Preparing for Your Concert

OBJECTIVE: Students will prepare for and reflect on the Atlanta Symphony's Music for the Very Young performance.

SUMMARY: Through conversations and activities before and after the concert, students will learn about the instruments of a string quartet and build personal connections to the music and concert experience.

VOCABULARY: audience, cello, ensemble, instruments, performance, pizzicato, strings, violin, viola

Meet the String Quartet

All of the instruments that you will hear at the concert are part of the String Family. Most string instruments are made of wood with steel or nylon strings stretched across the wooden body. The body of the instrument is hollow so that sound can vibrate within it. The strings are most often played by drawing a bow across them, although sometimes musicians will use their fingers to pluck the strings or even turn their bow upside down to tap the strings with the wooden handle.

Parts of a String Instrument

A string quartet has four instruments: 2 violins, 1 viola, and 1 cello.

VIOLIN: The violin is the smallest instrument in the string family and can make the highest sounds. You play the violin by resting it between your chin and left shoulder. The left hand presses the strings down on the fingerboard to change the pitch, while the right hand moves the bow or plucks the strings.

VIOLA: The viola is slightly larger than the violin and has thicker strings, which produces a warmer, richer sound. It is played in the same way as a violin and often helps create the harmony in an ensemble.

CELLO: Its full name is violoncello, but we usually just say cello. The “c” is pronounced “ch”, like in cheese, and cello rhymes with hello. Because the cello is larger than its violin and viola, it rests on the ground, supported by a metal rod called an endpin. It can play many diverse pitches, ranging from low to high.

Create Your Own String Instrument

Materials:

Tissue box, shoebox, or paper/plastic plate
4 rubber bands with different thickness
Paper towel roll or paint stick
Decorating supplies

Directions:

Prepare the body: Use a long tissue box (remove the plastic top) or a sturdy paper plate.
Add the neck: Cut a hole on the side of the box and insert a paper towel roll (about 2–3 in.), then tape it in place. If using a plate, tape a long stick (like a paint stirrer) instead.
Add the strings: Stretch 4 rubber bands around the box or plate, spaced evenly across the opening or center.
Decorate: Use markers, stickers, paint, or glitter to make it your own!
Play pizzicato: Pluck the rubber bands with your fingers to make short, quick sounds.
Listen for how each “string” makes a different sound!

Prepare & Reflect

Performance Reflection

Engage in classroom discussions to prepare for the performance, and then reflect on your experience after the concert.
Invite students to write or draw about their experience using these prompts:
I can’t wait to see…. I wonder if…. I think I will…. I hope…. I am inspired to…

Pre-Concert Discussion Questions:

What do you think you will see and hear?
What are you excited about? Why?
What are you curious about?
What do you know about The Tortoise & The Hare?
What do you know about a string quartet?

Post-Concert Discussion Questions:

What did you see? What did you hear?
What were your favorite moments of the performance? Why?
What surprised you?
What questions do you still have (about music/the musicians)?

Audience Agreements

In every Atlanta Symphony Music for the Very Young performance, a talented group of musicians and actors come together to deliver an unforgettable musical experience. The audience plays a vital role in fostering an environment that enables the performers to deliver their best, while also expressing appreciation and respect for this remarkable art form. Before attending your performance, please review these audience guidelines. We also encourage you to create your own classroom agreements to actively support the performance from your seats.

Arrive on time and visit the restroom before the performance.
Turn off all cell phones and electronic devices before the performance begins.
Please stay seated for the entire performance, unless you are asked to stand, move or be a part of the action.
Avoid talking to neighbors, whistling, or shouting during the performance, as it can be distracting and disrespectful to the performers and other audience members.
Immerse yourself in the performance by closely listening and watching the action on stage. Let the music and story shape your emotions—laugh at the funny moments and shed a tear if it moves you.
Applaud to show your appreciation.
Have fun!

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