The Orchestra Percussion and Orchestral Diversity

Percussion and Orchestral Diversity

2009 21 minutes

Program Synopsis

Have you ever wondered what instruments make up an orchestra? In this program, Bobby, a young aspiring musician is introduced to different elements, roles and history of a variety of instruments in an orchestra. He is guided and informed by Strauss, the orchestra’s conductor.

Related Programs

• The Orchestra – Woodwind and Brass • The Orchestra – Conductor and Strings

Reproducing these teacher notes You may download and print one copy of these teacher notes from our website for your reference. Further copying or printing must be reported to CAL as per the Copyright Act 1968 .

For more information please visit www.classroomvideo.com.au or contact customer service at [email protected] or on 1800 644 254 The Orchestra: Percussion and Orchestral Diversity

Teacher Notes: Robert Wrzaszcz B. Mus., Grad. Dip. Ed. (Sec.)

Leigh Askew B.Mus, Grad Dip Ed (Sec), Grad Cert R.E

Introduction

Join Bobby and The Melbourne Grammar School Symphony Orchestra as Strauss teaches him about the percussion section of the orchestra. Explore the history and development of percussion instruments, experience live performances on a variety of percussion instruments including the timpani, snare drum, bass drum, glockenspiel and vibraphone as they demonstrate various playing techniques and styles. This program explores the use of percussion instruments within and beyond the Symphony Orchestra. It emphasizes some contemporary approaches to maintain and gain wider popularity and diversity in the 21 st Century.

Program Rationale

This program explores how an orchestra uses percussion instruments. The humorous presentation makes this program both easy to understand and informative to all who are interested in how an orchestra functions.

Program Timeline

00:00:00 Copyright Classroom Video Splash 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:57 Percussion instruments: History and development 00:03:33 Indefinite pitch and definite pitch of the percussion family 00:06:52 Indefinite pitch: non-tuned instruments 00:10:21 Definite pitch: Timed instruments of the orchestra 00:16:38 Orchestral diversification of the 21 st century 00:20:15 Credits 00:21:17 End program

Resources:

• http://www.philharmonia.co.uk/thesoundexchange/the_orchestra/ • http://www.bbc.co.uk/orchestras/guide/ • http://vsl.co.at/en/70/149/152/48.vsl • http://www.sfskids.org/templates/instorchframe.asp?pageid=3 • http://library.thinkquest.org/27178/en/section/4/index.html • http://beststudentviolins.com/terms.html • http://www.hmps.chc.edu.tw/violin2006/v04violin/v044bestmusic-e.htm • http://www.viola-in-music.com/famous_viola_players.html

© Davis Film and Video Productions P/L trading as Classroom Video 2009 Reproducing these teacher notes You may download and print one copy of these teacher notes from our website for your reference. Further copying or printing must be reported to CAL as per the Copyright Act 1968 .

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Program Worksheet

Before the Program

1. As a group, identify and list as many percussion instruments as you can.

2. Discuss where percussion instruments can be seen or heard.

3. Experiment with different sound production techniques typical of percussion instruments.

a) Construct a simple drum by stretching a balloon over an empty tin can. Experiment with different size cans and surfaces noting their effect on sound.

b) Construct a simple tuned percussion instrument by lining up a series of bottles filled with fluid. Experiment with different fluid levels noting the effect on sound.

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During the Program

1. Name the two categories percussion instruments fall in to.

2. Define Membranophones.

3. What was the drum used for in ancient Africa?

4. Define Idiophones.

5. Name at least three examples of idiophones.

6. Name at least three indefinite pitched (untuned) percussion instruments.

7. Name at least three definite pitched (tuned) percussion instruments.

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8. List at least three types of drum sticks or mallets.

9. What is used to make the snare drum sound different to other drums?

10. What is the function of the pedal on the timpani?

11. What are the tuned percussion instruments that have metal bars?

12. List some stick techniques used by drummers.

13. What new commercial approaches have orchestras adopted in order to attract wider audiences and enhance their musical experience?

14. Name some bands that have performed live with symphony orchestras.

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After the Program

1. Make a class list of as many different styles of music that Percussion instruments are involved.

2. Choose six instruments of the Percussion family. Draw and label the parts on the instrument.

3. Research a famous composer who wrote music for Orchestral Percussion instruments. Be sure to include: the full name of the composer, place and date of birth, the full name of five works by this composer.

4. Research one of the Percussion instruments of the orchestra. Be sure to include a labelled diagram of the instrument. State the range of the instrument where appropriate. Write a paragraph about a famous person who played this instrument.

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Suggested Student Responses

During the Program

1. Name the two categories percussion instruments fall in to. Membranophones and Idiophones

2. Define Membranophones. Membranophones are instruments that can produce sounds by stretching a membrane and making it vibrate.

3. What was the drum used for in ancient Africa? Communication between tribes.

4. Define Idiophones. Idiophones are instruments that can produce sounds without the use of strings or membranes.

5. Name at least three examples of idiophones. Gong Cymbals Tubular Bells Xylophone Triangle Glockenspiel.

6. Name at least three indefinite pitched (untuned) percussion instruments. Triangle Gong Maracas Drums Cymbal Tambourine Woodblock Cowbell

7. Name at least three definite pitched (tuned) percussion instruments. Timpani Glockenspiel Xylophone Tubular bells Vibraphone Marimba

8. List at least three types of drum sticks or mallets. Snare Drum Sticks Brushes Timpani mallets Glockenspiel mallets Bass Drum mallet

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9. What is used to make the snare drum sound different to other drums? Metal wires stretched across the lower skin of the drum known as snares.

10. What is the function of the pedal on the timpani? With the use of the pedal mechanism timpani are capable of producing various pitches (notes).

11. What are the tuned percussion instruments that have metal bars? Glockenspiel Vibraphone

12. List some stick techniques used by drummers. Single Strokes Double Strokes Drum Roll Rim Shot

13. What new commercial approaches have orchestras adopted in order to attract wider audiences and enhance their musical experience? The addition of visual light and laser displays to orchestral performances. Performances of popular music from movies and TV shows. Performances teaming up with rock and metal bands.

14. Name some bands that have performed live with symphony orchestras. Meat Loaf Kiss Metallica

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