Music maestro
Focus Questions
1. Briefly summarise the BtN story.
2. Describe the job of a conductor.
3. Which one does a conductor hold?
a) Baton
b) Violin
c) Pen
4. What sorts of things does the conductor control?
5. Many conductors know how to play lots of the instruments in the orchestra. True or false?
6. Why do conductors need to have a good `ear’?
7. What advice did Andrew give Tash about conducting?
8. Andrew describes the baton as `an extension of your ______’.
9. Describe some of the challenges of conducting.
10. What do you now know about conducting since watching the BtN story?
Conductor
Watch the Music maestro story and record 8 key words used by the reporter in the table below.
Use the words to:
· Reconstruct the story
· Create an illustrated glossary about orchestras/conductors
· Create a true or false quiz using facts from the story
Students can choose one or more of the following activities to complete:
What are the four families of instruments in a modern orchestra? Give examples of instruments from each family. What are the unique characteristics of each family? Listen to the different parts of the orchestra at the following website http://www.little-amadeus.com/index.php?lang=us&flash=1&id=25&subid=4
Research the role of the conductor of an orchestra. How does the conductor work with the orchestra? What skills and knowledge do conductors need to have to perform their job?
Listen to the interview with young conductor Keri-Lynn Wilson http://www.classicsforkids.com/interviews/interview.asp?id=1 . What was interesting or surprising about the interview? Think of three questions you would like to ask a conductor.
What is meant by the following musical terms; tempo, forte, pitch, dynamics, phrasing and maestro? Share the meanings for the words to the class or a small group.
Use a Venn diagram (two overlapping circles) to compare orchestral/classical music and contemporary music. Venn diagrams show aspects of similarity in the overlapping circle and aspects of difference in the separate sections of the circles.
Research a famous conductor and create a profile of their life.
8 Related Research Links
ABC 730 Tasmania – Conductor Masterclass
http://www.abc.net.au/news/video/2011/05/27/3229438.htm
ABC Behind the News – Youth Orchestra
http://abc.net.au/btn/story/s2627623.htm
Library Thinkquest – Interactive guide to a symphony orchestra
http://library.thinkquest.org/22673/orchestra.html
Classics for kids – Fun and Games
http://www.classicsforkids.com/games/
© ABC 2011