A-Tisket, A-Tasket
Ella Fitzgerald with Chick Webb and His Orchestra
Alternative embedded performance: Ella Fitzgerald performing A-Tisket, A-Tasket. The preferred recording remains linked on YouTube.
First listen
Listen once without writing. What do you notice?
Listen closely
1 PULSECan you tap the swinging beat?
Sentence stemThe beat feels ___.
Vocabulary
- steady
- swinging
- bouncy
- light
2 TIMBREHow would you describe Ella’s voice?
Sentence stemHer voice sounds ___.
Vocabulary
- bright
- clear
- playful
- smooth
3 RHYTHMWhich words are repeated?
Sentence stemI hear ___ repeated.
Vocabulary
- a-tisket
- a-tasket
- a green and yellow basket
- the main line
4 TEXTUREDoes the band answer the singer?
Sentence stemThe band answers with ___.
Vocabulary
- short sounds
- a rhythm
- brass
- the main tune
5 STRUCTUREWhat comes back after each new line?
Sentence stemAfter each line, ___ returns.
Vocabulary
- the chorus
- the repeated words
- the band
- the same rhythm
How does this piece make you feel?
There is no right or wrong answer. Which words match your response?
calmexcitedhopefulcuriousjoyfulpowerfulpeacefultensedreamybravethoughtfulenergeticmysteriouscomfortedrestlessproudsadsurprisedupliftedfocused
Music through time
1938 · Vocal swing jazz
- Medieval500–1400
- Baroque1600–1750
- Classical1750–1820
- Romantic1820–1900
- 20th century1900–2000
- Contemporary2000–present