Daddy’s favorite toy and many a child’s object of wonder takes center stage in this program about cars and music. What better way to teach children (and their Daddys) about ensemble, rhythm, tuning, and tempo. A fine tuned engine is a fine example of rhythmic patterns working in harmony. We demonstrate this with all the “moving parts” of the orchestra, and let the children hear which parts are out of sync or need further tuning.
 

What is it like to be a blinker, one of 12 cylinders, or a set of windshield wipers and have to keep a steady rhythm? The audience tries it with various “rhythmic ostinati”, or repeating rhythms.

They are then given a crash course in musical driver’s ed, learning to “drive” that fine-tuned musical machine called an orchestra. Those who pass the exam are invited on stage for a test drive, where they use the baton to step on the accelerator or squeeze the brake pedal.

A speedometer to a car is equivalent to a metronome for music. At this point, it’s time to say, “fiddles, step on it!” The audience will be amazed just how fast those instruments can go!

Repertoire

Antonio Vivaldi: III. Movement from „Autumn“ from „The Four Seasons“
Edvard Grieg: Finale from "Holberg Suite"
W.A. Mozart: Menuett from "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik"
Fritz Kreisler: Tempo di Menuetto
Fritz Kreisler: Sicilienne et Rigaudon
Mathias Haus: Improvisation for vibraphon, strings and car parts
Dmitri Kabalewski: Galopp of the Comedians for Xylophone and orchestra.

Instrumentation

String orchestra and percussion.

Interactive Elements

• Children act the part of windshield wipers, blinkers, cylinders, or horn, playing rhythmic ostinati to fit the car part.
• The audience takes a course in musical „driver’s education.“ A few who „pass“ are licensed to „drive“ the orchestra, putting on the brakes or stepping on the accelerator with the conductor’s baton.
• School classes invent a car story to Vivaldi’s „Spring“, which is presented at the concert.

For questions regarding teaching materials or repertoire for smaller ensembles please contact us at info@klassik-for-kids.de