The birth and growth of blues and jazz in America provides numerous topics for study in elementary, secondary, and higher education. Ideally, these topics would be presented in a series of sessions with similar subject material covered by the classroom teacher. All workshops include live performances from the presenter on saxophone and keyboard, and are highly interactive. In addition, these activities have been presented at teacher in-service sessions and aesthetic education workshops.
Grades 5-12
The Blues is based on a simple sequence of chords that can be readily conveyed to students. Counting, body movements and ear training are incorporated in this study which sets up the next area of concentration. The music oriented class may delve into the blues form further by performing and improvising with the workshop presenter.
Grades 5-12
The form of the blues acts as a guide to the typical A-A-B form lyric. Listening to examples and talking about expressing feelings leads to the logical project of composing our own lyrics. This ties in especially well with poetry units.
Grades 7-12 and Adults
An introduction to the history of one of America's great art forms. Jazz and swing were once the popular music of the day and have been closely tied to cultural and historic changes in our country. Listening to musical examples and sharing of anecdotal stories from veteran jazz musicians will be a part of this workshop, as well as live examples by Monk.
Grades 7-12 and Adults
For Instrumentalists and Vocalists
Making up music on the spot is the cornerstone of jazz and is important in blues and rock music. This workshop for instrumentalists and vocalists will break down the mystery of improvisation. Students will learn by doing and gain self-confidence in their own creative abilities. An evening public performance is an option with this workshop.
Grades K-6
Music is most assuredly the universal language. In this session, students and teachers fasten their seat belts and join their tour guide on a jet trip around the world, sampling music, language and clothing from five continents. The forty minute excursion makes stops in Alabama, Peru, China, Africa and Europe and exposes children to the distinctive sounds associated with those locations. A student pilot returns a more worldly class to their original point of departure with opportunities to follow up specific cultures with in-depth activities.
Grades K-6
Takes the audience on an imaginary jet trip to locations where this vital home grown music grew and flourished. With sound effects and a student pilot, students will take off from a local airport and land in Mississippi, Kansas City and Memphis. After eavesdropping on an example of recorded music, the audience will participate in the creation of these different blues styles which include Delta Blues, Swing Blues and Rock and Roll. With saxophone and piano played by the tour guide and period clothing, the audience will return home with a fun and informative learning experience about this important part of American Culture.
Contact: Monk Rowe
31 Kellogg Road
New Hartford, NY 13413
Phone: (315) 724-1452
E-Mail: info@monkrowe.com
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