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Fine Arts & Science Class - Exploring Classical Music

Purpose: The purpose of this month long investigation was to inspire expose and encourage the children to explore classical music and some of the instruments that are used to play it. We provided a guitar, piano, violin, drums and a melody harp, as well as triangles, shakers, cymbals, tambourines and a special guest - a cellist named Ingrid.

What we discovered and learned about string instruments: Ingrid demonstrated to the class how different sounds can be created by plucking the strings, striking the strings or moving a bow across them. The length and thickness of each string determines the pitch. The longer and thicker the string, the lower the pitch would be. The shorter and tighter the string, the higher the pitch would be. The children found this fascinating and wanted to try it out for themselves.


 Ingrid demonstrates the cello and guitar.

 The children loved to touch the cello and noticed how the strings were all a little different.  

 Trying out the different sounds on the melody harp.

 How does this work? I can play a song.


Opening the violin case; what is in there? Look at that! It’s a violin! No! It’s a small cello. As the case opened, the children were thrilled to learn that this was a child’s violin, just the right size for them to play.


A demo on how the instrument is played. The children all noticed the bow. They were astonished to hear that a part of the bow was made of horse hair. They were invited to touch, feel and try out the violin.

 The violin is just the right size for me. 

  I take lessons. The piano is fun!

The children all waited to take their turn on the instruments.



Ingrid took requests from the children and entertained the class with the songs: Wheels on the Bus, Old MacDonald had a Farm and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. The children also explored matching games, sound games and ribbon dance. We were also fortunate enough to explore the sights and sound of the woodwinds with the high school band. French horns, trumpets, tuba, clarinet, flutes and saxophones entertained the children. One member of our class wanted to be the conductor. He was, and did a wonderful job!


 Matching the all the different families of instruments.


Conclusion: Most of the instruments were in the classroom for the children to explore for a full month. They never tired of it. There were a few children who were inspired to talk with their parents about lessons. We completed our exploration with a trip to a special children’s concert put on by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. A wonderful time was had by all.


~Joanne  

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