About This Lesson
The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra maintains its connection to the past, while looking ahead to the future. It is a living link to the rich history of jazz - especially its unique melding of African, European and American influences. Lessons guide students in how to play and improvise over a backbeat, counting and improvising over a twelve-bar blues form, and creating a spoken word presentation that is organized like a jazz orchestra. Themes of Transformation, Enduring Values and The Human Family are emphasized throughout.
