Third Grade Orchestra Unit

We have begun our new unit on the Orchestra in Third Grade.  Students have learned an incredible amount of information about conductors, composers and concertmasters.  The terms composer and conductor are often confused with each other so we began our study be discussing what each of these words mean.

Composer:  Person who writes music

Conductor:  Person who directs an orchestra

Third Graders learned many definitions about terms and famous people associated with each word.

CONDUCTORS
1.  They hold a baton.
2.  They stand on a podium which is a raised platform. (There are often metal bars at the back to help them to not walk backwards off of it)
3.  They cue the performers when it is their turn to play.
4.  They have specific hand patterns to show the beats for each measure.  Students practiced conducting in groups of 2, 3 and 4 beats.
5.  Their music is called a score and shows the conductor what each instrument is playing.  The score rests on a music stand in front of the conductor.

CONCERTMASTER
1.  This person is the First Chair Violinist.
2.  They sit to the left of the conductor in the first chair.
3.  They tune the orchestra.
4.  The conductor bows towards them at the end of the concert to say "Job well done."

COMPOSERS
In each music class, we have focused on one of the songs that will be performed at the concert on our field trip on March 6.  Students have learned about each family in the orchestra as well as information about each instrument in the families.  They will be bringing home their learning packets in the next two weeks as we finish.

We will be hearing/seeing the Lewisville Lake Symphony perform at First Baptist Church in Lewisville.  Students learn interesting facts about the composers, the stories behind the music played and what instruments are used in each period of music.  If you would like to hear the pieces, click below on the links:

BAROQUE PERIOD:
J.S. Bach:  Air on the G String

CLASSICAL PERIOD:
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart:  Overture to Marriage of Figaro

ROMANTIC PERIOD:
Ludwig Beethoven:  Symphony No. 5, Last movement

MODERN PERIOD:
Igor Stravinsky:  The Firebird (Infernal Dance)
Piotr Tchaikovsky:  Waltz of the Flowers from The Nutcracker
John Williams:  Star Wars Theme