Residency/Educational Outreach

PROGRAM 1

HOT AIR: MEET THE BRASS Grade Level: K-4
This presentation introduces young children to modern brass instruments. They have an opportunity to have each instrument played for them individually and to ask questions after each short segment. Then, they get to hear all of the instruments played together in an ensemble and to hear how the players interact with each other.
Preceding this presentation, teachers are encouraged to have the children make their own instruments by bringing in things that they can find at home. This program is closely tied in with the Activities section found at the end of the educational materials. The exercise is not difficult for either teachers or students. It is a wonderful activity which will foster questions to be asked when the quintet actually arrives to speak with the students. Curriculum Correlation: Music, History, Science, Math, Social Studies, Fine Arts

GOALS
To identify each brass instrument and recognize its particular sound
To learn how sound is produced on a brass instrument
To learn how pitches are changed on brass instruments
To recognize families of like instruments - SATB
To introduce students to changing social & cultural uses of brass instruments
To generate excitement about brass music

BEFORE THE PERFORMANCE
Have students talk about learn about some of the parts of brass instruments. Also, discuss the various parts of a brass instrument. See Vocabulary list.
Have students learn about vibrations and what makes sounds. Teachers can refer to the Activities section about how to proceed with this part.
Have students start thinking of questions to ask the performers. There will be an opportunity to ask questions at the end of each performance.

PROGRAM 2



HOT AIR: THE STORY OF BRASS INSTRUMENTS Grade Level: 4-12
This truly unique presentation highlights the development of brass instruments from the earliest trumpets to the present day. Utilizing a collection of historical instruments from the Renaissance, Baroque and Classical periods, and antique instruments built in the 19th Century, this parade of instruments will mesmerize your students. Students are treated to a rare glimpse into the past as they hear Renaissance music performed on instruments that existed during that time. Music from the American Civil War is performed on instruments that existed and were played at that actual time. The program culminates with a virtuosic display on modern brass instruments, demonstrating how the instruments have improved over the centuries.

Curriculum Correlation: Music, History, Science, Math, Social Studies, Fine Arts

GOALS
To identify each brass instrument and recognize its particular sound
To learn how sound is produced on a brass instrument
To learn how pitches are changed on brass instruments
To see an amazing array of different kinds of brass instruments
To recognize families of like instruments - SATB
To introduce students to changing social & cultural uses of brass instruments
To generate excitement about brass music

BEFORE THE PERFORMANCE
Have students name all of the brass instruments they can think of. Showing students pictures and playing recordings of the brass instruments may help prepare students to recognize the instruments in performance.
Ask students if they know how musicians make sounds on a brass instrument. Some students may have blown on a plastic horn at a ball game. It is not enough to just blow through a brass instrument - brass players vibrate their lips to make the sound.
Have students start thinking of questions to ask the performers. There will be an opportunity to ask questions at the end of each performance.

PROGRAM 3

ENSEMBLES FOR EVERYONE Grade Level: 5-12 Band & Orchestra
in photo: Chestnut Brass Company members playing in a large brass ensemble for the Minnesota Valley Academy of Music photo: Scott Winters
This presentation begins with a listening exercise designed to engage students in critical listening and discussion of success (or not-so-successful) musical performance. The Chestnut Brass plays the role of the "world's worst" brass quintet and the audience offers specific advice to remedy the performance. Brass players are invited to participate in a small ensemble and to receive instruction to begin performing chamber music. This presentation highlights the unique challenges and fun of performing chamber music. Suitable for instrumental students of all ages.

GOALS
To listen critically
To discuss elements of music performance in a positive manner, using musical terminology
To participate by performing in a small ensemble
To develop techniques for better chamber music performance
To learn about the availability of repertoire for chamber ensembles
To generate excitement about chamber music

BEFORE THE PERFORMANCE
Younger students should be familiar with the basics of their instrument, including sound production, rhythm and dynamics. Older students should also understand more advanced concepts, including phrasing and intonation.
Brass players should bring their instruments. They will have an opportunity to play along with the artists!

PROGRAM 4

LISTEN UP! WHAT'S NEW IN MUSIC Grade Level: 5-12 Music
This presentation of contemporary music allows young students to hear new music in repeated, consecutive listenings with discussion between students and artists. The format facilitates understanding of unfamiliar music. Students hear examples of new music in a wide range of styles and discover new ways to listen to and understand music. Students are encouraged to express their thoughts openly, including negative ones, and are assured that there is more than one way to understand any piece of music.

GOALS
To listen to unfamiliar styles of music
To learn to listen creatively
To promote discussion of music in both subjective and objective ways
To identify basic elements of music in a more complicated texture
To generate interest in and excitement about new music

BEFORE THE PERFORMANCE
Talk with students about what they like or dislike about the music they are studying or performing in music class. Help them to describe their thoughts using musical terminology. Focus on melody, harmony, tempo, rhythm, dynamics, timbre -Introduce the concept of subjective vs. objective. Try to identify when a student is making a subjective or an objective statement. Both are good! Descriptions of the elements of music will tend to be more objective; descriptions of the mood or character.

PROGRAM 5

MASTER CLASSES & LECTURE DEMONSTRATIONS (call for details)
in photo: Educational program with Chestnut Brass Company member John Thomas at Apple Valley High School, (sponsored by the Minnesota Valley Academy of Music) photo by Scott Winters


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