The Humphrey Brothers

DESCRIPTION

Students will be able to describe the impact and influence of the Humphrey brothers in New Orleans music, history, and culture. Students will gather facts about the brothers and create a “Who’s That?” foldable recognizing the achievements of this musical family.

OBJECTIVES

• Gather information about the Humphrey brothers.
• Listen and react to performances by the Humphrey brothers. 
• Share facts about life and influence of the Humphrey brothers.

STANDARDS

National Core Arts Standards

MU:Re9.1.3a Evaluate musical works and performances, applying established criteria, and describe appropriateness to the context.
MU:Re9.1.4a Evaluate musical works and performances, applying established criteria, and explain appropriateness to the context.
MU:Re9.1.5a Evaluate musical works and performances, applying established criteria, and explain appropriateness to the context, citing evidence from the elements of music. 

Common Core State Standards

ELA-LITERACY.SL.3.2 Determine the main ideas and supporting details of a text read aloud or information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.
ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.2 Paraphrase portions of a text read aloud or information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.
ELA-LITERACY.SL.5.2 Summarize a written text read aloud or information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.

INSTRUCTOR NOTES

Teachers should review the media and Who’s That? activity prior to teaching this lesson. The activity should be printed 2-sided with teachers optionally folding the “flap” before distributing to students.

MATERIALS

PRESENTATION: The Humphrey Brothers
VIDEO: The Humphrey Brothers | Willie Humphrey Playlist | Earl Humphrey Playlist | Percy Humphrey Playlist
HANDOUT: Who’s That? | About the Humphrey Brothers

INTRODUCTION

1. Show students photos of the Humphrey brothers from the presentation, The Humphrey Brothers. Tell students that Earl, Willie, and Percy Humphrey were influential jazz musicians hailing from the vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana. Known for their exceptional talent and contributions to the traditional jazz scene, the Humphrey brothers left an indelible mark on the world of music. 

2. Watch The Humphrey Brothers with students. Discuss with students how the family built a strong reputation in the jazz community.

3. Have students listen to the works of the Humphrey brothers from the presentation. Ask students: When do you think the music was made? What instruments do you hear? Which music elements do you notice in the song(s)?

• • • Willie Humphrey Playlist
    • Earl Humphrey Playlist
    • Percy Humphrey Playlist

4. Tell students they are going to discover the importance and impact of the Humphrey brothers’ contributions to the jazz genre. 

APPLICATION

1. Introducing students to the activity, Who’s That? Distribute the Who’s That? foldable. Have students pick a Humphrey brother to research: Earl, Willie, or Percy and write the name of the brother on the line that says, “Reveal the name of the Humphrey brother.” Students will then fold the Who’s That? title down, keeping the name of the Humphrey brother hidden.

2. Print or share the handout, About the Humphrey Brothers. Have students read and learn all about one of the brothers, recording facts about a Humphrey brother. They can use words, sentences, illustrations, songs titles, bands, or symbols to represent the research they’ve collected.

3. Allow time for students to work on their Who’s That? activities. Support students in collecting facts that identify special qualities from each Humphrey brother.

EVALUATION

1. Bring students together with their Who’s That? activities. Have student volunteers stand up and share their facts about one of the Humphrey brothers then have them turn the flap up to reveal the name.

2. Have a follow-up discussion with students. Highlight how the Humphrey brother’s musical upbringing in New Orleans shaped their passion for jazz and their continual influence today. 

ATTRIBUTIONS

Used with permission. Portions of this work are based on the National Core Arts Standards Copyright © 2015 National Coalition for Core Arts Standards/All Rights Reserved – Rights Administered by SEADAE.

© Copyright 2010. National Governors Association Center for Best Practices and Council of Chief State School Officers. All rights reserved.

Roderick Paulin, Curriculum Developer and Music Artist Liaison
JoDee Scissors, Editor and Content Producer