Vol. 3 Issue No. 7
March, 2017
Lifelong Listeners Newsletter

This month, we are taking the word "march" literally and learning about musical marches. Marches have been used by militaries all over the world throughout history to motivate troops and keep them marching together. However, many marches were also written for non-military purposes.  This month we will explore both types and learn about some famous composers and pieces of music along the way. Happy Listening!

 

Music 101        

Music 101 News!
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3/18 (Sat.), 4 P.M. - Performance Class Music 101 faculty member and pianist Michael Gold will host this month.  Hear Michael perform and learn a bit about his music, then play a piece of your own. A great way to get inspired and practice performing in a low-pressure environment.    

  

Enrichment Classes! Have you heard? Music 101 is offering several new enrichment classes this year along with our popular performance classes. Best of all, certain classes are FREE of charge, while others remain at a low cost. Meet other kids who are interested in music and enhance what you learn in your private lessons. Classes meet periodically with no long-term commitment required, so they are easy to fit into busy schedules! 

Live Concerts!
(Use this section with Listener Worksheet #1 and Listener Worksheet #2
  
*This symbol indicates that Music 101 faculty will perform in this event 
  

3/18 (Sat.), 7:30 P.M. - Polymnia Choral Society (Wakefield) Support our local chorus and hear some great music! This concert will feature a full chorus, full orchestra, and some vocal soloists! 

 

*3/18 (Sat.), 7:30 P.M. - Orchestra of Indian Hill (Littleton) Hear Music 101's Jenny Herzig perform with the orchestra! This concert features pieces of music that tell stories in different ways. Also a chance to hear Max Levinson, a wonderful pianist, perform with the orchestra!   


4/2 (Sun), 3 P.M. - Melrose Symphony Family Concert (Melrose)  Spend the afternoon with our local symphony and learn all about the orchestra in this special 40-minute show tailored especially for kids! This year's theme will be "Superheros Near and Far".  Also, come early to see the instruments up close in the instrument petting zoo (1:30-2:30 P.M.)!
Listen Online!
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(Use this section with Listener Worksheet #1 and Listener Worksheet #2)
  
Ludwig van Beethoven: "Military March in F Major" (Central Navy Band of Russia) Throughout history, composers have written marches for the military. The music was meant to motivate soldiers and help them stay together while marching. Marches were also written to honor government leaders at state occasions. Beethoven wrote this march for the Archduke Anton. Notice the very steady beat and all of the percussion this music uses. Can you march along at a steady pace to this music? 
  
John Philip Sousa "Semper Fidelis" (United States Marine Band) Military marches were not just written in Europe. The most famous composer of marches is an American: John Philip Sousa. In fact, people nicknamed Sousa "The March King". He conducted the US Marine band for many years, and here they are playing their official march, which was of course written by him. 
  
Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky "March from the Nutcracker Suite" (Cologne New Philharmonic Orchestra) Many marches were not written for the military at all. This famous march was written for a ballet called "The Nutcracker". The ballet is about a wooden nutcracker who comes to life. Can you imagine ballerinas dancing to this music even though it is a march?
  
Julius Fucik "Entrance of the Gladiators (Banda Filarmonica do Rio de Janeiro) This march is an example of a circus march called a "screamer". These types of marches were used to energize the audience during circus acts. Can you imagine the clowns or the flying trapeze artists performing during this music?
  
John Williams "Raiders March" (Boston Pops) Composers today still write marches for all different reasons. You might recognize this famous march written for the Indiana Jones movie "Raiders of the Lost Ark".  
In This Issue
Composers & Artists
(Use this section with Listener Worksheet #3)
   

Ludwig van Beethoven

 

Julius Fucik

 

John Philip Sousa

 

Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky 

 

John Williams 

Other Links
(Use this section with Listener Worksheet #4)
  
  
How to Earn Listener Points!
You can earn Listener Points by exploring this newsletter! Here is how:

 

1) Download Listener Worksheets from our website or pick up copies at the studio. 

 

2) Go to a concert!  See our "Live Concerts" section for ideas. Turn in your program for 10 points.  Turn in Listener Worksheet #1 or Listener Worksheet #2
about something you heard for 10 additional points. 

 

3) Listen online!  Listen to one of the videos in the "Listen Online" section and turn in Listener Worksheet #1 or Listener Worksheet #2 for 10 points.

4) Click on a link in the "Composers & Artists" section. Turn in Listener Worksheet #3   for 10 points.
  
5) Click on a link in the "Other Links" section.  Turn in Listener Worksheet #4 for 10 points.
 
6) Look up any music topic that interests you.  Turn in Listener Worksheet #5 for 10 points.