Duke Ellington Worksheet From Composers Monthy

"Ear cats" are referred to as guys who learned to play by listening to other bands. This means that instead of formal music education or reading sheet music, they developed their musical skills by actively listening to and studying the music of other bands. They likely honed their abilities by imitating and emulating the playing styles and techniques of their favorite musicians.

To improvise means to make it up on the spot, without any prior planning or preparation. It involves creating or performing something spontaneously, often in response to a given situation or context. In the context of music, improvisation refers to the act of creating or playing music in real-time, without following a pre-written score or script. It requires the ability to think quickly, adapt to changing circumstances, and creatively express oneself in the moment.

Mr. Ellington believed that rhythm was the most important ingredient of "swing" music. Rhythm is the essential element that gives swing music its distinctive groove and feel. It is the driving force behind the music, creating a sense of energy and syncopation that makes people want to dance. While melody, solos, and big bands are all important components of swing music, it is the rhythmic foundation that sets it apart and defines its character.

Improvisation is an essential element in jazz or swing music as it allows musicians to showcase their personal expression and creativity. By spontaneously creating melodies, harmonies, and rhythms, performers can add their unique touch to the music, making each performance distinct and individual. This form of self-expression is highly valued in jazz and swing, as it allows musicians to communicate their emotions and connect with the audience on a deeper level. Improvisation also enables musicians to interact and engage with each other during live performances, creating a dynamic and exciting musical experience.

Swing bands and jazz bands are not the same thing. While both genres of music are related and have overlapping elements, they are distinct from each other. Swing music is a subgenre of jazz that emerged in the 1930s and is characterized by a strong rhythmic "swing" feel and a focus on danceable tunes. Jazz, on the other hand, is a broader genre that encompasses various styles and subgenres, including swing. Therefore, it is incorrect to say that swing bands and jazz bands are the same thing.

The phrase "It Don't Mean a Thing if it ain't got that swing" is a famous line from a jazz song by Duke Ellington. In this context, "swing" refers to the rhythmic and improvisational feel that is characteristic of jazz music. The phrase means that without this essential element of swing, the music or any other thing lacks vitality and significance. Therefore, "swing" is the correct answer as it completes the phrase and conveys the intended meaning.

Mr. Ellington's job at the Cotton Club was as a band leader. This means that he was responsible for leading and conducting a musical ensemble, most likely a jazz band, that performed at the club. As a band leader, Mr. Ellington would have been in charge of selecting and arranging the music, directing rehearsals, and leading the band during performances. This role would have required strong musical skills, leadership abilities, and a deep understanding of the genre.

Duke's other special talent was art. This suggests that Duke had a skill or ability in creating or appreciating visual or aesthetic works. This could include painting, drawing, sculpture, or any other form of artistic expression. It implies that Duke had a creative side and was able to express himself through art.

Jazz bands played at dances because jazz music was popular during the early 20th century and was often associated with social gatherings and entertainment. Dances were a common social event where people would gather to listen to and dance to live music. Jazz bands were known for their energetic and improvisational style, making them a popular choice for dance events. Additionally, jazz music had a strong influence on the development of dance styles such as the Charleston and the Lindy Hop, further cementing its connection to dance culture.

Mr. Ellington achieved his unique band sound by connecting his pieces with interludes. This means that he seamlessly transitioned from one musical piece to another by incorporating interludes, which are short musical segments that serve as transitions or bridges between different sections of a composition. This technique allowed Mr. Ellington to create a cohesive and continuous musical experience for his audience.

Duke used toilet plungers for trumpets in his band. This experimental choice of using unconventional tools for playing the trumpet could have been a creative decision to achieve a unique sound or to add a comedic element to the performance. By using toilet plungers instead of traditional trumpet mutes, Duke may have been able to create a distinct and unexpected sound, enhancing the overall musical experience for the audience.

The Medal of Freedom is the highest honor for a United States citizen. It is awarded to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the security or national interests of the country, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors. This prestigious award recognizes the recipient's outstanding achievements and their impact on society, making it the most esteemed honor that can be bestowed upon a U.S. citizen.

"Schooled guys" refers to individuals who have received formal education or training in music theory and can read sheet music. They have acquired knowledge and skills through structured learning, which enables them to understand and interpret musical notations. This distinguishes them from the other options provided, as they may have learned to play through different means such as playing in school bands, listening to other bands, or borrowing instruments from others.

Mr. Ellington earned his living as an artist when he was starting out in music. This implies that he made money through his artistic abilities, possibly by selling his artwork or by taking commissions for his artistic services.

The correct answer is that swing bands were larger. This can be inferred from the statement that swing bands played swing music and orchestra music, which suggests that they required a larger number of musicians to perform both genres effectively. In contrast, the statement about jazz bands being used more for radio does not provide any information about their size. Therefore, the difference in size between swing bands and jazz bands is the most logical explanation based on the given information.

Mr. Ellington "doubly" profited from dances by creating the dance posters. This means that he not only organized and created the dances themselves, but he also designed and created the promotional posters for these events. By doing so, he was able to generate additional income from the sale of these posters, in addition to the profits from the actual dance events.