Task
Using the music of African American composer William Grant Still, Mexican composer Arturo Márquez and American composer George Gershwin, students will define and explore the musical element of rhythm.They will understand steady beat, clavé rhythm and syncopated rhythm while learning about the music of Africa, Latin America and American jazz.
Process
Click on the links below to read about each composer and their music.
Arturo MárquezWilliam Grant StillEDUCATIONEDUCATIONGeorge Gershwin
Evaluation
Answer the following questions about each composer:
Arturo Marquez:
1. When and where was he born?
2. Where did he move from and to?
3. What instruments does he play?
4. When did he start composing? (writing music)
About his piece titled DANZON:
1. Explain what a Danzon is.
2. What is the rhythm found in this piece?
3. Explain what inspired him to write this piece.
4. What is the important rhythm found in this piece?
William Grant Still:
1. When and where was he born?
2. List 4 major accomplishments he achieved in his life.
a.
b.
c.
d.
3. where did he find great success?
4. How many pieces did he compose?
About the piece titled Africa:
1. why did he write it?
2. What did he do before writing this piece?
3. Why is the third movement important?
a.
b.
c.
4. Why is the steady beat important in African cul
George Gershwin:
1. When and where was he born.
2. when did he learn to play an instrument?
3. Who did he write songs with?
In 1935 what did Gershwin do?
In the piece titled FASCINATING RHYTHM:
1. who write the music?
2. Who wrote the words?
3. What kind of rhythm was used to write the song?
4. Give the definition of the kind of rhythm found in this song.
5. Where does the stress on the beat fall?
Conclusion
Tell what you learned about each compioser and thier music.