Rey’s Journal

The Discovery

I thought I knew Scott Joplin.

Ragtime. Energy. Rhythm.

Then I found Bethena.

Not a march. Not a dance hall tune.

A waltz.

Gentle. Reflective. Personal.

It felt like opening an old photograph and finding a story hidden inside.

The Question

Why would the King of Ragtime write something so different?

Who was Bethena?

What happened in Joplin’s life when this music appeared?

And why has this beautiful piece nearly disappeared from concert stages?

What We Found

This journey follows six scenes:

1. The Journey Begins

2. Across the River

3. The Nation Learns to Dance

4. Cities Rise, Dreams Grow

5. The Music Travels Through Time

6. Begin Again

Each scene explores a piece of America’s story through Bethena.

Hidden Clue

Look carefully at the project images.

One detail appears more than once.

Can you find it?

Your Turn

What surprised you most about Bethena?

Enter your answers to the challenge questions below.