THE BLUES

Lesson 1

Teaching Artist: Dave Adewumi

This is the first lesson from the grades 2-5 Jazz and the World of Black American Music Course. Students will be introduced to the music of Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington. They will demonstrate knowledge of the blues and compose original blues lyrics.

SUMMARY

  • Summarize important information about Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong.

  • Recall information about the blues genre.

  • Compose an original blues piece.

  • Perform an original blues piece.

OBJECTIVE

MATERIALS

EXPLORE

  1. Display Google Slides: The Blues (2-5). Watch Louis Armstrong and the Blues [0:00-5:30] and About Duke Ellington [0:00-6:21] Ask students to share information about the early years of Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington. Ask: Where did Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington grow up? Can you explain whether you think he (they) had an easy or difficult childhood?

  2. Divide students into groups and ask them to brainstorm ways that Louis Armstrong overcame challenges.

  3. Create a t-chart on chart paper or an interactive board. On one side, write the word “Blues” and on the other side, write the word “Blue” (no “s”).  Watch the blues section of the video Louis Armstrong and the Blues [5:30-end]. Create a class list of words on the “Blues” side of the t-chart that describe what students heard in the video. Ask: What was the mood? How did the music make you feel? What colors did you see? How did your body move?

  4. Next, focus on the side of the t-chart with the word “Blue.” Ask: What are some things that are blue? What are some things that make you feel blue or sad? What were some ways that Louis Armstrong felt “blue?”

LEARN

  1. Divide students into groups of 2 or more and brainstorm topics for a blues song. For example: My dog ate my homework, We’re late to school, We don’t have recess today, I don’t like my lunch.

  2. Review Mr. Dave’s instructions for writing blues. Write the criteria shown below on the board for students to reference. 

    • First Line: What makes you blue? (Write a statement to describe something that makes you sad.) 

    • Second Line: Repeat the first line.

    • Third Line: Why can you look on the bright side? (Write a statement that reflects a growth mindset.)

  3. Using these blues song criteria, write a class song. Discuss the elements of the song to check for understanding.

  4. Divide students into pairs or small groups to write original blues songs. Allow time for students to brainstorm, edit, and practice their lyrics. Students can practice their song using the E Blues Backing Track.

PERFORM+SHARE

  1. Groups of students may perform their original blues song for the class. Invite students to read or sing their song along with the E Blues Backing Track.

  2. Share original blues songs on S’Cool Sounds Padlet.