Louis Armstrong/
Introduction to Jazz
Description:
KET Distance Learning instructor Liz Jewell discusses the beginnings of jazz in New Orleans, focusing on the evolution of march music and the influence of a young street musician named Louis Armstrong, in this excerpt from Humanities Through the Arts. This KET Distance Learning series is a stand-alone class with 67 broadcasts. The series can be used as a full credit course with a teacher partner or as a resource. The class begins with African and tribal art and then follows a chronological pattern.
Suggested uses:
- as an introduction to jazz
- paired with “Weary Blues” to introduce Louis Armstrong and his contributions to American music
- as an example of 20th-century music (Modern/Contemporary in high school humanities chart)
- to explore the influences of time, place, and ideas on music
Lesson plans using this segment:
- Jazz and Marching Bands (high school)
More information on Humanities Through the Arts: