The Conductor
All Together Now!
A conductor helps musicians play together using hand movements. Here is one hand pattern a conductor uses. Count to four, saying "and a" between each number. Start at the top, then follow the arrows. Give it a try!
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What a Composer Does
Click on these pictures to learn some of the many things a conductor does.
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Some Conductors are also Composers
Sometimes the conductor is also the composer, and already knows the music very well.
You heard the Madrone String Quartet play music by these composers.
They were famous for conducting, too.
Click on their pictures to learn more about them.
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Meet a modern conductorMary Chun is a conductor and musician. She plays an unusual instrument called the ondes martenot, the first electronic instrument invented in 1928. She is invited to conduct by composers and orchestras around the world. |
Recommended Reading
JP-MZin! Zin! Zin! a Violin, by Lloyd Moss. Written in elegant and rhythmic verse and illustrated with playful and flowing artwork, this unique counting book is a joyful introduction to musical instruments and musical groups.
Search San Mateo County Library online catalog for this and other child-friendly books about music.