Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra - Fairy Tales From Our Symphony

All classes have enjoyed interacting with the music we will be hearing at next week’s Ann Arbor Symphony concert. They were thrilled to learn they would be hearing music from the Harry Potter movies, and enjoyed the verve and contrast in Michael Daugherty’s “Oh, Lois!” This piece, from Daugherty's Metropolis Symphony about Superman, was composed to sound like a comic book, full of orchestral "Wham!" and "Pow!". Daugherty himself will be hosting the concert.

We also worked with two waltzes from ballet suites: Prokofiev’s waltz from Cinderella and Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty Waltz. Many students preferred the darker, more modern sound of the Prokofiev, while others were pleased to notice similarities between Sleeping Beauty and the Nutcracker Suite, also by Tchaikovsky. Students’ interest in ballet was taken to new heights after learning that it was originally based on the moves of fencing. Students were also interested to hear versions of the Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty stories that were not the “Disney Princess” versions, and 5/6 students especially enjoyed sharing and comparing different versions of the tales. Third through sixth grade students were excited to identify themes and repeats in the music by following along with a visual listening map. Students of all ages enjoyed waltzing, dueling, and acting out parts of the story along to the music. I was impressed by the grace and joy displayed in the duels as well as in the ballet moves and waltzes. Students should experience greater enjoyment and understanding of music at the concert after getting to interact with the music physically, visually, and emotionally.

A Triple Waltzing Trio

We also still have room for additional chaperones, Wednesday March 14, from 9:25 am to about noon. If any parents want a free trip to the orchestra, feel free to contact me ☺.