Introduction (Music as Feeling, Recorder Rules/Review, and Student Musicians)

Welcome to the Philadelphia Orchestra's School Partnership Program! Here's the first week's lesson plan. The week is a basic orientation, with each other, with the recorders, and with the program in general. 

After listening to yours truly play a bit of Bizet on the flute, students then did a clapping rhythm call/response exercise while keeping the beat in their feet. Students then wrote and drew a response to Beethoven Symphony No. 5, Andante. (How does this music make you feel? What instruments do you hear?)

Then, recorders were introduced, and all students said the recorder pledge. ("I will only play the recorder when I am asked.") The rhythmic call/response was brought back while reviewing some basic recorder notes. 

Finally, students drew themselves as musicians on the cover of their journals while listening to Mozart Symphony No. 40, 1st movement. They thought about which instrument they wanted to play, and where they would want to play it. There were many flute players in the midst, but also some pianists and rappers. Many wanted to be on the stage...

(More examples of student work will be added throughout the week.)