A learning opportunity for grade 11&12 integrating media awareness and jazz music

1. A learning opportunity for grade 11&12 integrating media awareness and jazz music • Created by Jeff Saunders in Fall 2011

2. Table of Contents • Introduction • Task (product) • Process • Roles • Evaluation • Conclusion • Teacher’s Page • Credits

3. Introduction • Picture this: You are a writer for Downbeat Magazine, the most prestigious jazz-themed magazine in the country. You and your writing partner have just been handed an important assignment: three of New York City’s historic jazz clubs are advertising amazing shows all on the same night, and Downbeat needs to write an article on at least one. Lucky for your team, the decision is yours on which show to go see. Take into account your prior knowledge of jazz music, and choose a show that will be of greater interest to you and your partner.

4. Task • Visit one of the following jazz clubs! • The Cotton Club • The Blue Note • Birdland

5. Process • Now that you have watched your performance it’s time to write your article to be published in Downbeat. There must be two key elements apparent in your article: a review of the performance as a whole, and a biography of one key performer per group. These elements can be provided separately within the article (review followed by bios), or can be intertwined (for example: review 1, short bio 1, review 2, short bio 2 etc.). Use a proper word processor and be sure to include pictures. When writing articles it is important to always CITE YOUR SOURCES when taking pictures and information from the internet or books!!!

6. Roles • Reviewer • Biographer

7. Evaluation • Click here to view the group participation rubric • Click here to view the product rubric

8. Conclusion • Good work team. This article is sure to be a fan favourite! Keep an eye out for it on newsstands everywhere starting Monday. Now that you’ve written your first great review, you now know what it takes to observe and comment on jazz music, so remember to never stop listening. If you’d like to learn more about certain artists or styles never hesitate to ask your teacher, they’re looking out for your best musical interests!

9. Teacher’s Page • By doing this WebQuest, students are gaining knowledge of jazz history through observation of significant performances. By creating a magazine article the students are expressing their impression of the style, which will positively affect their playing by understanding the music’s context. • This WebQuest was designed for grade 11-12 jazz band students. The project should be spaced out across 4-5 days. • Students should be familiar with YouTube, as well as a word processor that can include text and images. • BC IRP for Music: Composition & Technology 11&12 • Music Observation- Media Awareness Network

10. Credits • Rubrics created by Rubistar • Videos accessed from youtube.ca • Images accessed from dgl.microsoft.com, otherwise noted: • http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f1/Birdland_New_York.jpg/320px-Birdland_New_York.jpg • http://www.inetours.com/New_York/Images/Famous/Blue_Note_4337.jpg • http://uptownflavor.files.wordpress.com/2007/06/cottoncb.jpg

11. Reviewer • After watching all three performances it will be your job to provide the review portion of the article. When reviewing a performance it is important to be mindful of several things: Which sub-genre of jazz am I observing? How does the instrumentation affect the performance? What sort of form (structure) does the song have? As well as these questions, you should be taking note of the soloing style of particular musician and asking yourself which characteristics define a style. Keep each tune to approximately a paragraph, with both an introduction and a conclusion in your review. Ensure your review is at least one page single spaced with 12 pt. font.

12. Biographer • After watching all three performances it will be your job to choose one performer from each of the groups (choosing the bandleader is usually the best way to go, as there will be more information out there) and write a paragraph highlighting key points of their career. These highlights could include how they got their start, important musicians they have played with, significant recordings etc. You ultimately want to have a companion piece to the review so the reader can gain some background knowledge on the performance. Ensure your biographies add up to one page single spaced with 12 pt. font.

13. Birdland • One night only! Three fabulous acts at one of NYC’s hottest spots: Birdland! Opening the show is the hard-swinging Benny Goodman Orchestra, followed by the bebop stylings of Charlie Parker & Dizzy Gillespie, and to cap off the event: jazz-fusion giants Weather Report! • Set #1 • Set #2 • Set #3

14. The Blue Note • Showcasing tonight at the Blue Note: the essential big band stylings of the Count Basie Orchestra, the renowned “second great quintet” of Miles Davis and a phenomenal lineup led by Michael Brecker! • Set #1 • Set #2 • Set #3

15. The Cotton Club • Harlem’s famous Cotton Club is the place to be tonight! Starting with the ever-popular host band of Duke Ellington, followed by the incredible jazz guitar of Wes Montgomery and Herbie Hancock’s Headhunters group to close! • Set #1 • Set #2 • Set #3