What happens when the nicest and best cow has a clumsy run-in with the Ice Fairy? Find out in ‘Sweet Arabella,’ the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime.

Performances are available to all Minnesota schools at no cost. For schools outside of the metro area, please contact classnotes@mpr.org and/or aomalley@mpr.org directly to arrange a visit!

Take a look at the exciting roster below and sign up for a concert here. Scroll down to the bottom of the menu to see detailed instructions about how to use the booking app. Please direct all questions to classnotes@mpr.org.

Afoutayi Dance, Music, and Arts

Description: Afoutayi Haitian Dance, Music, and Arts is a performance company that promotes Haitian culture through music, art, dance, and history education.

Especially recommended for: Large K-6 Audiences

• Availability: Limited schedule September-November 2022 & February-April 2023

• Locations: Afoutayi Haitian Dance, Music, and Arts is available to the 7-county metro area.

Watch Afoutayi Dance, Music, and Arts perform here.

Download the Supporting Materials Packet for Afoutayi here.

The Brian/Susan Project

Description: This oboe/saxophone duo showcases unique repertoire commissioned especially for their combination of instruments. Elementary program includes an original program, Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox Find The Blues, featuring oboe, English horn, four different saxophones, an a wide variety of musical genres.

Especially recommended for:  K-6 general music classrooms; middle and high school instrumental programs.

• Availability: Various dates throughout the school year

• Locations: The Brian/Susan Project is available to the 7-county metro area and for travel up to two hours outside of the Minneapolis/Saint Paul area. Additionally, they are available in the Winona area.

• Availability for travel in Greater Minnesota. Contact classnotes@mpr.org to arrange details. 

Download the Supporting Materials Packet for the Brian/Susan Project here.

Delphia Cello Quartet

Description: A cello quartet with a unique and eclectic repertoire.

Especially recommended for: K-6 general music classrooms; middle and high school string/orchestra programs

• Availability: Delphia Cello Quartet is available all day most Thursdays throughout the year with some availability on Mondays and Fridays.

• Locations: Delphia Cello Quartet is available to the 7-county metro area.

Download the Supporting Materials Packet for Delphia here.

e(L)ement

Description: Compelling and virtuosic flute/harp duo.

Especially recommended for: K-6 general music classrooms, K-6 general classrooms

• Availability: e(L)ement is at full capacity for Class Notes Concerts in the 2022-2023 school year and is no longer accepting bookings.

Watch e(L)ement perform here.

Download the Supporting Materials Packet for e(L)ement here.

Heliopsis

Description: Heliopsis is a duo that plays original music for various traditional instruments from Sub-Saharan Africa, cello, and voice. Their music ranges from raucous and dance-like to serene and peaceful. Each tune has an element of improvisation, so no two performances are the same.

Especially recommended for: K-6 general music classrooms, K-6 general classrooms

• Availability: Heliopsis is available to perform on many Wednesdays and Thursdays throughout the school year.

• Location: Heliopsis is available to the 7-county metro area and for travel up to two hours outside of the Minneapolis/Saint Paul area.

• Availability for travel in Greater Minnesota. Contact classnotes@mpr.org to arrange details. 

Download the Supporting Materials Packet for Heliopsis here.

Kroehm Duo

Description: Marimba/vibraphone duo, featuring original compositions and improvisations. 

Especially recommended for:  K-6 general music classrooms; K-6 general classrooms; percussion ensembles/classes.

• Availability: Kroehm Duo is available on many Wednesdays and Fridays throughout the school year.

• Location: Kroehm Duo is available to the 7-county metro area and for travel up to two hours outside of the Minneapolis/Saint Paul area.

• Availability for travel in Greater Minnesota. Contact classnotes@mpr.org to arrange details. 

Watch Kroehm Duo perform here. 

Lyz Jaakola

Description: Lyz Jaakola is an Ojibwe-Anishinaabe composer, singer and hand drummer.  Lyz also plays guitar, piano, flute and violin, to demonstrate the fact that Native Americans have and do participate in many American music cultures in addition to traditional musics. In her Class Notes Concert, students will learn about Ojibwe music, instruments, language and singing both traditional and contemporary.

Especially recommended for: K-6 general music classrooms, K-6 general classrooms

• Availability: Lyz Jaakola is available most Fridays throughout the school year.

• Locations: Lyz is available to the Duluth area and up to two hours outside of Duluth.

Download the Supporting Materials Packet for Lyz Jaakola here.

The Mirandola Ensemble

Description: Vocal ensemble with a wide-ranging repertoire.

Especially recommended for: Choral ensembles, general music classrooms. 

• Availability: The Mirandola Ensemble is available many Tuesdays and Fridays throughout the year.

• Location: The Mirandola Ensemble is available to the 7-county metro area and for travel up to two hours outside of the Minneapolis/Saint Paul area.

• Availability for travel in Greater Minnesota. Contact classnotes@mpr.org to arrange details. 

Watch The Mirandola Ensemble perform here. 

Download the Supporting Materials Packet for The Mirandola Ensemble here.

Nanilo

Description: Vocal music duo specializing in music of the Jewish Diaspora. Nanilo offers translation and storytelling for all the songs they sing, illuminating the real life struggles and longing embedded in the lyrics of the songs. Nanilo invites listeners to draw connections to their own families’ diverse stories of immigration, heritage, and roots, and uses music as the key to unlock doors of understanding.

Especially recommended for: Choral ensembles, general music classrooms. 

• Availability: Nanilo is available various dates throughout the year.

• Location: Nanilo is available to the 7-county metro area and for travel up to two hours outside of the Minneapolis/Saint Paul area.

• Availability for travel in Greater Minnesota. Contact classnotes@mpr.org to arrange details. 

Download the Supporting Materials Packet for Nanilo here.

The OK Factor

Description: New-classical crossover duo, The OK Factor is cellist Olivia Diercks and violinist Karla Colahan. Olivia and Karla are passionate about composing, performing, and teaching.

Especially recommended for: K-6 general music classrooms; K-6 general classrooms; middle and high school string/orchestra programs.

• Availability: The OK Factor is available various dates throughout the year.

• Location:  The OK Factor is available to the 7-county metro area and up to two hours outside of the Minneapolis/Saint Paul area.

• Availability for travel in Greater Minnesota. Contact classnotes@mpr.org to arrange details. 

Watch The OK Factor perform here. 

Download the Supporting Materials Packet for The OK Factor here.

The Paper Clips

Description: Trombone quartet Inspired by the music & energy of Motown.

Especially recommended for: K-6 general music classrooms; band programs; brass ensembles.

• Availability:  The Paper Clips are available various dates throughout the year.

• Location:  The Paper Clips are available to the 7-county metro area and for travel up to two hours outside of the Minneapolis/Saint Paul area.

• Availability for travel in Greater Minnesota. Contact classnotes@mpr.org to arrange details. 

Download the Supporting Materials Packet for The Paper Clips here.

Siama’s Congo Roots

Description: Trio featuring upbeat original sing-along songs inspired by Siama's home town in rural DR Congo.

Especially recommended for: K-12 general music classrooms and assemblies

• Availability: Siama’s Congo Roots is available various days throughout the year.

• Location: Siama’s Congo Roots is available to the 7-county metro area.

Listen and watch Siama’s Congo Roots here. 

Download the Supporting Materials Packet for Siama’s Congo Roots here.

Titambe

Description:

Titambe West African Dance Ensemble’s mission is to teach and promote traditional African drumming, dance heritage, cultural understanding, and appreciation of diversity. This is done through language, music, and movement.

Especially recommended for: K-6 Assemblies

• Availability: Titambe is available various days throughout the year.

• Location: Titambe is available to the 7-county metro area.

Download the Supporting Materials Packet for Titambehere.

Zenith Contemporary Ensemble

Description: Flute, horn, and piano trio who incorporate a variety of styles and composers into their performances.

Especially recommended for: K-6 general music classrooms; middle and high school band programs.

• Availability: Zenith Contemporary Ensemble is available various dates in September, October, January, and May.

• Location:  Zenith Contemporary Ensemble is available to Duluth schools and up to one-hour outside the Duluth area.

Download the Supporting Materials Packet for Zenith Contemporary Ensemble here.

BOOKING INSTRUCTIONS FOR TEACHERS

• Follow link to Class Notes Concert Bookings page.

• Select preferred “Artist” (i.e. The Mirandola Ensemble).

• Click the arrows to view calendar months for date options.

• Choose start time for your three-hour booking window. There can be up to three 45-minute concerts in this window. 

• Fill in your details.

• Select “Book” button.

• You will receive a confirmation email that says “Thank you for booking your Class Notes Concert. A staff member will reach out to you for confirmation and further details.” along with your basic booking info.

A staff member will reach out in 24-48 hours with booking confirmation or adjustments. They will also ask for further details such as exact performance times, arrival details for the Artist, arrival instructions, grades and number of students per performance.

Schools outside of the seven-county metro area should contact classnotes@mpr.org to discuss concert options. 

ABOUT CLASS NOTES CONCERTS:

Each year, YourClassical MPR’s Class Notes Concerts program brings live music performed by professional musicians to thousands of school children across the state.

Designed to expose, engage, and inspire, these standards-based concerts introduce young people to the joy and wonder of live music. This program is intended for K-12 schools across the state of Minnesota. YourClassical MPR will work with you to customize your Class Notes Concert.

It’s Graduation Day at the Service Dog School, and you’re invited to the ceremony! Find out how these highly trained pups help the people who need them most in ‘Dog Days of Summer,’ the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime.

Bruce the goose always swims his morning laps alone, until his life changes forever on one fateful summer day. Find out what happens in ‘Goose, Goose, Baby Goose!’ – the new episode of YourClassical Storytime, with narration by Ryan Lohr, music by Charles Koechlin and illustrations by Mia Jennings.

Nancy Carlson’s classic charmer ‘I Like Me’ is a short but sweet tale of a young pig who learns how to practice good habits of self-esteem and pride – embracing how she looks, what she likes to do and, most importantly, how to be kind to herself. And it’s the newest episode of YourClassical Storytime, featuring storytelling by Ines Guanchez with the help of a bunch of kids and the music of Luigi Boccherini.

What happens when the world’s greatest harpist gets thrown into the sea by jealous pirates? Find out in the YourClassical Storytime telling of the ancient Greek myth ‘Arion and the Dolphin,’ with art and narration by Ana Freeberg and Ally Thompson, and enchanting harp music performed by Susann McDonald.

What happens when a poor, lonely woodcutter meets a talking fox? He becomes Mighty Mikko! Find out how their adventures unfold in this charming adaptation of a Finnish folk tale, the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime – featuring narration by Lynn Norris, music by Jean Sibelius and illustrations by Raul Villanueva.  

When the river creatures face a disappearing water supply, they must turn to the land animals for help. But will the crying Crocodile be able to make peace with the Lion to find a new home? Find out in “Why Crocodiles Have Tears,” the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime, featuring narration by Jeffrey Yelverton and music by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor.

Ever wonder why you never see an owl in the daytime? The answer makes for quite a story. This classic folk tale from Puerto Rico is one of the misplaced feathers, a colorful coat, and a lesson about selfishness and sharing. Find out more in this episode of Your Classical Storytime, featuring storytelling by John Birge, music by Gioachino Rossini, and illustrations by Mia Jennings.

There are many different versions of ‘The Snow Maiden,’ but this one reminds us to treasure winter as a special time of year instead of always wishing for warmer weather. Find out more in the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime, featuring storytelling by Valerie Kahler, music by Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov and illustrations by Nancy Carlson.

Thanksgiving is coming, but Lurkey the turkey is nowhere to be found. Can you help the farmer find the wayward bird? Grab paper and crayons and follow along as narrator Melanie Renate and artist Xee Reiter tell the story, with guitar music by Justin Holland, in the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime.

Mexico’s Día de los Muertos, also known as the Day of the Dead, is dedicated to remembering loved ones who have passed. Learn more about this special day in the latest episode of ‘YourClassical StoryTime,’ featuring narration by Inés Guanchez, illustrations by Raul Villanueva and traditional Mexican music.

Harriet ends up with quite a haul after she goes trick-or-treating. But what will she do with all of those sweets? Find out in 'Harriet's Halloween Candy,' the new episode of YourClassical Storytime, with a story and art by Nancy Carlson and music by Augusta Holmes.

How does a sleepless king deal with clock towers that simply won’t chime together in his kingdom? Find out in the timely tale “Bells in the Night,” the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime – with storytelling by Valerie Kahler and Michael Barone, music by Leopold and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and illustrations by EJ Thompson.

Once upon a time there was a beautiful, clever storyteller named Scheherazade. Find out how her magical tales captured the heart of a bitter king in “Scheherazade,” the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime, featuring narration by Jillene Khan, music by Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov and illustrations by Nancy Carlson.

“After the sun has slipped away and the orange sky turns dark blue, fireflies put on a display like only they know how to do!” Go on a sparkly summertime adventure with “Backyard Night Lights,” the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime, featuring music by Edvard Grieg, illustrations by Mia Jennings and storytelling by Scott Blankenship.

Target age range: All ages

Great for Independence Day or Memorial Day. Listen to four pieces written by American composers.

1. Composer Florence Price (1887-1953) was inspired by the American landscape. She wrote a lengthy piece called the Mississippi River Suite, inspired by the great river that runs through the country. Here is a short piece, called The Oak, by Florence Price:

2. Composer Augusta Read Thomas (b. 1964) wrote Fanfare of Hope and Solidarity with the intention of having it performed during celebrations like Memorial Day and Fourth of July. The piece had its premiere, of first performance in May of 2020, during a time of quarantine and social distancing.

3. Lou Harrison (1917-2003) was a composer who was very connected to the west coast of the United States, living in Portland, Oregon, and various places around the Bay Area in California. He was influenced by music Asia and incorporated a wide variety of instruments into his music. Listen to his Homage To Pacifica. Harrison was very politically active. In the piece below, you can hear parts of We Shall Overcome, a famous civil rights anthem.

4. Composer William Grant Still (1895-1978) wrote many pieces inspired by and influenced by the American landscape. Take a look at the picture of the Grand Teton mountain range in Wyoming.

Now listen to William Grant Still's musical depiction of these mountains, in The American Scene (The Southwest)–Grand Teton.

5. Reflection questions:

• Which piece do you like best? Why?
• Can you describe some musical characteristics of each piece?
• What music sounds like America to you?

Have a question or suggestion? Contact Katie Condon, music education specialist.

More: View all of our YourClassical Music Lessons

Target age range: K-8

1. Meet Sterling! Sterling is a PT Young Artist and he plays the cello.

   Write down or tell someone three things you learned from Sterling’s introduction.

2. In the next video, listen and watch Sterling play J.S. Bach’s “Courante” from Cello Suite No. 6.

3. Listen to Sterling explain why he loves playing the cello.

   Do you remember some of Sterling’s favorite things about playing the cello?

4. The next piece is called “Julie-O” by Mark Summer. First, watch and listen.

   Follow-up questions for discussion or journaling:

   • What are the different ways Sterling made sound on his cello while playing the piece you just heard?

   • What makes music contemporary?

   • How would you describe the music you just heard?

5. Listen as Sterling describes his next piece of music.

   Questions for reflection, discussion, or journaling:

   • What can you remember about the composer Gabriel Fauré?

   • What does the word “berceuse” mean?

   • What instruments were this piece originally written for?

6. Now, listen and watch as Sterling plays “Berceuse” by Gabriel Fauré.

7. Finally, Sterling will review a few key ideas from his PT in the Classroom Concert.

Performance Today serves local schools across the Twin Cities with its Young Artist in Residence Program. This program sends PT Young Artists into schools to present live concerts. Designed to engage and inspire elementary and junior high students through live musical performance, these concerts help cultivate active listening skills and allow students to experience the joy of classical music.

Due to current circumstances, Performance Today has adapted the concert content to provide virtual learning experiences in their new series "Performance Today in the Classroom."

Have a question or suggestion? Contact Katie Condon, music education specialist.

More: View all of our YourClassical Music Lessons

Once upon a time, there was a girl who was no bigger than a thumb – which made her just the right size to be kidnapped by a frog! Find out what happens to her in the wild adventures of “Thumbelina,” the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime, featuring narration by Julie Amacher, music by Maurice Ravel and illustrations by Nancy Carlson.

How much can one vegetable grow? Find out in ‘The Giant Carrot,’ the tale of a root so big that it’s going to take some teamwork to get it out of the ground. It’s the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime – featuring Lynne Warfel, with music by Johannes Brahms and illustrations by E.J. Thompson.

Each year, Performance Today serves local schools across the Twin Cities with its Young Artist in Residence Program. This program sends PT Young Artists into schools to present live concerts. Designed to engage and inspire elementary and junior high students through live musical performance, these concerts help cultivate active listening skills and allow students to experience the joy of classical music.

Due to current circumstances, Performance Today has adapted the concert content to provide virtual learning experiences in their new series "Performance Today in the Classroom." Today's PT in the Classroom Music Lesson features PT Young Artist in Residence Anais Feller.

Target age range: K-8

1. Meet Anais! Anais is a PT Young Artist and she plays the violin.

Write down or tell someone three things you learned from Anais’ introduction.

2. In the next video, listen and watch Anais play John Corigliano’s Stomp.

3. Listen to Anais explain why she loves playing the violin.

Do you remember Anais’ favorite things about playing the violin?

4. The next piece is called Estonian Lullaby by Arvo Pärt. First, watch and listen.

Follow-up questions for reflection, discussion, journaling:

• What is a lullaby?

• What can you remember about Estonia?

• Can you remember what the music is based on?

• How would you describe this music to a friend?

5. The next piece is the Preludio from the Partita No. 3 in E Major by J. S. Bach.

Follow-up questions for reflection, discussion, journaling:

• Can you remember a few things Anais loves about playing her violin?

• Why does Anais like to add her own interpretations to the music she plays?

6. Finally, Anais will review a few key ideas from her PT in the Classroom Concert.

Have a question or suggestion? Contact Katie Condon, music education specialist.

More: View all of our YourClassical Music Lessons

Each year, Performance Today serves local schools across the Twin Cities with its Young Artist in Residence Program. This program sends PT Young Artists into schools to present live concerts. Designed to engage and inspire elementary and junior high students through live musical performance, these concerts help cultivate active listening skills and allow students to experience the joy of classical music.

Due to current circumstances, Performance Today has adapted the concert content to provide virtual learning experiences in their new series "Performance Today in the Classroom." Today's PT in the Classroom Music Lesson features PT Young Artist in Residence Tyler Martin.

Target age range: K-8

1. Meet Tyler! Tyler is a PT Young Artist and he plays the flute.

Write down or tell someone three things you learned from Tyler’s introduction.

2. In the next video, listen and watch Tyler play William Grant Still’s Bayou Home.

3. Listen to Tyler explain why he loves playing the flute.

Do you remember Tyler’s favorite things about playing the flute?

4. This next piece is called Flute Set by Adolphus Hailstork. First, watch and listen.

Follow-up questions for reflection, discussion, journaling:

• How old is Adolphus Hailstork?

• What is a motive?

• How would you describe the music you just heard?

5. The next piece is the second half of the Flute Set by Adolphus Hailstork.

Follow-up questions for reflection, discussion, journaling:

• What is an inauguration?

• Why was it significant that Hailstork’s music was chosen for the 2021 inauguration?

• Do you remember why Tyler loves playing this piece of music?

6. Finally, Tyler will review a few key ideas from his PT in the Classroom Concert.

Have a question or suggestion? Contact Katie Condon, music education specialist.

More: View all of our YourClassical Music Lessons

Rango de edad enfocado:  2do-8vo grados (Puede que los niños pequeños necesiten el apoyo de los adultos. Puede que este contenido les de miedo a los niños pequeños.)

¡Fortalezcan y refuercen sus habilidades en narración y alfabetización mientras incorporan la música!

Hace dos días, tuvimos una lección que se trató de los héroes y ayer aprendimos sobre los villanos.

Ahora que hemos pensado en los héroes y en los villanos, pensamos en lo que pasa cuando se reúnen en el mismo cuento.

1. Empiecen con escribir o decir una lista de personajes. Por supuesto, tenemos a un héroe y un villano, ¿pero quien más está involucrado? Esta es una lista de posibilidades:

• El compañero del héroe
• Los testigos inocentes
• Los secuaces del villano

2. ¿Cuáles objetos son importantes en el cuento? Escogen uno o unos cuantos.

• Un arma secreta
• Una fórmula secreta
• Una llave de la ciudad
• Un gran disfraz
• Unos vehículos especiales manejados por el héroe o el villano

3. ¿Cuáles eventos ocurrirán? Estas son algunas ideas para empezar:

• El villano planifica una toma del poder de la ciudad.
• El héroe pierde su memoria temporalmente.
• Un robot malvado se involucra.
• Un robot bueno ayuda.

4. ¿Qué es el escenario? ¿Dónde se ubica el cuento? Algunas opciones:

• Una ciudad de verdad
• Una ciudad de fantasía
• Espacio exterior
• El futuro

5. Escriben un cuento corto sobre los héroes y villanos, o dibujen un tebeo, usando los detalles que creaste arriba.

Estas son las partes de un buen cuento, en secuencia:

a. Establecer los personajes y el escenario.
b. El conflicto. ¿Cuál es el problema? ¿Qué es lo que pasa? ¡Esta es la parte interesante!
c. La solución. ¿Cómo se resuelve el problema?
d. La lección. ¿Qué aprendemos al final?

6. Ahora, la parte más importante- crear la banda sonora para sus cuentos. La música puede ayudar a contar cada parte del cuento. Un tema musical para un héroe o un villano ayuda a establecer su carácter. Música emocionante durante el conflicto ayuda a hacer todo más dramático y intrigante.

Usen la gráfica de abajo para acompañar a sus cuentos. Pueden usar cualquier tipo de música que quieren- ¡no hay reglas! Preparen la música para que puedan usarla como una banda sonora cuando cuentan o presentan sus cuentos.

La próxima vez que ven una película con héroes y villanos, tomen cuenta de la música. ¿Ayuda a hacer aparecer el villano más malvado? ¿Hace que una escena de batalla esté más emocionante, o que una parte espantosa esté más intrigante?

¿Preguntas o sugerencias? Contacte a Katie Condon, especialista de educación musical.

Mas: Disfruta diariamente de las Lecciones de Música de YourClassical.

Rango de edad enfocado: 2do-5to grados

Puede que les de miedo a niños pequeños este contenido.

La lección de ayer se trató de los héroes. Hoy pensaremos en los villanos y escucharemos a música malvada.

1. ¿Qué es lo que le hace a alguien un villano? ¿Cuáles características o atributos tienen los villanos? ¿Cuáles son algunas de las cosas que hacen los villanos? Hagan una lista o dibujen un dibujo de cinco villanos distintos. Estos son algunos de los villanos famosos de libros y películas:

• Darth Vader (el Señor de los Sith)
• Lord Voldemort
• Cruella DeVille
• The Joker (El Guasón)

2. Escuchen a música que puede evocar visiones de villanos.

Esta es una aria (o canción) de una ópera cantada por la malvada Queen of the Night (Reina de la Noche), de la ópera The Magic Flute (La flauta mágica) por Mozart.

A veces la música de los villanos puede sonar triste o misteriosa o extraño, como  “The Secret History” (La historia secreta) por Kerry Muzzey:

¡Esta música se trata de los duendes malvados! Al principio, está suave y lenta- no dejen que eso les engañe.

A veces el villano en una cuenta o una película no es una persona. Esta música se trata de un tiburón malvado. Jaws Theme (El tema de Quijadas), por John Williams:

Esta música la compuso Phillip Glass sobre un hombre malvado clásico, Drácula.

3. Creen sus propios villanos. En una hoja de papel o en voz alta, creen su proprio villano.  Cada estudiante debería de usar las siguientes preguntas para crear su personaje:

• ¿Cómo se llama tu villano?
• ¿Tiene poderes especiales tu villano?
• ¿Tiene una debilidad tu villano?
• ¿Qué es el trasfondo de tu villano? ¿Cómo se convirtió en ser malvado? ¿Pasó algo que le hizo convertirse en ser malvado?
• ¿Tiene una némesis o un archienemigo tu villano?
• Diseña un disfraz para tu villano. ¿Cuáles características especiales necesita el disfraz?
• ¿Tiene un eslogan o un lema tu villano? Si lo tiene, ¿qué es?
• ¿Cómo sonaría el tema musical de tu villano?
• Dibuja un dibujo de tu villano y compártelo con alguien.

¿Preguntas o sugerencias? Contacte a Katie Condon, especialista de educación musical.

Mas: Disfruta diariamente de las Lecciones de Música de YourClassical.

What happens when a happy-go-lucky wanderer takes over a village bakery? Find out in the hilarious tale ‘The Merry Prankster,’ the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime – featuring music by Richard Strauss, illustrations by Mia Jennings and narration by Valerie Kahler.

Rango de edad enfocado: K-5to

Esta es la primera de una lección tripartita sobre Héroes y villanos. Hoy pensaremos sobre héroes y escucharemos a música heroica.

1. ¿Qué es lo que le hace a alguien un héroe? ¿Cuáles características o atributos tienen los héroes? ¿Cuáles son algunas de las cosas que hacen los héroes? Hagan una lista o dibujen un dibujo de cinco héroes distintos. Sus héroes quizás serán personas de verdad que ustedes conocen, o personajes de una película o un libro.

2. Escuchen a música que suena heroica.

• Ride of the Valkyries (Vuelo da las valquirias), por Richard Wagner. ¿Qué es lo que la hace sonar heroica la música?

• El finale del William Tell Overture, por Giacomo Rossini. ¿Pueden imaginar qué es lo que haría un héroe cuando escuchas a esta música?

• Hedwig’s Theme (El tema de Hedwig), por John Williams. Esta música quizás les hará pensar en un héroe específico de una serie de libros muy famosa.

• The King’s Row Main Title (Título principal de La fila del rey), por Erich Wolfgang Korngold ¿Esta música les hace pensar en otro tema musical de una película? Quizás pensaron en el tema musical de La guerra de las galaxias. Compositor John Williams confesó que la pieza de Korngold le influyó a Williams cuando él compuso la música para La guerra de las galaxias.

3. Creen su propio héroe. En una hoja de papel o en voz alta, creen su propio superhéroe. Cada uno debería de usar las siguientes preguntas para crear su personaje.

• ¿Cómo se llama tu superhéroe?
• ¿Cuáles son los poderes especiales de tu superhéroe?
• ¿Tiene alguna debilidad tu superhéroe?
• ¿Cómo llegó a tener sus poderes tu superhéroe?
• ¿Tiene un némesis o archienemigo tu superhéroe?
• Diseña un disfraz para tu superhéroe. ¿Cuáles características especiales necesita el disfraz?
• ¿Tiene un eslogan o un lema tu superhéroe? Si lo tiene, ¿qué es?
• ¿Cómo suena el tema musical de tu superhéroe?
• Dibuja un dibujo y compártelo con alguien.

¿Preguntas o sugerencias? Contacte a Katie Condon, especialista de educación musical.

Mas: Disfruta diariamente de las Lecciones de Música de YourClassical.

Hoy aprenderemos una palabra importante del vocabulario musical: crescendo.

Rango de edad enfocado: K-5to

1. Recuerden que dinámicos es la palabra que usamos para describir el nivel del volumen en la música.

2. Hay una palabra especial que usan los músicos cuando necesitan hacer el sonido más fuerte o gradualmente subir el volumen – se llama un crescendo (cre-SHEN-do.) Intenten a decir esa palabra varias veces.

3. Los músicos saben subir el volumen cuando ven este símbolo:

¿Ven que se parece a algo que crece? Cuando se escucha o se toca un crescendo, el sonido crece.

Esto es cómo se ve el símbolo del crescendo cuando aparece con notas musicales:

¿Ven otro símbolo que punta en la dirección opuesta, justo después del crescendo? Eso es un diminuendo, o un decrescendo, que significa gradualmente disminuir su volumen – lo contrario de un crescendo.

4. Intenten a hacer un crescendo con:

• Sus voces. Canten una canción favorita, o parte de ella. Empiecen en voz baja y intenten a subir el volumen gradualmente.

• Un redoble del tambor en sus regazos. ¿Por cuánto tiempo pueden seguir con el crescendo?
• Cualquier instrumento o objeto encontrado de percusión que tienen en la casa.

5. A veces los crescendos hacen rápidamente, y el sonido crece de repente. Escuchen a este crescendo- ocurre bastante rápidamente. Usen movimiento para mostrar el aumento.

ESCUCHE — Strauss – Also sprach Zarathustra (extracto)

6. Esta es otra pieza que tiene crescendos. También escucharán diminuendos (o decrescendos). El tempo más lento hace que los cambios del sonido ocurren más gradualmente. Los músicos tienen que usar mucho control para aumentar el volumen gradualmente con el tiempo.

Mientras escuchen, intenten a abrir los brazos cuando escuchen un crescendo, y ciérrenlos cuando escuchen un diminuendo.

7. La próxima vez que escuchen a la música, fíjense en los crescendos o diminuendos. Usen su nuevo vocabulario musical para describir a los demás lo que escuchan.

¿Preguntas o sugerencias? Contacte a Katie Condon, especialista de educación musical.

Mas: Disfruta diariamente de las Lecciones de Música de YourClassical.

Each year, Performance Today serves local schools across the Twin Cities with its Young Artist in Residence Program. This program sends PT Young Artists into schools to present live concerts. Designed to engage and inspire elementary and junior high students through live musical performance, these concerts help cultivate active listening skills and allow students to experience the joy of classical music.

Due to current circumstances, Performance Today has adapted the concert content to provide virtual learning experiences in their new series "Performance Today in the Classroom." Today's PT in the Classroom Music Lesson features PT Young Artist in Residence Ari Schwartz.

Target age range: K-8

1. Meet Ari! Ari is a PT Young Artist and he plays the harp.

Write down or tell someone three things you learned from Ari’s introduction.

2. In the next video, listen and watch Ari play Carlos Salzedo’s Chanson dans la Nuit.

Do you remember how many fingers are used to play the harp? Write down your answer or tell someone.

3. Listen to Ari explain why he loves playing the harp.

Do you remember some of Ari’s favorite things about playing the harp?

4. The next piece is called Haiku for Harp by Susann McDonald and Linda Wood. First, watch and listen.

Follow-up questions for reflection, discussion, journaling:

• What is a haiku?

• Can you remember anything about the song you just heard?

5. The next piece is a piece called Great Day by Nancy Gustavson.

Follow-up questions for reflection, discussion, journaling:

• What is a solo?

• What is bowing?

• How many fingers are used to play the harp?

6. In the next video, listen and watch Ari play Great Day by Nancy Gustavson.

Can you remember why a harp can be easier to play than other stringed instruments?

7. Finally, Ari will review a few key ideas from his PT in the Classroom Concert.

Have a question or suggestion? Contact Katie Condon, music education specialist.

More: View all of our YourClassical Music Lessons

What happens when a boy named Jack climbs a towering beanstalk into the sky? Hint: It involves a magical harp, a golden goose and an ornery giant named Basil. Go on a wild musical adventure with “Jack and the Beanstalk,” featuring storytelling by Scott Blankenship, with illustrations by Nancy Carlson and music by Leos Janacek.  

Los compositores a veces intentan a capturar la imagen de un paisaje a través de la música y el sonido. Hoy escucharemos a música inspirada por varios paisajes.

Rango de edad enfocado: K-6to, con apoyo para estudiantes jóvenes

Esta lección incluye cinco ejemplos de escuchar con actividades relacionadas. Se pueden hacer a la vez o durante cinco días.

Un paisaje es un área de tierra que podemos ver. El clima, la luz, y características geográficas son partes de un paisaje. Hoy enfocaremos en cinco paisajes distintos:

• La pradera
• El océano
• Las montañas
• El bosque
• La ciudad

1. La pradera

Piensen en cómo se ve una pradera. ¿Pueden escribir o decir algunas características de una pradera? Usen la foto de abajo para ideas.

Ahora escuchamos a una pieza de música que se trata de una pradera. Mientras escuchan, tomen nota de cómo capturó el compositor a las imágenes de la pradera a través del sonido. Dibujen sus propias praderas mientras escuchan, o piensen en cómo compondrías su propia música de pradera.

2. El océano

Imagínense el océano. Escriban o digan algunas de las cosas que ven cuando piensan en ver al océano. Mientras ven a la foto de abajo, piensen también en cómo intentarían a crear la imagen del océano a través de la música y del sonido.

El compositor John Luther Adams crea el sonido vasto y ondulado del océano en su pieza Become Ocean (Hacerse océano). La pieza entera es bastante larga. El video de abajo incluye parte de la música junta con información sobre cómo se creó la pieza y qué pensó la gente después de escucharla por primera vez.

3. Las montañas

Piensen en las montañas. Quizás palabras como “majestuoso” vienen a la mente. ¿Cuáles otras palabras pueden usar para describir la foto de abajo?

El compositor Alan Hovhaness compuso una sinfonía entera sobre las montañas que se llama Mysterious Mountain (Montaña misteriosa). Este es el primero movimiento, o sección, de esa sinfonía. Dibujen algunas montañas, o imagínense subirlas.

4. El bosque

Piensen en el bosque. El bosque está lleno de tantas cosas. ¿Cuántas cosas pueden nombrar que están relacionadas con el bosque?

El compositor Robert Schumann compuso una colección de nueve piezas para piano que se llama Forest Scenes (Escenas del bosque). Cada movimiento corto representa una parte distinta del bosque. Escuchen a este movimiento, a ver si les recuerda de algo que ven (y escuchan) en el bosque. (Pista: es un animal.) Mientras escuchan, dibujen su animal favorito del bosque.

5. La ciudad

Las ciudades son paisajes también. A veces estas imágenes se llaman “cityscapes” (paisajes urbanos), cómo quizás no se vea tierra abierta. Características comunes incluyen edificios y calles. El tamaño de la ciudad, el estilo de la arquitectura, y el clima y las características naturales hacen única y especial cada ciudad.

Compositor Jennifer Higdon compuso una pieza que se llama City Scape: Concerto for Orchestra (Paisaje urbano: concerto para orquesta). Tiene tres movimientos o secciones distintos, y cada parte captura otra parte de su ciudad natal de Atalanta, Georgia. 

Escuchen al tercer movimiento, que se llama Peach Tree Street (Calle Duraznero). Mientras escuchan, tomen nota de la energía. ¿Piensan que Peach Tree Street (Calle Duraznero) es una calle con mucha actividad? ¿Piensan que hay mucho tráfico? Piensen en cómo compondrían ustedes una pieza de música para soñar a la calle donde viven.

6. Terminen con algunas preguntas para escribir, hablar, o reflejar.

• ¿Cuál fue el paisaje favorito de cada uno para ver?

• ¿Cuál fue el paisaje favorito de cada uno para escuchar?

• En sus opiniones, ¿cuál compositor mejor capturó el espíritu de su paisaje?

• ¿Cuál paisaje querría cada uno intentar a crear a través de la música?

¿Preguntas o sugerencias? Contacte a Katie Condon, especialista de educación musical.

Mas: Disfruta diariamente de las Lecciones de Música de YourClassical.