Creative Projects
Return to Study Guides Overview & DirectionsCreative projects are a great way to learn more about these remarkable artists and this wonderful American music we call Jazz! Select one or two of the following creative projects and give a presentation or performance to your peers.
1. Create a listening collage on your iPod or a compilation CD of the guest artists and significant trumpet jazz masters noted in the episode? Place recordings in chronological order and provide a little historical background on the artist, their instruments and the period of jazz they best represent. NS 6&7 NS 9
2. Compose and perform an arrangement of one of the compositions played on the episode. NS 1, 2&3 NS 4&5
3. Write and present a 5-10 page research paper on one of the artists from the episode and present your writings to your peers. Your paper should trace their background, educational training, performance experiences, recordings, and musical styles they best represent. NS 6 NS 9
4. Expanding on creative project #3 above, write a 1,000 word essay comparing and contrasting historical aspects about this art’s music and significant world events occurring during the time of the recording. Provide your reflections on how you see the music as a reaction or response to what’s happening in society or how the music is shaping society. NS 8
5. Attend at least three (3) live concerts of professional jazz groups in your area and write a 2-3 page Critic’s Review of each concert. NS 7
6. Create a photo journal featuring images of the guest artists showcased in this episode. Your journal should include noteworthy captions and appropriate photographer citations. NS 9
7. A great tool for improving your improvisation skills, and getting deeper into the musical genius of great jazz artists, is to transcribe and analyze solos. Select a recording and composition of your choice from the any one of the discography lists and transcribe 2-4 choruses of the artists solo. NS 3
