The Orchestra Conductor and Strings 2009 30 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 – Percussion and Orchestral Diversity © 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 . For more information please visit www.classroomvideo.com.au or contact customer service at [email protected] or on 1800 644 254 The Orchestra: Conductor and Strings 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 conductor and string section of the orchestra. Explore the history and development of the String Family, experience live performances on the violin, viola, cello and double bass as they demonstrate various playing techniques and styles. This program explores the use of stringed instruments within and beyond the Symphony Orchestra, demonstrating the diverse utilization of stringed instruments. Program Rationale This program explores what roles the conductor and strings section have in an orchestra. 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 00:02:50 The orchestra and conductor 00:07:26 History of the string family 00:11:39 Instruments of the string family 00:17:52 Sound variation and playing techniques 00:23:19 Independence from the orchestra 00:28:33 Credits 00:29:39 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 . - 2 - The Orchestra: Conductor and Strings Program Worksheet Before the Program 1. As a group, identify and list as many different instruments of the orchestra as you can. 2. Discuss where orchestral music can be seen or heard 3. Name six famous orchestras of the world. Note which country each is from. © 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 . - 3 - The Orchestra: Conductor and Strings During the Program 1. How does the Conductor gain the attention of the orchestra? 2. List the different sections that comprise the Orchestra. 3. What tool does the conductor use to lead the orchestra? 4. Name four responsibilities of the conductor. 5. Identify and describe at least one of the beat patterns presented. 6. List some left hand techniques used by the conductor. 7. How many strings are there on most stringed instruments of the orchestra? © 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 . - 4 - The Orchestra: Conductor and Strings 8. Name the string instruments of the orchestra. 9. Identify some of the materials used to make stringed instruments. 10. What is the oldest known string instrument and where does it originate? 11. How is the tunning adjusted on string instruments? 12. Identify two right hand techniques used to produce a sound on string instruments. 13. Compare differences between the viola and violin. 14. Provide some examples of what materials the strings can be made from: © 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 . - 5 - The Orchestra: Conductor and Strings 15. List in order from lowest to highest pitch the bowed stringed instruments of the orchestra. 16. List and describe at least four playing techniques demonstrated. 17. Identify a variety of ensembles that accommodate string instruments independently of the symphony orchestra. © 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 . - 6 - The Orchestra: Conductor and Strings After the Program 1. Make a list of as many different styles of music that string instruments can play. 2. Draw and label the layout of the orchestra identifying the various sections 3. Choose one instrument of the bowed string family. Draw and label the parts on the instrument. 4. Research a famous composer who wrote music for strings. Be sure to include: the full name of the composer, place and date of birth, the full name of five works by this composer. 5. Research one of the string instruments of the orchestra. Be sure to include a labelled diagram of the instrument. State the range of the instrument. Name five famous people who played this instrument. © 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 . - 7 - The Orchestra: Conductor and Strings Suggested Student Responses During the Program 1. How does the Conductor gain the attention of the orchestra? By tapping his (stick) baton on the music stand. 2. List the different sections that comprise the Orchestra. Woodwind Brass Strings Percussion 3. What tool does the conductor use to lead the orchestra? Baton 4. Name four responsibilities of the conductor. Maintaining the beat, tempo, dynamics and cues. 5. Identify and describe at least one of the beat patterns presented. 4/4 down, across body, away from body, up 2/4 down, up ¾ down, away from body, up 6. List some left hand techniques used by the conductor. Pointing to cue instruments Raising /lowering left hand to increase/decrease volume 7. How many strings are there on most stringed instruments of the orchestra? Four 8. Name the string instruments of the orchestra. Violin Viola Cello Double bass Harp 9. Identify some of the materials used to make stringed instruments. Spruce Maple 10. What is the oldest known string instrument and where does it originate? Harp from Egypt 11. How is the tunning adjusted on string instruments? By loosening or tightening the pegs © 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 . - 8 - The Orchestra: Conductor and Strings 12. Identify two right hand techniques used to produce a sound on string instruments. Bow Plucking 13. Compare differences between the viola and violin. Violin is smaller than the viola Violin is tuned a fifth above the viola 14. Provide some examples of what materials the strings can be made from: Cat gut Steel Aluminium Nylon 15. List in order from lowest to highest pitch the bowed stringed instruments of the orchestra. Double Bass Cello Viola Violin 16. List and describe at least four playing techniques demonstrated. Legato- playing smoothly Spicatto- bouncy and short Sautelle- rapid bowing on string Pizzicato- plucking the string Col Legno- using wood of bow on string Vibrato- rock fingers back and forth on string Double stops- play 2 notes at the same time 17. Identify a variety of ensembles that accommodate string instruments independently of the symphony orchestra. String Trio Quartet String orchestra Jazz group Pop groups © 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 . - 9 - .