“Swing” is many things. It’s a distinctive rhythmic feel; a musical era dominated by big band jazz; a style of dance that grew alongside the music; and that elusive but unmistakable feeling that results when musicians are deeply tuned into each other and playing in sync, or “in the pocket.” Though swing is characteristically associated with jazz, an orchestra can also swing. Through the Link Up repertoire, hands-on activities, and a culminating interactive performance with a professional orchestra, we will explore the elements that contribute to that magical moment when the orchestra starts to swing.
Music Skills Assessment
Music Skills Assessment Score Sheet
Common Core Activities Standards (Excel)
Common Core Activities Standards (PDF)
Instrument Family Portraits
The Orchestra Map
Instrument Identification (Visual)
The History of Carnegie Hall
The Jazz Ensemble / My Own Jazz Ensemble
Peer Assessment
Self Assessment
The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra, by Benjamin Britten (For Students)
Join Violet as she embarks on an instrument safari, guided by her venerable uncle Ollie, collecting all the instruments of the orchestra to the accompaniment of Britten's The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra.
The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra, by Benjamin Britten (For Teachers)
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