Eric Whitacre was born in Nevada in 1970. He is known for his choral, concert band, and orchestra music.

Whitacre received his undergraduate degree from the University of Nevada and a masters of composition from the Julliard School. He likes to combine a variety of sounds in his pieces to create various textures, including clusters of notes.

This piece, October, was written to evoke the peaceful beauty of fall

The theme repeats 18 times, but each time the music is a little different. Listen to “In the Hall of the Mountain King” and describe how the music changes.

Listening 10 times 2

1. Listen to a piece of music quietly. Let your ears wander and take in as much as possible.

2. List 10 words or phrases about any aspect of what you hear.

3. Repeat Steps 1 & 2: Listen again and try to list 10 more words or phrases to your list.

John Williams was born in New York in 1932. He is one of the most well known film composers of all time.

Hedwig's Theme is from the first Harry Potter movie, The Sorcerer's Stone. As you listen, use the dynamics chart to track the volume changes you hear.

This piece called One Day comes from Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's end. As you listen, use the dynamics chart to track the volume changes you hear.