Symphony
Goes to School
This program is intended for students in 3rd and 4th grades
as an introduction to the instruments of the orchestra and
in preparation for the Youth Concert when they reach 5th
grade. Now in its thirteenth year, players from the RSO visit
classrooms to demonstrate and discuss their instruments (sometimes
bringing several varieties), and give a history of the instrument.
Acoustical information and playing techniques are included.
This half-hour visit allows students to hear, see, and talk
with professional musicians on a personal level. Musicians
prepare presentations with reference to the ISBE State Goals
and Standards for music, language arts, and social studies.
In addition to familiarizing students with the instrument
families and RSO musicians, the classroom visit puts a "face"
to the Symphony. There is a more personal connection with
the orchestra when students recognize their classroom visitor
as a member of the RSO on stage.
Symphony Goes to
School Request Form
for Teachers
Home School News!
Home school groups are continuing to discover all the RSO
has to offer. Home school families and co-ops are invited
to the Riverfront Museum Park for special Symphony Goes to
Home School programs. Due to many requests from home school
parents and groups, the series of SGTS presentation will
be held in four sessions throughout the year. Each session
features a different concept, group of musical instruments,
or ensemble performance.
Upcoming classes include:
Music is FUN-damental
11 a.m. – noon; Wednesday April 9, 2008
$5 per child
This class for ages 5-7 explores the very basic elements of music – rhythm, tempo and dynamics. Learn how changing these fundamental elements makes music different in ways we can hear and feel.
Meet the Maestros Series
11 a.m. – noon
$5 per child for each session; OR $12 for all three if registered in advance
This series of three classes explores the lives of three American composers. Discover their unique style and uncover the mystery of what makes American music different from music composed in other parts of the world. Designed for students ages 8-12.
Wednesday, March 5 Introducing Aaron Copeland
Known for big brass and percussion, Copeland’s music expresses all the grandeur of the promise and hope of America. Using folk tunes and melodies that are reminders of the pioneer era, Copeland’s bold compositions can also be delicate and peaceful.
Wednesday, March 26 Introducing Duke Ellington
Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington grew up during a particularly lively and creative time in the development of American music. Although he is often best known for music composed for his big jazz orchestra, Ellington composed serious symphonic music as well. This tremendously prolific composer wrote music acclaimed all over the world.
Wednesday, April 16 Introducing George Gershwin
The son of European immigrants, George Gershwin and his brother Ira wrote a lot of popular music in New York City where they grew up and worked most of their lives. George’s interest in composing more serious music for symphony orchestra and piano gave way to some of America’s best loved orchestral repertoire.
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RSO Woodwind Quintet and Brass Quintet
RSO musicians make up these two outreach performance ensembles.
Each group presents concepts based on a theme illustrated
by short musical examples. Presentations last approximately
45 minutes. The Woodwind Quintet focuses on concepts of time
and tempo using counting and rhythm as the basis for the
presentation. The Brass Quintet includes lessons regarding
basic acoustical principles as they entertain students with
lively musical excerpts.
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