Process Paper

Around two years or so ago, I became heavily interested in Jazz music. My father and
grandfather would play it constantly through the radio during car rides, however it wasnt until I
sat down myself to listen to a track, that I became intrigued. I listened to Jazz artists, specifically
trumpet players, such as Rick Braun, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, Wynton Marsalis, etc. I
further enhanced my knowledge of Jazz by expanding my list of favorite Jazz artists to more than
just trumpet players. I had heard about Duke Ellington before however, I had never specifically
picked out one of his songs to listen to. I began to love Ellingtons music leading me to choose
him for my project this year.

I began by telling my father, a jazz enthusiast, about my topic selection and if he could help me
gather research on the topic. We explored Jazz radio stations websites to see if they had covered
anything on Duke Ellington and his work. With luck, we came across a few radio stations that
did have segments on Ellington. From there I was able to compile a good selection of secondary
sources. I browsed the web and certain sources and was able to find an interview in 1963
between Ellington and Sven Lindahl. With more research, I was able to find newspaper articles
and magazine clippings on Ellington and even some bits on how popular Jazz music artists were
influenced by him. It was difficult finding sources as first, but as I expanded my search, I was
able to find both primary and Secondary sources that were very helpful.

In the past, I have done websites and they have all come out very well. I feel that websites are a
great way to express creativity. From the colors to the pictures and music, there is lots of

freedom that will allow you to put your point across for your specific topic. Since I was already
experienced with a website, I already had ideas for what I wanted my site to be like. I began by
selecting the perfect Ellington song to play in the background that would calmingly invite the
viewer into my website. Then I compiled pictures of Ellington as well as other Jazz artists
affected by his impact and put them throughout the website. I then put all the necessary
information on each page and made sure to follow the criteria for the NHD project.

My project relates to the theme because Duke Ellington was a leader with a great legacy. He
inspired famous musicians to become who they are now and influenced a generation of music.
His legacy is still honored to this day and he is forever recognized as one of the Jazz
communitys biggest impact. If it was not for Ellington, Jazz music would not be the same or
multicultural. It would not have gotten as much popularity if it was not for his influence.