Young Composers Playground came to Doull Elementary School in 2015 and 2016. As part of the program, third grade students wrote a story and composed music to accompany their story. The program culminates in a performance. During the 2016 performance at Doull, a school administrator narrated the students’ story while we hear their music.
ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE
Some wonderful musical moments occur in this work. In several instances the instruments play simultaneously. Third grade students find it challenging to write for simultaneous instruments, which can be an important teaching point in our work.
At one point during the performance, the violinist performs monkey sounds by playing and vocally making the sounds. We love it when the students’ humor and playfulness shine in their work.
Finally, notice that there are musical examples of repeated ideas, as well as longer phrases of music. It is important to invite students to extend their musical ideas during the composition process.
THE VIDEO shows the performance of 3 Friends and a Big Mystery at Doull Elementary School.
