In this resource, you will:
During the Harlem Renaissance, artists, writers, dancers, musicians, activists, philosophers, and patrons went to the same parties, danced at the same clubs, and lived and worked on the same streets. As a result, many of the works produced during this period were results of collaborations between artists, and of the influence, encouragement, and inspiration of individuals living and working in Harlem.
Listen: Adelaide Hall - “Drop Me Off in Harlem”
Drop Me Off in Harlem is a resource for teachers and students that explores the themes and works that emerged when creative and intellectual voices intersected during the Harlem Renaissance. The resource contains four main sections:
Each section contains a wealth of primary sources to help you experience the sights and sounds of the Harlem Renaissance.
Image Credits
Excerpt & Reprint Credits
Sources & Citations
Acknowledgements
The roots of blues can be found in slave songs, spirituals, and field hollers of the American South; its sound can be heard in early rock ’n’ roll, and in today’s alternative and Hip Hop landscapes. Journey with us to learn about the influences and impact the blues has had on musical cultures.
This series, hosted by Connaitre Miller of Howard University, explores why Swing was the most popular dance music in America and how it is still alive today in dance halls, clubs and movies
Can you hear that red-hot trumpet? How about the full, rich tones in the vocals of Bessie Smith? Romare Bearden makes music with his art. Learn how to “hear” a painting.
From Fairmont Street to U Street, from the Howard Theater to the Bohemian Caverns, take a tour through jazz history with Billy Taylor and Frank Wess, who lead listeners through their hometown’s music scene in this seven-part audio series.
Billie Holiday had a hit record with the song “Strange Fruit” in the 1930s, bringing light to the horror of lynching in the American South.
Learn the basics of jazz music and how the art form works. Along with his band, Jason Moran shows you how jazz is more like skateboarding and football than you would think, as well as plays original and classic jazz standards.
In this Kennedy Center commission, two of today’s top vocalists explore how classical sounds intertwine with improvisational jazz in the music of Duke Ellington, blending European classical traditions with syncopated rhythms and African American work songs, blues, and spiritual music.
Join legendary jazz pianist, composer and educator Dr. Billy Taylor and his trio as he walks you through the musical world of Jazz on 52nd Street.
From the archives of Kennedy Center Education, a masterclass with Grammy-winning jazz vocalist Kurt Elling.
Jazz Reach's She Said/She Says is a celebration of women's achievements and music in jazz from the early 20th century to the present day.
The Regina Carter Quintet presents a program that explores non-traditional repertoire, improvisation, and musical styles you would not expect to hear from a jazz ensemble.
Composer and trumpet player Terence Blanchard discusses the importance of practice, warm-up, and fundamentals, plus the value of learning the history of your instrument and genre, but retaining your own musical voice.
Eric Friedman
Director, Digital Learning
Kenny Neal
Manager, Digital Education Resources
Tiffany A. Bryant
Manager, Operations and Audience Engagement
JoDee Scissors
Content Specialist, Digital Learning
Generous support for educational programs at the Kennedy Center is provided by the U.S. Department of Education. The content of these programs may have been developed under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education but does not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education. You should not assume endorsement by the federal government.
Gifts and grants to educational programs at the Kennedy Center are provided by A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation; Annenberg Foundation; the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation; Bank of America; Bender Foundation, Inc.; Carter and Melissa Cafritz Trust; Carnegie Corporation of New York; DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities; Estée Lauder; Exelon; Flocabulary; Harman Family Foundation; The Hearst Foundations; the Herb Alpert Foundation; the Howard and Geraldine Polinger Family Foundation; William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust; the Kimsey Endowment; The King-White Family Foundation and Dr. J. Douglas White; Laird Norton Family Foundation; Little Kids Rock; Lois and Richard England Family Foundation; Dr. Gary Mather and Ms. Christina Co Mather; Dr. Gerald and Paula McNichols Foundation; The Morningstar Foundation;
The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation; Music Theatre International; Myra and Leura Younker Endowment Fund; the National Endowment for the Arts; Newman’s Own Foundation; Nordstrom; Park Foundation, Inc.; Paul M. Angell Family Foundation; The Irene Pollin Audience Development and Community Engagement Initiatives; Prince Charitable Trusts; Soundtrap; The Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust; Rosemary Kennedy Education Fund; The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates; UnitedHealth Group; The Victory Foundation; The Volgenau Foundation; Volkswagen Group of America; Dennis & Phyllis Washington; and Wells Fargo. Additional support is provided by the National Committee for the Performing Arts.
Social perspectives and language used to describe diverse cultures, identities, experiences, and historical context or significance may have changed since this resource was produced. Kennedy Center Education is committed to reviewing and updating our content to address these changes. If you have specific feedback, recommendations, or concerns, please contact us at [email protected].
