WAPS COMPOSER OF THE WEEK

When he was still a child Thelonious Monk taught himself how to play the piano and began working as a musician while still a teenager! He had a full-time job playing piano and writing music before he was 25 years old. His music defined the style known as be-bop and inspired many other musicians to follow in his footsteps. Born in North Carolina, his family moved to New York City, when he was six years old, into a neighborhood full of musicians (see if you can find Thelonius in the picture above). Thelonious also earned a Pulitzer Prize for his music! Here are just a few of his many hits: In Walked Bud 'Round Midnight Straight, No Chaser And If you really like Thelonius, an entire concert!

  Born in 1962,  Dr. Rosephayne Powell has become one of America's most prolific composers of choral music (music sung by choirs).  She is commissioned (paid) regularly to write new music for vocal ensembles (choirs) worldwide! Dr. Powell currently teaches music at Auburn University.  Here are some examples of her music: The Word Was With God Still I Rise Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child When We Sing The Cry Of Jeremiah (Narrated by Dr. Powell)

  As a child, Edward Ellington was such a snazzy dresser that his friends started calling him "Duke," and that is how the rest of the world knows him today. He was born in Washington, D.C., in 1899 and was more interested in baseball than music!  Even so, Duke studied piano as a child, and by the age of 14, he was writing his own music --  at 18 he put together his first jazz band. His music is still popular today, and his orchestra continues to perform around the world. Even though his music is popularly labeled as "jazz," Duke called it "American Music."  Another interesting fact:  Duke is the first and only composer to appear on American money-the Washington D.C. quarter! Here are some of his most well-known works: Take The "A" Train Caravan (one of the best versions out there- quality isn't great) Better quality Satin Doll Sacred Music ( a large scale jazz cantata) more than an hour-long just liste