This year's Mystery Composer is.....
Igor Stravinsky!

Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971) was a very fascinating man who left his mark on the world of Twentieth Century music.  The April Group Lessons have been devoted to the life and music of Stravinsky.  Each student received a packet with a brief history of Stravinsky, a CD of Stravinsky's music, a small book on Stravinsky and an age appropriate assignment.  Parents of elementary children will need to be sure their student(s) have access to their CD in order to listen to the music assigned.

NOTE:  If one no longer owns a CD player or if your computer does not have a CD drive, please send a thumb drive to your student's next lesson; I will download the playlist on it.  I cannot post the playlist on this website (due to fees charged and copyright issues).

We discussed three ballets--The Firebird, Petrushka, and The Rite of Spring.  All groups saw the first act of Petrushka and part of Disney's version (from Fantasia) of the Rite of Spring.  Older students saw the opening act of The Firebird.  Links to the YouTube versions are found below:

Assignments are due at your private lesson the week of April 18th.​  However, assignments turned in early will be very cheerfully accepted.  Assignments are included in your student's packet as well as listed below by Group.

Monday's Early Elementary Group

• Finish her color sheet started at Group
• Listen to the CD, pick a favorite song and draw a picture showing what she thinks the music sounds like.  The page to be used, with instructions, is included in the packet
• Finish reading the book on Stravinsky with a parent.  We read through page 5.
• Have a parent read the synopsis on the ballet Petrushka included in the packet.  We watched Act I of this ballet about 3 puppets.  Each student is to tell the parent 2 things about what she saw on the video.

Tuesday's Elementary Group

• Finish her color sheet started at Group
• Listen to the CD, pick a favorite song and draw a picture showing what she thinks the music sounds like.  The page to be used, with instructions, is included in the packet.
• Do the Word Search.
• Finish reading the book on Stravinsky with a parent.  We read through page 5.
• Have a parent read the synopsis on the ballet Petrushka included in the packet.  We watched Act I of this ballet about 3 puppets.  Each student is to tell the parent 2 things about what she saw on the video.

Thursday's 5th Grade Boys' Group

7

• Finish his color sheet started at Group
• Listen to the CD, pick a favorite song and draw a picture showing what he thinks the music sounds like.  The page to be used, with instructions, is included in the packet.
• Do the Word Search.
• Do the Crossword Puzzle.
• Finish reading the book on Stravinsky with a parent.  We read through page 7.
• Have a parent read the synopsis on the ballet Petrushka included in the packet.  We watched Act I of this ballet about 3 puppets.  Each student is to tell the parent 2 things about what he saw on the video.

Thursday's Older Elementary Girls' Group

• Finish her color sheet started at Group
• Listen to the CD, pick a favorite song and draw a picture showing what she thinks the music sounds like.  The page to be used, with instructions, is included in the packet.
• Do the Word Search.
• Do the Crossword Puzzle.
• Finish reading the book on Stravinsky with a parent.  We read through page 7.
• Have a parent read the synopsis on the ballet Petrushka included in the packet.  We watched Act I of this ballet about 3 puppets.  Each student is to tell the parent 2 things about what she saw on the video.

Middle School Group

• Read the book on Stravinsky
• Do the Word Search.
• Do the Crossword Puzzle
• Listen to the CD in order to complete the following:
  • Essay assignment:  Write a two paragraph essay on Igor Stravinsky.  Include his date of birth and death; the title and description of one composition for piano from the CD; and the title and description (think plot) of one of the ballets.  Please type your essay.
  • Listening assignment:
    • ​a)  Choose your favorite piece and  list the title, track number, and instrumentation.  How does this piece make you feel?  Why do think that is?  If you chose something for piano, would you like to play this?  Why?
    • b)  Listen to the Circus Polka (track 21).  Who commissioned Stravinsky to write this and why?  Who danced this?

High School Group

• Read the book on Stravinsky
• Do the Word Search.
• Do the Crossword Puzzle
• Listen to the CD in order to complete the following:
  • Essay assignment:  Write a three paragraph essay on Igor Stravinsky.  Include his date of birth and death; the titles and descriptions of two compositions:  one piece for piano and one ballet — The Rite of Spring.  Include the reaction of the audience at the premier of the ballet as well as three novel features of Stravinsky’s score.  Also include a basic plot/story line of The Rite of Spring.  Have you heard any portion of this ballet before?  Please type your essay.
  • Listening assignment:
    • ​a)  Choose your favorite piece and  list the title, track number, and instrumentation.  How does this piece make you feel?  Why do think that is?  If you chose something for piano, would you like to play this?  Why?
    • b)  Listen to the Circus Polka (track 21).  Who commissioned Stravinsky to write this and why?  Who danced this?

Act 1 of Stravinsky's Petrushka (shown at all Groups)

Stravinsky's The Firebird (secondary students watched starting at the 5:23 mark until the 15:40 mark).