Second Concert Guide for the 2018-19 Season

SYMPHONY FOR THE SCHOOLS

Be Your Own Hero!

A hero is an ordinary individual who

finds the strength to persevere and

endure in spite of overwhelming

obstacles.

- Christopher Reeve, Superman

“

”

Be Your Own Hero!

CONCERT INTRODUCTIONThe Phoenix Symphony is excited that you will be joining us for our second Symphony for the Schools Concert of the

2018/19 season, Be Your Own Hero!

Be Your Own Hero aims to give students the confidence and courage to be the hero they need! Join The Phoenix Symphony’s Resident Conductor, Mathew Kasper, as he leads the orchestra through a program of classical favorites and modern orchestral hits. Accompanied by actors from Phoenix Theatre, the students will follow the orchestra as

they explore stories of heroism and heroic, fantastic music!

This guide includes information about the composers you will hear at the performance, short descriptions of the individual pieces and links to performances of the pieces on YouTube. Consider playing these excerpts throughout

the school day helps familiarize students with the music. You may find that it has a dramatic effect on their engagement in their field trip to Symphony Hall.

2

THE PHOENIX SYMPHONY

May 14-16, 2019

For best use, please use this guide digitally – you may need to speak with your IT professional to enable access to YouTube and other sites used in the program. We look forward to performing for you in October!

MATTHEW KASPER

ABOUT THE CONDUCTOR

3

MATTHEW KASPER,CONDUCTOR

Matthew Kasper is the recently promoted Resident Conductor of The Phoenix Symphony and Music Director of The Phoenix Youth Symphony. He has also served as Interim Music Director of the Queens Symphony Orchestra and was the founding Music Director of the Chicago Composers Orchestra.

Matthew holds degrees in violin performance from Queens College and the Chicago College of Performing Arts, he earned a degree in Orchestral Conducting from Queens College and is a former member of the Chicago Civic Orchestra. He has also studied chamber music and is an accomplished arts administrator, having served as an artistic intern for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and as Artistic Operations Manager of the Grant Park Music Festival.

Originally from Madison, Wisconsin, Matthew currently resides in Phoenix with his wife, Rebecca and children, Theodore and Fiona.

SYMPHONY HALLABOUT THE VENUE

4

PHOENIX SYMPHONY HALL

Symphony Hall was built in 1972, and received a major upgrade in 2004 to be the space you’ll enjoy at your concert. Seating over 2,300 people, there’s a lot of space for your class and friends from all over the valley.

When you arrive, you’ll park along 3rd Street between Washington and Jefferson streets. On your way from your bus, keep your eyes peeled for the East buildings of the Convention Center, Science Center, and the enormous Bank of America building running right alongside of the bus parking. Volunteers will help you find your assigned entrance door, and we ask that you find your seats before sending students to the restroom, which are located to the east and west of the performance space.

As you enter, your students will see carpeting inspired by the natural desert landscapes of Arizona, Navajo-inspired tapestries, and hand-blown glass chandeliers from Italy. Take a minute to take it all in, and we’ll start the show promptly at 10:00am and 11:45am.

THE PHOENIX SYMPHONYMEET THE ORCHESTRA

5

THE PHOENIX SYMPHONY

The orchestra is made up of all kinds of different people and is also more than just musicians! Let’s meet everyone that’s part of an orchestra and learn about their role in making each performance successful:

CONDUCTOR:The conductor, or maestro, keeps everyone together. The conductor often uses a baton to keep the beat steady. He/she rehearses the orchestra before each performance.

MUSICIANS:The musicians are generally split up into FOUR sections*:Woodwinds: Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, BassoonBrass: Trumpet, Tuba, Horn, TrombonePercussion: Timpani, Snare Drum, Tambourine, Triangle, Piano, and many moreStrings: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double-Bass, Harp*More information on each individual instrument can be found on Be Part of the Music: http://www.bepartofthemusic.org/

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SYMPHONY AND AN ORCHESTRA?The short answer is: None! The term “orchestra” originally referred to the circular space occupied by the chorus in the ancient Greek theatre, and the name later came to refer to groups of musicians, especially string players, sitting in the same shape. Today we use the term to describe a larger group of instrumentalists that includes a number of strings. Brass bands, concert bands, and string quartets are not orchestras, but a dance band that includes a few strings may choose to call themselves an orchestra.

“Symphonic” comes from terms meaning “sounding together,” which orchestras certainly do. Today we typically use the term “Symphony” to refer to a large orchestra including brass, woodwinds and percussion along with strings.

THE PHOENIX SYMPHONY

THE MUSIC:PLAYLIST

6

Below is a listing of the music your students will hear on the concert. Included are YouTube links to each of the pieces – we encourage you to play these for your students as you see fit, even during individual work time or as students are walking in and out of class.

Rossini: “Finale” from the Overture to William Tellhttps://youtu.be/YIbYCOiETx0

*Beethoven: Symphony No. 3, Mvt Ihttps://youtu.be/W-uEjxxYtHo

*Khachaturian: “Waltz” from Masqueradehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPp3Qh-GRqs

*Verdi: “Triumphal March” from Aida https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3w4I-KElxQ

Debussy, Claude: Nocturnes, Mvt. II: “Festivals”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1-RD1geULA

Stravinsky, Igor: “Finale” from Firebirdhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-OBzD5Es4c

*Giacchino, Michael: “In Credits” from The Incredibleshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnQksQS6buo

* This piece may be shortened to fit within the time constraints of the Symphony for the Schools program, but please feel free to play entire selections for your students!

ABOUT THE MUSIC

7

The Phoenix Symphony does not claim ownership of the images on this page. This document is intended for educational purposes only.

Gioachino Rossini (1792-1868)Rossini was an Italian composer who lived and worked in the Classical and early Romantic eras of music history. He is most well known for his operas, of which he wrote 39, including writing 34 over only 13 years! Though many other composers around him were writing in the grandiose, emotional styles of the Romantic era, Rossini preferred the structure and formality of the Classical era. Rossini’s music relies on the musicians to breathe life to it.

William Tell was a folk-hero of Switzerland and Europe and an expert archer (crossbow). In the 14th century the Swiss people (including Tell) were fed up with the iron rule of the Hapsburg empire so Willaim, knowing something had to be done, took action that led to a larger revolt of the Swiss people and eventually independence for Switzerland. William is a symbol of revolution against unjust rulers.

The Phoenix Symphony will be playing the last Allegro which is meant to represent the Swiss cavalry riding to victory on their horses. Try to imagine the horses as you listen!

Gioachino Rossini: Overture to William Tell, Finale

ABOUT THE MUSIC

8

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)Beethoven is considered one of the greatest composers of classical music ever to live. He worked in the Classical Era of music history (1750-1825) and is seen as a transitional figure, leading many of the musical style changes that led to the Romantic Era and beyond. He wrote many important Symphonies, Concertos and Chamber Ensemble pieces. Near the end of his life, Beethoven completely lost his hearing, but continued to write music, including his celebrated Ninth Symphony!

The Phoenix Symphony does not claim ownership of the images on this page. This document is intended for educational purposes only.

Ludwig van Beethoven: First Movement of Symphony No. 3

This piece was originally dedicated to Napoleon but when

Beethoven was informed that Napoleon had decided to

make himself Emperor, he new that he would just be

another tyrannical ruler who held himself above the rest of

humanity. Disappointed, Beethoven removed the dedication

and title and called his third symphony ‘Eroica’. It is now a

piece for the everyday, unsung heroes of humanity.

9

ABOUT THE MUSIC

The Phoenix Symphony does not claim ownership of the images on this page. This document is intended for educational purposes only.

Aram Khachaturian (1903-1978)Khachaturian was born in the Russian Empire in what is now Georgia and he spent most of his career in Russia. In addition to his career in music, Khachaturian was active as a public figure in the USSR as a strong advocate for the loosening of restrictions on artists under the oppressive communist government. Much of his music is based on the folk traditions of Armenian music and of other USSR territories.

Aram Khachaturian: “Waltz” from Masquerade

Masquerade was incidental music for a play by the same name that premiered in 1941. Incidental music is similar to the music in the background of movies.

A waltz is a type of dance that is over 400 years old! A waltz is danced using a 3-step pattern, so you may find it difficult to march to!

9

ABOUT THE MUSIC

The Phoenix Symphony does not claim ownership of the images on this page. This document is intended for educational purposes only.

Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901)Verdi was an Italian composer who specialized in writing operas, and he is considered one of the greatest opera composers of all time. He, like many other composers, sometimes wove politics and yearnings for independence into his works. His name was even used as a revolutionary symbol; V E R D I are the first letters of the phrase, “Vittorio Emanuele, Re d’Italia,” which translates to “Victor Emanuel, King of Italy”, the person Italians wanted as their ruler.

Giuseppe Verdi: “Triumphal March” from Aida

This march is featured in Verdi’s opera Aida as the Egyptian troops return to Egypt after a victory over Ethiopia. The march is the start of a wild celebration and depicts the grandiosity of the Egyptian army and following festivities.

When listening, see if you can imagine an army marching to the beat, then, try to tap the beat yourself!

10

10

ABOUT THE MUSIC

The Phoenix Symphony does not claim ownership of the images on this page. This document is intended for educational purposes only.

Claude Debussy (1862-1918)Claude Debussy was a French composer of the Late Romantic Era and early 20th Century. He is best known for his popularization of the ‘Impressionist’ style of composition that favored the blending of unique sounds to create interesting musical landscapes, as opposed to the more-structured style of his predecessors. He was influenced by other composers in Europe as well as American jazz musicians. Many composers that followed Debussy credit him as a major influence on their own style.

11

Claude Debussy: Nocturnes, Mvt. II; “Festivals”

Though it is called “Festivals”, Debussy described this movement as a “dazzling, fantastic vision” not to meant to be interpreted as a real event.

This piece is the selection for the Phoenix Symphony and Young Arts Arizona’s Paint to Music program! Details on the program can be found later in this guide – we encourage everyone to participate!

Paint to Music!

-with-Proudly Present:

2018-2019

10

ABOUT THE MUSIC

The Phoenix Symphony does not claim ownership of the images on this page. This document is intended for educational purposes only.

Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971)Igor Stravinsky was a 20th Century Russian composer best known for his unique use of harmony and rhythm, factors that feature prominently in his most famous works. Some of those works include the ballets, “The Firebird”, “Petrushka” and “The Rite of Spring”. Stravinsky became an American citizen in 1939 and is considered one of the most influential composers of the 20th Century.

12

Igor Stravinsky: “Finale” from The Firebird

After sparing the life of a magical Firebird, Prince Ivan is given a

feather so if he finds himself in need he can call upon her for help.

Ivan descends into the evil Koschei’s realm and discovers thirteen

princesses who are under an dark spell. The next day, Ivan

confronts the magician and they begin to fight. The Firebird

intervenes and puts the Koschei and his minions into a deep sleep.

While they sleep, the Firebird tells Ivan how to free the princesses

and other captives of Koschei.

The music you’ll hear is their victory celebration.

11

ABOUT THE MUSIC

The Phoenix Symphony does not claim ownership of the images on this page. This document is intended for educational purposes only.

Michael Giacchino (b. 1967)Michael Giacchino is best known for his music for popular movies such as The Incredibles 1 & 2, three Star Trek movies, Coco, Spider-Man and many more, as well as music for video games and TV. He won an Academy Award for his score for Up.

13

Michael Giacchino: “In Credits” from The Incredibles

The Incredibles is about a family of superheroes that live as normal a life as you, but take it upon themselves to save the world when they are needed!

This piece is fun, jazzy and very high-energy; perfect for a hero theme song! What would your hero theme music sound like?

Paint to Music!

Now in its 17th year, Paint to Music is a unique partnership

between The Phoenix Symphony and Young Arts Arizona

that fosters unified creativity in a student’s approach to the

aural and visual arts. Students attending Symphony for the

Schools in May 2019 are invited to submit artwork created

while listening to music selected from the concert

program.

-with-Proudly Present:

2018-2019

All submitted artwork will be presented as part

of a slideshow during The Phoenix

Symphony’s performance of Festivals at

Symphony Hall during Symphony for the

Schools. Some artwork will be selected to be

featured at a special art gallery opening in the

greater Phoenix area and to go on tour with

Young Arts Arizona.

This year’s musical selection is Claude Debussy’s Fêtes(Festivals) from Trois

Nocturnes. Links to recordings can be found here:

https://www.phoenixsymphony.org/education-and-community/paint-to-music-contest

One North First Street, Suite 200, Phoenix, AZ 85004 | 602-495-1999 | phoenixsymphony.org

14

Suggestions for completing Paint to Music projects:

Let the students begin their work

while listening to Festivals for the

first time so that the artwork flows

organically from the student’s

experience with the music.

In accordance with the guidelines, let

the students select their preferred

medium of self-expression.

Try to avoid too much description

about the music – your students

may tend to draw your description.

Anything is valid! Winning artwork has

included everything from abstract reflections

on the music to literal depictions of musical

instruments to an anthropomorphic dancing

taco.

Paint to Music!15

Artwork Guidelines:

Artwork should be created on a white sheet of paper or poster board and be no larger than 18” x 22”.

Artwork can be created in your or your student’s choice of medium (crayon, paint, markers, etc...).

Submission instructions, entry and release forms and recordings of Festivals are available here:

https://www.phoenixsymphony.org/education-and-community/paint-to-music-contest

More information on Symphony for the Schools can be found here:

https://www.phoenixsymphony.org/education-and-community/symphony-for-the-schools/

And to learn more about Young Arts Arizona, please visit their webpage:

http://www.youngartsaz.org/

The Phoenix Symphony is

proud to partner with Young

Arts Arizona to celebrate the

interconnectedness of the arts.

Thank you for supporting Paint

to Music and Symphony for the

Schools.

Paint to Music!

2018-2019

16

ARIZONA STATE STANDARDS

13

COLLABORATIONStandards taken from Arizona’s College and Career Ready Standards: http://www.azed.gov/standards-practices/

EnglishReading Standards for Informational Text (Grades K-1): K.RI.4, 1.RI.4, K.RI.10, 1.RI.10English LAWriting (Grades 3-5): 3.W.2, 4.W.2, 5.W.2, 3.W.7English LA and LiteracyWriting (Grades 6-10): 6.W.3, 7.W.3, 8.W.3, 6.W.4, 7.W.4, 8.W.4, 9-10.W.4

Mathematics3.MP.7, 4.MP.7, 5.MP.7: look for and make use of structure.3.MP.8, 4.MP.8, 5.MP.8: look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.

General MusicStrand 3, Concept 2, PO 2 (Grades K-8): listening attentively while others perform and showing appropriate audience behavior for the context and style of the music performed.Strand 1, Concept 1, PO 1 (Grade K): exhibiting singing and speaking voices.Strand 1, Concept 2, PO 1 (Grade K): maintaining a steady beat.Strand 2, Concept 1, PO 1 (Grade K): exploring the relationship between music and dance by responding to sounds through movement.Strand 2, Concept 3, PO 1 (Grade K): describing what a piece of music makes them think of/or about.Strand 3, Concept 1, PO 2 (Grade 1): identifying a variety of band, orchestra, and classroom instruments.Strand 3, Concept 1, PO 4 (Grade 1): demonstrating various moods heard in music through facial expression, body posture and/or movement.Strand 1, Concept 2, PO 1 (Grade 2): maintaining a steady beat in a group.Strand 1, Concept 3, PO 1 (Grade 2): improvising simple rhythmic accompaniments.Strand 1, Concept 5, PO 4 (Grades 3-6): reading and notating music using standard musical notationStrand 2, Concept 2, PO 1 (Grade 3): identifying music from various genres and diverse cultures.Strand 3, Concept 1, PO 4 (Grade 3): describing changes in mood while listening to music.Strand 1, Concept 1, PO 2 (Grade 4): singing unaccompanied with correct timing and intonation.Strand 2, Concept 2, PO 1 (Grade 6): describing the characteristics that distinguish one style/period of music from another.Strand 3, Concept 1, PO 4 (Grade 6-7): classifying musical examples by culture.Strand 3, Concept 1, PO 4 (Grade 7): classifying musical examples by genres.Strand 1, Concept 2, PO 1 (Grades 7-8): playing expressively on the instruments of the genreStrand 2, Concept 2, PO 1 (Grade 8): comparing and contrasting the characteristics that distinguish one style/period of music from other various time periods

17

CONTACT INFORMATION

VALERIE BONTRAGERDirector of Education and Community Engagement

vbontrager@phoenixsymphony.orgANDREW O’NEAL

Manager of Education and Community Engagementaoneal@phoenixsymphony.orgPATRON SERVICES/BOX OFFICE

Phone: 602-495-1999 or 1-800-776-9080EMAIL

education@phoenixsymphony.orgWEB

phoenixsymphony.org