School Programs
We have several presentations/performances put together by our string quartet with a goal to introduce children of all ages to classical music. Depending on the group’s age, each presentation lasts anywhere from thirty minutes to a full hour, leaving the length flexible for adjustment if needed.
During a program we perform one or two short pieces from different time periods of music such as Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Modern: an average program will have eight to ten pieces. At times we play some popular songs by the Beatles or other similar genre. In between pieces we interact with children, explaining what we are about to play, relating music time periods with history in general, creating what we refer to as “Musical Time Travel”. That gives children a better understanding of how old some music is. For instance, if we are playing a piece from Romantic era that was written in 1863 - we mention the Civil War or another event that students have an understanding of.
For each presentation we use a language that is appropriate for that given group: using simple words and descriptions for younger kids, giving them more “fun facts” about music, while reserving more complex language and proper music terms for older ones. We also talk briefly about composers whose music we perform.
Reserving time for questions from students is very important for our programs. Some questions are asked between the pieces, but mostly we leave time for that purpose at the end of the program. If time allows, children (especially younger ones) come up and meet us, giving them a chance to see and learn about instruments up close.
For the conclusion, we may play a song or piece that students have heard of or familiar with. Again, we choose it based on the age group. Usually that piece is not classical but more of a popular tune, to show students different styles of music that classically trained musicians can perform.
Below is a summary of some things that children will learn about through our presentations:
- who are professional musicians and what they do
- what is chamber music and its’ differences from solo performers and orchestras
- instruments in the “string family” and their characteristics
- different ways of playing a string instrument
- classical music in different times in history, “Musical Time Travel”
- facts on composers and their lives
- how to start playing an instrument and what it takes to become a professional musician.
Please contact us for more information on our school programs and we will gladly choose one that will be suitable for your school.