Objectives:
*Students will study the life of a famous jazz musician – William ‘Count’ Basie.
*Students will complete a quiz about Count Basie on our website.
*Students will complete one or two pages in the Alfred Basic Piano Library Level 1A (varies based on student level).
Materials:
Alfred 1A Piano Books, keyboards and related equipment, computers with our website posted, recording of a composition by Count Basie, worksheets – Unit 4 – Count Basie, from Meet the Great Jazz Legends.
Procedures:
1) The teacher will introduce Unit 4 – Count Basie (1904-1984). Students should read aloud the story of the life of Count Basie. The teacher will play a selection of music from Count Basie (One O’Clock Jump - MP3 - iTunes).
2) The students will complete the ‘Basics on Basie’ quiz on our website. http://www.musictechteacher.com/aq_count_basie/quizmaker.html. Record the grade for each student or have the student print the score if a printer is available. Lessons copyright www.musictechteacher.com.
3) Students will complete various pages in the Alfred Basic Piano Library Book 1 based on individual student progress. Video tape (digital camera) some of the students and post it immediately using the projector for review and feedback. (Example: 4th Grade – Page 33 – C Position – Left and Right Hands)
4) If time allows, students may play some of the other quizzes on our website related to other jazz musicians. A Jazz Musician Help Page is available on the site to read about other jazz musicians and listen to clips of music by each musician.
Ask students to notice.......
- From reading the story about Count Basie, did you find that his music and orchestra are still popular today?
- Name some of Basie’s famous compositions – (One O'Clock Jump, Jumpin' at the Woodside, Good Morning Blues, Swingin' the Blues).
- Do you think that it takes a lot of (hard) work to be in a band or orchestra today? (Yes! Musicians have to work together and practice their instruments or singing alone and with group practice for many hours to be able to perform the music in concerts.)
Evaluation…. - Students read aloud and answer questions successfully demonstrating knowledge about the life of Count Basie. Students will complete the Count Basie quiz with a score of 80 or higher.
