Fats Waller Worksheet From Composers Monthly
Once you get the Composer's Monthly worksheet, use this program to answer the questions on the back. Read carefully, you will have one chance to complete the assignment.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
Read ALL THIS JAZZ on the back. What is a 'riff' in jazz?
- A.
A solo
- B.
An ostinato
- C.
A repeat
- D.
A name of a dog
Correct Answer
B. An ostinatoExplanation
A 'riff' in jazz refers to an ostinato, which is a repeated musical phrase or pattern. In jazz, riffs are often played by various instruments, such as the piano, saxophone, or guitar, and serve as a foundation for improvisation. These repeated patterns add a rhythmic and melodic element to the music, creating a recognizable and catchy motif. Riffs are commonly used in jazz to establish a groove and provide a framework for the musicians to build upon during their solos.Rate this question:
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- 2.
What was young Thomas Waller's first music performance experience?
- A.
Played in a band
- B.
Played in a church
- C.
Played at school dances
- D.
Street performer
Correct Answer
D. Street performerExplanation
Young Thomas Waller's first music performance experience was as a street performer.Rate this question:
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- 3.
What was one of Mr. Waller's two "firsts" in jazz music history?
- A.
Played ragtime
- B.
Played the organ
- C.
Played drums and piano at the same time
- D.
Played in a movie
Correct Answer
B. Played the organExplanation
One of Mr. Waller's "firsts" in jazz music history was playing the organ. This means that he was one of the first musicians to incorporate the organ into jazz music, adding a unique and distinct sound to the genre.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Mr. Waller's other first was he...
- A.
Wrote the first book on stride piano
- B.
Created slide piano with a trombone player
- C.
Created the Cotton Club where Ellington played
- D.
Created the first jazz waltz in 3/4
Correct Answer
D. Created the first jazz waltz in 3/4Explanation
Mr. Waller's other first was creating the first jazz waltz in 3/4. This means that he was the first person to compose a waltz in the jazz genre, using a time signature of 3/4. This innovation would have added a unique rhythmic element to the jazz music of the time, showcasing Waller's creativity and contribution to the development of jazz music.Rate this question:
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- 5.
What is "stride piano"? How does the name stride really fit the style?
- A.
The player stands and walks back and forth near the piano
- B.
The left hand strides back and forth from low to middle
- C.
The stride comes from how you play the melody
- D.
The left hand keeps the beat and plays the melody
Correct Answer
B. The left hand strides back and forth from low to middleExplanation
"Stride piano" is a style of piano playing where the left hand moves back and forth between low and middle registers of the piano. This technique creates a "striding" motion, as the left hand covers a wide range of notes in a rhythmic pattern. The name "stride" accurately describes this style because the left hand literally strides across the keys, providing a strong and driving bass line while also maintaining the beat and harmony of the music.Rate this question:
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- 6.
In which other style are the "roots" of stride piano?
- A.
Ragtime
- B.
Jazz
- C.
Improvisation
- D.
Waltz in 3/4 time
Correct Answer
A. RagtimeExplanation
Ragtime is the correct answer because it is a style of piano music that originated in the late 19th century and was popularized by African-American musicians. It is characterized by a syncopated rhythm and a "ragged" or uneven melody. Stride piano, on the other hand, is a piano style that developed in the early 20th century and evolved from ragtime. It involves the pianist playing a bass note in the left hand and "striding" up and down the keyboard with the right hand, creating a lively and energetic sound. Therefore, the "roots" of stride piano can be traced back to ragtime.Rate this question:
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- 7.
What kind of "partner" did Mr. Waller write many of his songs?
- A.
A poet
- B.
A lyricist
- C.
A composer
- D.
A screenwriter
Correct Answer
B. A lyricistExplanation
Mr. Waller wrote many of his songs with a lyricist. A lyricist is someone who writes the words or lyrics to a song. This suggests that Mr. Waller collaborated with someone who specialized in writing lyrics while he focused on composing the music. The lyricist would have contributed to the overall storytelling and emotional impact of the songs, working in tandem with Mr. Waller's musical compositions.Rate this question:
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- 8.
What is another name for the words of a song?
- A.
Script
- B.
Composer
- C.
Words
- D.
Lyrics
Correct Answer
D. LyricsExplanation
The correct answer is "lyrics". Lyrics refer to the words of a song, typically accompanied by music. They convey the message or story of the song and are often sung by the vocalist or performers. The term "lyrics" is widely used in the music industry and is commonly understood as the text or words of a song.Rate this question:
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- 9.
What did Fats Waller do while his fellow students gathered for assemblies at his school?
- A.
He improvised at the piano
- B.
He played the music of Scott Joplin
- C.
He played rockin' music
- D.
He played theater music
Correct Answer
A. He improvised at the pianoExplanation
Fats Waller, while his fellow students gathered for assemblies at his school, chose to improvise at the piano. This means that he would create and perform music on the spot without any prior planning or written music. Improvisation is a skill often associated with jazz musicians, allowing them to showcase their creativity and musicality. Waller's decision to improvise during assemblies suggests that he had a strong passion for music and a desire to express himself through his piano playing.Rate this question:
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- 10.
What was his first paying music job?
- A.
Playing in a church
- B.
Playing in a bar
- C.
Playing in a theater
- D.
Playing on a harmonium
Correct Answer
C. Playing in a theaterExplanation
The correct answer is playing in a theater. This suggests that the individual's first paying music job was performing in a theater setting.Rate this question:
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- 11.
MUSICAL WORD GAME ANSWERS Thomas played this instrument when he was six.
- A.
Harmonium
- B.
Harmonica
- C.
Wooden chairs
- D.
The piano
Correct Answer
A. HarmoniumExplanation
Thomas played the harmonium when he was six.Rate this question:
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- 12.
MUSICAL WORD GAME ANSWERS - Mr. Waller worked with people who wrote these.
- A.
Screen plays
- B.
Vocal coach
- C.
Lyricist
- D.
Music opera
Correct Answer
C. LyricistExplanation
The given answer, "lyricist," is the correct answer because the statement mentions that Mr. Waller worked with people who wrote these, implying that he worked with individuals involved in writing lyrics. The other options, such as screenplays, vocal coach, and music opera, do not align with the statement and are unrelated to writing lyrics. Therefore, "lyricist" is the most suitable answer based on the given information.Rate this question:
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- 13.
MUSICAL WORD GAME ANSWERS - Mr. Waller was the first to use this instrument in jazz.
- A.
Saxophone
- B.
Flute
- C.
Piano
- D.
Organ
Correct Answer
D. OrganExplanation
The correct answer is "organ" because the question states that Mr. Waller was the first to use this instrument in jazz, and out of the given options, the organ is the only instrument that fits this description. The saxophone, flute, and piano were all used in jazz before Mr. Waller, but the organ was not commonly used until he introduced it to the genre.Rate this question:
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- 14.
MUSICAL WORD GAME ANSWERS - The Waller's lived in this neighborhood.
- A.
Winfield
- B.
Harlem
- C.
New York City
- D.
Kansas
Correct Answer
B. HarlemExplanation
The correct answer is Harlem. The question provides a clue about a neighborhood where the Waller's lived. Out of the given options, Harlem is the only one that fits the description of a neighborhood. Therefore, Harlem is the correct answer.Rate this question:
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- 15.
MUSICAL WORD GAME ANSWERS - Fats "stole" a scene from this movie.
- A.
The Sting
- B.
Toy Story
- C.
Star Wars
- D.
Stormy Weather
Correct Answer
D. Stormy WeatherExplanation
The correct answer is "Stormy Weather" because in the given question, it is stated that Fats "stole" a scene from this movie. Therefore, the answer must be the movie in which Fats stole a scene, which is "Stormy Weather".Rate this question:
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Oct 05, 2012Quiz Created by
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