This exciting PBS young people's video series is hosted by Wynton Marsalis--the most acclaimed jazz musician of his generation and a distinguished classical performer as well. With the help of conductor Seiji Ozawa and an orchestra and jazz band from Tanglewood, Wynton puts a fresh spin on music appreciation before a live young audience.
He teaches the fundamentals with down-to earth humor, vivid examples (syncopation taught by dribbling a basketball), and a contagious love of music. Backed by superb performances and graphics, Marsalis as music teacher is not to be missed. For Elem or Jr. High.
- Vol. 1 - Why Do Toes Tap? Introduces the basics of rhythm, then contrasts Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker with Duke Ellington's Nutcracker jazz arrangements.57 min.
- Vol. 2 - Listening for Clues: Marsalis on Form. Through works of Prokofiev, Gershwin, Ellington and Ives, Marsalis shows how to recognize musical forms so the "music unfolds like a story." 54 min.
- Vol. 3 - Sousa to Satchmo: From the Wind Band to the Jazz Band. Evolution of style, form, and technique from wind band marches to ragtime and jazz. 57 min.
- Vol.4 - Tackling the Monster: Marsalis on Practice. Does anyone like to practice? Wynton calls it "the large monster." Even cellist Yo-Yo Ma confesses he hates it. With Yo-Yo's help, Marsalis "slays the monster," and shows young musician how to practice. 54. min.
