Educational and Family Concerts
First Trip to the Symphony ( 24 minutes) 3.2.2.2. 4.3.3.1. Timp. Perc. (3). Harp. Strings
Missouri Symphony Orchestra, DeMoines Symphony Orchestra. Like Benjamin Britten’s Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra, First Trip to the Symphony is a remarkable way to introduce the symphony orchestra to a first-time audience. The composer’s gift for melody and deep understanding of each instrument’s strength, have combined to create a work of beauty and orchestral display. Best of all, a work that will save the conductor hours of searching for the right musical example and the librarian’s time, cutting and pasting. Warm melodies, specifically conceived to reveal the individual character of each orchestral instrument. Every melody richly encased with an accompaniment that enhances the individual sonorities. Narration to guide the audience through each family and instrument. “A concerto for orchestra and a great alternative to Britten’s ‘Guide to the Orchestra.’ ”
The Way Music Begins (7 minutes) 3.2.2.2. 4.3.3.1. Timp. Perc. (3). Harp. Strings
Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra, Kansas City Symphony Orchestra. The Way Music Begins uses the aid of a narrator as it guides and teaches a young audience the process of composition The music progresses from mere finger snapping to the creation of an orchestral theme as it focuses one by one, on the three elements of music: rhythm, melody and harmony . A dialog between the conductor and the orchestra explains rhythm (beat, tempo, meter); melody (pitch, rhythmic components, scale, cadence, climatic point) and concludes with harmony (consonance and dissonance). Piece ends as the theme is performed in full orchestral display. “Fun, enjoyable and it actually teaches children about music!
Birdsong (6 minutes) 3.2.2.2. 4.3.3.1. Timp. Perc. (3). Harp. Strings
Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra, Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra, Knoxville Symphony. Birdsong is based on the melody created in The Way Music Begins. Narration explains how the elements of music are modified to create a composition. The listener experiences three musical interpretations: Birds at Sunrise; Two Robins Fighting Over the Same Worm; Soaring Flight. **Birdsong would normally be performed following The Way Music Begins. However, it may be programmed independently, particularly if the topic of the program included motion, visual description, or nature’s wonders.
Andrew and the Mystic Trumpeter (23 minutes) 3.2.2.2. 4.3.3.1. Timp. Perc. (3). Harp. Strings
DeMoines Symphony Orchestra, Czech Radio Orchestra, Philharmonic of Northwest Florida. A fantastic tale that employs both music and storytelling, to teach lessons of persistence, friendship and attaining goals. While the narrator tells the story, the orchestra’s magic enhances the tale. The music sets the scenes, extracts emotions, teaches children about success in life and guides the audience to experience Andrew’s journey through the glory of the symphony orchestra. From classical to jazz, all kinds of music are portrayed. Inspiration, fascination, imagination and orchestration brought together.
