Middle School Lesson 16: January Week 1 Razzamajazz or Oscar Peterson Copy
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Middle School
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Introduction
In this lesson you will have 2 options.
Option 1: Learn the song “Razzamajazz” and begin working on a musical revue
•. watch a brief video on jazz music
• learn the song “Razzamajazz”
• read scene 1 from the script for revue “Razzamajazz”.
“Razzamajazz” could be a spring performance, an in-class performance project, or you could perform part of it at a school assembly.
Option 2 follows: Learn about Oscar Peterson. (this lesson will be repeated in Feb if you choose option 1)
- learn about Oscar Peterson
- learn about some jazz piano techniques
- #56 “Hymn to Freedom” – listen, sing, read notes and rhythms
Objectives
- I can describe some of the characteristics of jazz music.
- I can read and sing melodies.
- I can describe Oscar Peterson's piano playing.
Teaching Procedures
Learn about Jazz
Copy LinkWatch a short video that talks about jazz.
Learn to sing the song, "Razzamajazz"
Copy LinkLearn to sing the song, "Razzamajazz"
Learn the choreography for the song "Razzamajazz"
Copy LinkLearn the choreography for the song "Razzamajazz"
When you are ready, try the full choreography for "Razzamajazz"
Copy LinkWhen you are ready, try the full choreography for "Razzamajazz"
Read Scene 1 of the script for the musical revue "Razzamajazz"
Copy LinkRead Scene 1 of the script for the musical revue "Razzamajazz"
The script follows the notation of the"Razzamajazz" song.
Watch Oscar Peterson describe jazz techniques
Copy LinkIn this interview, Oscar demonstrates the following techniques:
1. stride piano
2. two-fingered percussiveness of Nat King Cole
3. lyric octave work of Erroll Garner
4. relaxed block chords of George Shearing
5. double octave melody lines
7. tonality-based improvising
Have students take notes on what each of these techniques means.
Pause and replay the video as needed. If students can print, or if you are teaching in-person, there is a worksheet (and answer key) in Supporting Resources.
This is a YouTube link.
If the link doesn't work, search internet for "Oscar Peterson piano lesson".
Note: This video is from 1979, and may use a word that is not appropriate to use today.
Preview the video before showing to students.
Listen and sing Oscar Peterson's "Hymn to Freedom"
Copy LinkListen to the choir.
Pause at the end of each phrase and repeat.
Play the video again and sing along.
Optional: Name the notes in the song "Hymn to Freedom"
Copy LinkA worksheet is found in Supporting Resources.
If students can print, or if you are teaching in-person, print and have students complete the worksheet.
If not, have students answer the questions during a live online session.