"The Orchestra Moves" Emlen Elementary November 1, 2016

What an exciting field trip exploring how music moves and moves us when we listen to the music. The Please Touch Museum partnered with The Philadelphia Orchestra as part of the Carnegie Hall The Orchestra Moves educational series. The Orchestra Moves is an interactive partnership promoting all the components of an orchestra and helps educators and students grades 3 - 5, connect to great hands on learning of musical instruments and terminology via classroom introduction to the orchestra, study of music, online resources and field trips.  i had the honor of chaperoning with Emlen music teacher Mr. Leiby, during a visit to the Kimmel Center where we participated in The Orchestra Moves.

The students had the chance to explore the lobby of the Kimmel center as we waited to be seated. We stood next to an art exhibit called Dinning table by Michael Beitz. i explained to our students why the artist created the table and asked the students what did they feel when looking at the table. Some said that the table created anger because they would be mad if they were sitting at a table and couldn't see the person sitting on the opposite end of the table. Pretty cool how art starts the conversation of emotions and how those emotions can be moved. 

One young lady mentioned that she is learning to play the Cello and was looking forward to seeing the concert. She connected when the Cello section was introduced. Our students were engaged before and after the performance with questions enhancing the learning of the orchestra which came across two screens. During the performance we also participated with the songs when prompted. We all were able to experience Tempo and get a better understanding of how music moves during the Philadelphia Orchestra rendition of In The Hall of The Mountain King. We used our hands to act as windshield wipers, we marched in place, did shoulder shrugs and bent our knees at various speeds when prompted. 

Great scaffolding on music use and terminology accomplished with this partnership. You can bring the orchestra to your school or group by creating an account with Carnegie Hall.