Program Summary
Through sharing their personal stories and playing music, the members of the Madrone String Quartet examine the four elements of musical performance -- the composer, conductor, musicians and audience. Learn how the world inspires all of these in co-creating music performance. Why do composers compose? What role does the conductor play? How do musicians interpret written music and work together? Why is the audience an important part of the performance? Communication between all four elements uses a special variety of skills and cues that help everyone express and appreciate personal ideas and feelings through music. The 30-40-minute, interactive program will involve students in the creative process and introduce them to skills necessary for successful understanding and enjoyment of music performance.The Performers
The Madrone String Quartet is an ensemble composed of Carla Picchi and Brian Lee on violins, Eleanor Angel on viola, and Ellen Sanders on cello. All are native Californians who appreciate our state's rich cultural diversity and celebrate it in their music. Individually, the members are active in Bay Area professional symphonies and chamber music organizations as well as a variety of programs to develop and encourage young people in music. They appear with other ensembles playing musical styles ranging from improvisational jazz to opera and ballet, as well as playing for television and movie soundtracks and commercials. The quartet has performed for the San Francisco Symphony's Adventures in Music.Key Concepts
- WATCH, LISTEN AND THINK.
Attentive listening is more than just sitting quietly. Eye contact, body movements, close observation, shared feelings, following instructions and cues, practice, and a strong desire to learn or communicate are other valuable listening tools.
- WHO'S ON THE MUSIC TEAM?
Working together is as important to music teammates as it is in any classroom or sport. Music teammates help each other communicate well. The instruments, the notes as chosen by the composer, the conductor, musicians and audience -- and even where and when the music is played all influence successful communication and enjoyment.
- WHERE DOES MUSIC COME FROM?
Composers blend impressions from all their senses, thoughts, and imaginations to create a musical work. They choose tones, rhythms, tempos, volumes that interpret or imitate the world that inspired them, then organize and embellish their ideas following the rules of music. Musicians and audiences also have choices to make and steps to follow as co-creators in a musical work.
Table of Contents
| Summary and Goals | PARENTS: Enjoy these pages with your child. Though some children will be able to navigate the pages alone or with a friend, your participation will enrich and support your child's learning. Activities are based on grade-level California Curriculum Standards. |
| The Audience | Audience skills are important to a successful performance. Learn what it takes for an audience to succeed. |
| The Composer | Composing is putting sounds in order. Learn who composers are and how they find ideas in the world around them and in their imaginations. Try composing yourself. |
| The Conductor | A conductor helps musicians play together. Practice your conducting skills. |
| The Musicians | Using their instruments, musicians play the stories written by composers, just like reading a story written in words. They use special communication skills and lots of practice to do this. |