Introduction to the Great Migration

Materials: Map of the United States (optional), Handout, Musician Biographies

  1. Begin by asking students why people move from one city to another. Students will have a variety of answers but concentrate on answers like “better jobs” and “schools”. Then ask them what kinds of things people take with them when they move.
  2. Conclude by having students take turns reading aloud (or silently to themselves) the two paragraphs on the accompanying handout. Give a brief overview of the Great Migration.
  3. Using a map of the United States, discuss the major cities that lie along the rivers and were important in the development of jazz (New Orleans, St. Louis, Kansas City, Chicago and New York). Discuss how musicians traveled to these cities via the rivers and different modes of transportation.
  4. Have the students read the historical profile of Louis Armstrong. For even more information on Louis Armstrong, click here.

MISSION

Jazz St. Louis is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to lead our community in advancing the uniquely American art of jazz through live performance, education and community engagement.

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