Duke Ellington

High school (ages 12+)
History & Culture

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/duke-ellington

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. When was Duke Ellington born?April 29, 1899
2. When did Duke Ellington die?May 24, 1974 (age 75)
3. Who was Duke Ellington?Duke Ellington was a talented musician from Washington, D.C., who played piano and led a famous jazz orchestra.
4. What did Duke Ellington do with his orchestra?He used his orchestra as a big instrument, painting music with many colors and textures.

Jazz Orchestra: A large ensemble typically featuring sections of brass, woodwinds, and a rhythm section, known for its complex arrangements and improvisational elements.
Composer: An artist who creates original musical works, often involving intricate harmonic structures, melodic development, and orchestration.
Jazz Standards: Widely recognized and frequently performed musical compositions that form a core part of the jazz repertoire, serving as vehicles for improvisation.
Posthumous Award: An honor or recognition given to someone after their death, acknowledging their achievements.