardbird" Parker was known for his innovative improvisations. He played his last performance at a New York City club called Birdland, named in his honor.

ClickitTicket - "Charlie 'Yardbird' Parker" by Jason OConnor - Biography, photos, videos

All About Jazz - Use "search" to find Charlie Parker's Biography

 

Zach's Painting
By Zach

Fifth-grade students at Gale Elementary School in Tucson, Arizona, engaged in this unit of study and contributed the jazz paintings to this page. Tracy Lynn Ross is their art instructor.

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Launched: March 2007
Updated: 6 June 2019