LESSON #20
San Francisco Style,
Part 1
This lesson supports the following GOALS:
[Goal #1] Students will gain an appreciation of traditional jazz and the continuing value of this music.
[Goal #2] Students will become acquainted with the variety of styles within the traditional jazz genre, and with some of its major figures.
This lesson supports the following OBJECTIVES:
1.1 Students will become acquainted with what well-played traditional jazz sounds like.
2.30 Students will become acquainted with what the San Francisco Style sounds like.
2.31 Students will become acquainted with the distinguishing characteristics of the San Francisco Style.
2.32 Students will become acquainted with some of the pioneers of the San Francisco Style.
RATIONALE: The San Francisco Style took the Classic New Orleans approach in a new direction that continues to be widely followed, and an understanding of this style is essential.
NATIONAL STANDARDS SUPPORTED: See Appendix C.
KIT COMPONENTS:
■ Audio tracks:
• Track 17, “Sage Hen Strut” by Lu Watters’ Yerba Buena Jazz Band
• Track 18, “Big Bear Stomp” by the South Frisco Jazz Band
Lu Watters’ Yerba Buena Jazz Band
ACTIVITY (app. 25 minutes):
1. Prepare the students for the audio tracks by sharing the elements of the San Francisco Style as outlined in the Style Guide (app. 5 minutes).
2. Play online audio track 17, “Sage Hen Strut” by Lu Watters’ Yerba Buena Jazz Band, 1946 (app. 5 minutes). This was the band that originated the San Francisco style; it included trumpeters Lu Watters and Bob Scobey, and trombonist Turk Murphy. This style is based on King Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band, but brassier and with a 2-beat feel. “Sage Hen Strut” is one of a number of tunes written by Watters for this style. Trombonist Turk Murphy was seen in the video segment in Lesson #14.
3. Discuss with the students their impressions of the audio track (app. 5 minutes). How many of the described stylistic elements were they able to hear? (See accompanying table)
4. Play online audio track 18, “Big Bear Stomp” by the South Frisco Jazz Band (app. 5 minutes). This is a modern-day performance in this style.
5. Discuss with the students their impressions of the audio track (app. 5 minutes). How many of the described stylistic elements were they able to hear? (See accompanying table)
EVALUATION: Do the students understand the elements of the San Francisco Style?
Stylistic Elements Chart:
San Francisco Style
The students should be able to hear elements of the style approximately as outlined above. These are subjective judgements; allow for disagreements.
© 2014 David Robinson, Jr.