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This YouTube documentary covers the history of swing. From Louis Armstrong to modern day artist like Michael Buble. It discusses how each era built on each other and the downfall of big bands was due to the cost to operate them.

"What is Jazz?" is a four-part lecture about jazz by Dr. Billy Taylor presented at the John F. Kennedy Center. Dr. Bill Taylor is a noted jazz pianist, historian, and educator. His four-part lecture dives into the history of jazz and the most important moments of jazz history. The first lecture centers around the origins of jazz in the African-American experience of slavery to the civil rights movement. This lecture explores the development of repertoire and techniques used in jazz performance. The second lecture discusses the techniques and traditions of jazz improvisation. The third lecture discusses the evolution of swing and rhythm/harmony with the inclusion of examples by a piano. The fourth lecture discusses the role of jazz in American culture and history, as well as the impact it has had on the world. 

This website has just about everything a band director would ever need. From resources about administration and fundraising, to sight-reading, theory, and ensemble skills, this is a tremendously beneficial resource for all band directors.

This blog contains many posts that would be helpful for novice and experienced band directors alike. Of particular interest are the posts about improving the sound of particular instruments or exercises to help develop a stronger swing feeling in a jazz band.

Band Directors Talk Shop is a website devoted to helping band directors become better teachers. Posts on the site are from current and former band directors, as well as private lesson instructors. The website allows band directors to share suggestions and ideas on how to improve instruction so that students will have a better learning experience.

Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra:2015-2016 Concert SeasonTickets and Season Passes are on sale now!  UFMUE

This site provides teachers and students with a rich history of jazz music. Teachers and students can find videos of jazz musicians, repertoire and resources for Jazz Appreciation Month and tips and tricks for teaching jazz concepts such as swing and improvisation.

Smithzonian Jazz has a vast resource of archives, recordings, timelines, lesson plans, and interactive resources support Jazz Education and Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM).