Thursday, July 23, 2015

Voices Begin the Musical Journey

History of western music 

(From ancient Greece to Renaissance)

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XC6TlS41DNM 

Notice the importance of the voice 

and gradual introduction of instruments 

as you progress through the video. 


Link for several other videos in many musical periods: 


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Village Voices sang Over the Rainbow 

in the Fall Recital 2014, new recitals begin on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. in the Heritage Center.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OA0simsHBU

Keep Your Lamps and Blackbird 
performed by Festival City Chamber Singers in OSU Talent Showcase.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ourNYB5lZ4

For Unto Us a Child is Born from Handel's Messiah

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idwYiOcBZ0s

This season will mark the 75th performance of the Messiah in Cedar City.
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Music training can significantly 


improve our motor and reasoning skills  


by Belle Cooper

We generally assume that learning a musical instrument can be beneficial for kids, but it's actually useful in more ways than we might expect. One study showed that children who had three years or more musical instrument training performed better than those who didn't learn an instrument in auditory discrimination abilities and fine motor skills.

They also tested better on vocabulary and nonverbal reasoning skills, which involve understanding and analyzing visual information, such as identifying relationships, similarities and differences between shapes and patterns.

These two areas in particular are quite removed from musical training as we imagine it, so it's fascinating to see how learning to play an instrument can help kids develop such a wide variety of important skills.

Similar research shows this correlation for exercise and motor skills in the same way, which is also fascinating.

*Upcoming*


 Rhythm of Life Season opens with Fall Recitals each Tuesday in Sept.

Orchestra of Southern Utah, P.O. Box 312, Cedar City, UT  84721
Website:  http://myosu.org/

Emily Hepworth
OSU Manager
435-233-8213 

Sunday, July 5, 2015

Exploring the "Awe" in Music

Music Which Stands the Test of Time ?????

Orchestras have to make decisions about which music to perform.  Below is an international gauge of the most performed works for 2014.   The Orchestra of Southern Utah seeks to find new music as well as traditional standards.  We receive suggestions from the musicians, audience patrons, and commission music.  Our upcoming season is the Rhythm of Life and includes music ranging from Star Wars to Sibelius.  More info at http://www.orchestraofsouthernutah.org/concerts/2015-2016-concert-seasons


From Backtrack for 2014

Backtrack offers information on performances throughout the world, 
as well as reviews, and music festival informations: http://bachtrack.com/
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What moments make music 

transcendent or powerful? 

http://www.classicfm.com/discover/music/fist-pump-moments/#FLsbmq2iCr4Pz4UW.97 .  

The video of Khachaturian's Adagio from Spartacus is a favorite.  

How do you respond to music?  
Some people use music in the background for work. 
Others have certain pieces which help them perk up or calm down.  
Put on different kinds of music and see how it makes you feel.  
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Listening and learning website 

designed for both children and adults: 


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6 Benefits of Music Lessons

Learning to play an instrument can help your child fine-tune her ear and enhance skills needed for education and social interaction.

It improves academic skills.
Music and math are highly intertwined. By understanding beat, rhythm, and scales, children are learning how to divide, create fractions, and recognize patterns. . . 
It develops physical skills.
Certain instruments, such as percussion, help children develop coordination and motor skills; they require movement of the hands, arms, and feet. . . .
It cultivates social skills.
Group classes require peer interaction and communication, which encourage teamwork . . .
It refines discipline and patience.
Learning an instrument teaches children about delayed gratification. . . .
It boosts self-esteem.
Lessons offer a forum where children can learn to accept and give constructive criticism.  . . .
It introduces children to other cultures.
Full article at http://www.parents.com/kids/development/intellectual/benefits-of-music-lessons/#utm_sguid=153216,7688eb5d-add4-a66f-300e-5c9f434b3da0
Van Gogh described himself as a 'musician of color' (National Gallery)