Grade Level: PreK-5th
Duration: 30 minutes
Subject: Music, History, Cultural Studies

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Lesson Overview

This lesson introduces students to the history of traditional jazz in New Orleans, including Buddy Bolden’s innovative “Big Four” rhythm. Through storytelling, listening, and rhythm activities, they’ll learn about the cultural fusion that created jazz and its lasting impact on music worldwide.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

1. Understand how New Orleans’ cultural diversity contributed to the creation of jazz.

2. Learn about Buddy Bolden and his role in creating jazz with the “Big Four” rhythm.

3. Recognize key elements of traditional jazz, including rhythm, improvisation, and swing.

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Materials Needed

• Audio or video recordings of traditional jazz.

• Visual aids: Pictures or maps of New Orleans and Congo Square.

• Percussion instruments or use of body percussion.

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Lesson Steps

Introduction to New Orleans Jazz (5 minutes)

• Begin by asking: What do you think of when you hear the word “jazz”?

• Explain that jazz was born in New Orleans because of its mix of cultures—African, French, Spanish, and more.

• Highlight Congo Square as a key location where African rhythms and European music blended to create something new.

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Storytelling: The Roots of Jazz and Buddy Bolden (5 minutes)

• Share a brief story about how enslaved Africans brought their musical traditions to Congo Square, where they mixed with European marching band music.

• Introduce Buddy Bolden as one of the first jazz musicians.

  • Explain that he was famous for his loud and powerful trumpet playing.

  • Share that he created the “Big Four” rhythm, which shifted the feel of music and made it more danceable.

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Learn the Big Four Rhythm (10 minutes)

• Demonstrate the “Big Four” rhythm:

  • Count: “1… 2… 1 - 2 - 3 - FOUR!”

  • Clap, stomp, or tap the rhythm to emphasize the fourth beat.

• Practice the rhythm as a group, starting slowly and building up speed.

• Add instruments or body percussion to mimic a jazz band playing this rhythm.

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Explore Traditional Jazz with Listening and Improvisation (10 minutes)

• Play a recording of traditional jazz featuring swing rhythms and improvisation.

• Point out how Buddy Bolden’s “Big Four” rhythm influenced the music.

• Encourage students to clap along to the swing beat (beats 2 and 4) while listening.

• Practice improvisation:

  • One student creates a rhythm or melody, and others respond or add layers.

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Group Reflection and Discussion (5 minutes)

• Ask students:

  • How does the “Big Four” rhythm make jazz feel different from other types of music?

  • Why do you think Buddy Bolden is considered a pioneer of jazz?

• Discuss how jazz continues to influence music today.

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Extension Activities

• Music Exploration: Listen to recordings of Buddy Bolden and other early jazz musicians to identify the “Big Four” rhythm.

• Creative Writing: Have students write a short story imagining they are in a jazz band led by Buddy Bolden.

• Art Connection: Let students draw a scene of Buddy Bolden playing his trumpet in New Orleans.

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Reflection Questions

• What did you learn about Buddy Bolden and the “Big Four” rhythm?

• How does jazz music make you feel when you listen to it or play it?

• Can you think of other kinds of music that make people want to dance?

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Teacher/Parent Tips

• Reinforce the “Big Four” rhythm by practicing it repeatedly with the group.

• Use Buddy Bolden’s story to illustrate the creativity and innovation that made jazz unique.

• Encourage improvisation as a fun way to connect with jazz and music in general.