Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Smithsonian Jazz Class: Ella Fitzgerald

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students play "Ella's Match Game" to learn an overview of Fitzgerald's life and career. In this Ella Fitzgerald lesson, students listen to excerpts of Fitzgerald's music and respond by creating writing prompts.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Smithsonian Jazz Class: Benny Carter

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students play "Benny's Match Game" to learn about the life and career of Benny Carter. Students listen to samples of Benny Carter's music and create written responses that evaluate his music.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Ella Fitzgerald

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students examine the life and music of Ella Fitzgerald. They participate in a matching game, explore an Internet website, and write in response to Ella Fitzgerald's music.
Article
Smithsonian Institution

National Museum of American History: History Wired: Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington

For Students 9th - 10th
Learn about the great big band leader Duke Ellington at this informative website. This site highlights his life and career in a well written article.
Handout
Smithsonian Institution

National Museum of American History: Archives Center: Duke Ellington: Biography

For Students 9th - 10th
A useful biographical note of Duke Ellington.
Unit Plan
Smithsonian Institution

National Museum of American History: Documents Gallery: Ellington and Strayhorn

For Students 9th - 10th
Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, two of the greatest jazz composers, collaborated on hundreds of works. As you explore this exhibition, you will have an opportunity to view original music scores, listen to audio clips, and view videos...
Lesson Plan
Smithsonian Institution

National Museum of American History: Smithsonian Jazz: Duke Ellington

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
This site provides audio clips, photos, and biographical information of this legendary composer and performer. A match game teaches and tests your knowledge of Ellington.
Activity
Smithsonian Institution

National Museum of American History: Smithsonian Jazz: Duke's Music Class

For Students 9th - 10th
Learn about jazz from the master, Duke Ellington. Three activities explore his role as jazz composer, orchestra leader, and pianist.
Website
Smithsonian Institution

National Museum of American History: Smithsonian Jazz

For Students 9th - 10th
Smithsonian Jazz is home to several online exhibits, an interactive "Duke Ellington class," recordings, publications, oral histories, and similar resources.
Graphic
Smithsonian Institution

National Postal Museum: Art of the Stamp: Duke Ellington

For Students 9th - 10th
View the artwork for a U.S. postage stamp issued in 1986 to commemorate famous jazz musician Duke Ellington. Includes a short biographical passage.
Website
Smithsonian Institution

National Portrait Gallery: Josephine Baker: Image and Icon

For Students 9th - 10th
A slideshow of more than a dozen photographic, drawn, and printed portraits of Josephine Baker, set to the music of Duke Ellington. An evocative encapsulation of Jazz Age celebrity.