Inspiring Artists and Musicians

Lesson 13
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ELA

Unit 5

1st Grade

Lesson 13 of 26

Objective


Explain how the author shows that Duke Ellington was a genius.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: Duke Ellington: The Piano Prince and His Orchestra by Andrea Davis Pinkey 

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Target Task


Discussion & Writing Prompt

The author states that “Because of Duke’s genius, his orchestra now had a musical mix like no other.”

How does the author show that Duke was a genius? Do you agree or disagree with the author?

Sample Response

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Key Questions


  • The author says that Duke’s parents “had other notions for their child.” What notions did they have? How did Duke feel about them?

  • Why did Duke change his mind about the piano?

  • How does Duke’s love of music inspire him? Give two specific examples.

  • How does Duke Ellington’s life change in 1927?

  • What does it mean to improvise? What did Duke and his orchestra sound like when they improvised? Give specific examples.

  • Why was Duke successful? Give two specific examples. 

Vocabulary


improvise

v.

to make or do something without planning it beforehand

compose

v.

to write or create a work of art

genius

n.

a person who has exceptional talent or brilliance

successful

adj.

accomplishing a goal

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Common Core Standards


  • L.1.1.j — Produce and expand complete simple and compound declarative, interrogative, imperative, and exclamatory sentences in response to prompts.
  • RI.1.3 — Describe the connection between two individuals, events, ideas, or pieces of information in a text.
  • RI.1.8 — Identify the reasons an author gives to support points in a text.
  • SL.1.1 — Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about grade 1 topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups

Supporting Standards

L.1.4
L.1.6
RI.1.1
RI.1.4
RI.1.7
RI.1.10
SL.1.2
SL.1.5
SL.1.6

Next

Explain how prejudice and segregation influenced Marian.

Lesson 14
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