Task
You will take on the role of investigative journalist as you explore the history of blues music. On your discovery journey you will learn about the beginnings of blues music, meet some of the most influential and talented blues musicians of the twentieth century, and listen to examples of music that originates in the heart and soul of its creator.You will work in a group of three to create a magazine designed to educate people on what the blues is all about. Your magazine will include information on the history and progression of the blues; blues legends and their influence on the development of the blues; the traditional form and instruments; and the lyrics and topics of the songs. Once the research is completed and the articles are written, your group will use Microsoft Word to create a professional magazine.
Process
1. Once you have your group to work with, each of you will need to choose one of the following roles: Historian, Biographer, Musicial Expert
2. Read the information below that is necessary to complete your chosen role.
3. Search the internet to gather the information you need.
4. Save images or notes that may be useful in your magazine/website to a folder and share the google drive folder with your group.
5. Once you have finished your research, determine which pieces of information are more useful and then begin writing the articles 8. When all the writing is complete, your group will meet to begin creating your magazine/website
ROLES
BIOGRAPHER: Research several blues legends. Find important events in their lives and how they contributed to the development of the blues. Write a news story/biography/interview on blues legends focusing on three musicians
HISTORIAN: Research the history of the Blues. Learn about its beginnings in the southern slave fields through its migration northward to electrified Chicago blues. Find out what the early forms of the blues were and how the form changed throughout time. Write a news story which provides a history of the blues.
MUSICAL EXPERT: Research the musical structure and style of blues music, how it has changed or progressed over time, and the common themes of the lyrics and music. Use the links to help you create an article to basically educate all people on what exactly blues music sounds like.
Evaluation
| MAGAZINE/WEBSITE |
| Category | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Score |
| Design | No pictures are included. Three or more of the required elements are missing. | Only one or two pictures are included. Two of the required elements are missing. | There are at least three pictures. One of the required elements is missing. | Several pictures are included. All other required elements are present. | |
| Mechanics | There are more than five spelling and/or grammatical errors. | There are three or more spelling and/or grammatical errors. | There are two or less spelling and/or grammatical errors. | There are no spelling and/or grammatical errors. | |
| Content | Much of the information is incorrect or missing. Subject knowledge is not evident. | There is limited knowledge of the subject. Some of the information is incorrect or missing. | There is definite evidence of subject knowledge. Essential information is included in most places. | Definite knowledge of the subject is evident. The topic is covered in great depth. | |
| Research | Questions weren't answered. Biographies, history, and styles were copied and brief. No details are given. | Some questions were answered. Biographies, history, and styles were brief and missing information. Very little detail is given. | Most questions were answered. Biographies, history, and styles were detailed, but some information was missing. | Questions were answered thoroughly. Biographies, history, and styles were detailed. | |
| Timeline | Assignment was late by three or more days. | Assignment was late by two days. | Assignment was late by one day. | Assignment was handed in on time. | |
| Total |