Jazz

Before the turn of the century, American music was greatly influenced by European music. Most American composers, musicians, and conductors were greatly influenced by, or from Europe. It was not until the turn of the century that America made a music it could call its own. A music called jazz.

Jazz was influenced by people singing to their work and the sound of African drums. As recent as the 1950's, (a practice which may still occur today), woman in Africa would pound corn for meal. Like the Indians, they carried their children on their backs while they worked. Because of this, by the time their children grew up, they had the feel of a rhythm. The Indians did many activities to the beat of the drum. Some of those activities include rowing boats, beating food, building houses, and when they were tired of working, dancing. A drum is something to beat on, stroke on, or thump on. Drums have always been a part of jazz. Drums were for a rhythm in ancient times in Europe, Asia, the West Indies, and America.

Jazz was created from many influences, but was originally found in Old New Orleans. In the old days, when people had slaves, the slaves wouldn't work Sunday's. On these days, many would go to Congo Square and beat on traditional drums. Many whites would stop and listen in pleasure. This practice or tradition continued after the Civil War. Most historians who write about the history of jazz say that it originated in Old New Orleans.

So far you have learned what jazz was influenced by. Now you shall learn how it started. Many people found it amusing to play on instruments. Many of these bands used homemade instruments. The only thing that they might have bought was a ten cent harmonica. These bands either played songs they remembered, or made up the songs as they went along. Anyway, these bands continued to play because it was play, it was fun.

As you can see, jazz was created from many cultures, and many influences. What made jazz so successful? The fact that jazz makes people want to move. "Jazz music is music to move to, to dance to-not just to listen to."