VSO Connects Elementary

VSO CONNECTS ELEMENTARY brings the magnificent and diverse world of symphonic music to elementary school students with an opportunity to interact, create, and learn from Vancouver Symphony Orchestra musicians, and music students from the leading post secondary music institutions in British Columbia. Nine modules were created to highlight specific symphonic works, composers and instruments, and tailored to suit different grade levels.

The goal of the VSO CONNECTS program is to create an environment where students, school trustees, district and school administrators, teachers, and parents, understand the importance and value of promoting the integration of Symphonic music into appropriate areas of the educational program.

How VSO Connects Works

Participating school districts identify a school to implement the program. Each school creates a school team which consists of a school administrator, music specialist, and an additional helping teacher to help implement the program. The school team attends a – day orientation where they will become familiar with the nine modules offered, and selects four that will best enhance their school’s existing music program. A fifth requisite module, Meet the Maestro, which the whole school community is encouraged to participate in, is included with their selections.

VSO Connects Elementary – Modules

Module 1: ABC’s of Instruments

This module introduces primary students to the different families of orchestral instruments through a hands-on, fun, instrument exploration with a Vancouver Symphony Musician and post-secondary music students.

Module 2: Clinics: Practice, Perfect, Perform

Vancouver Symphony musicians provide two coaching sessions for string or band students in small ensembles or sectionals.

Module 3: Composer’s Tool Kit and Composer in Residence

After introducing students to the world of composition through the exploration of the Vancouver Symphony’s CD recording of Islamey, students compose their own music. With the help of a post secondary music student and teacher, students select a familiar folk song and compose variations on it by changing the lyrics, dynamics, tonality, articulation and tempo.

Module 4: Composer’s Trunk

Students are introduced to and explore resources found in a musical trunk that represent and reflect the life of a selected composer. A post secondary music student visits the school and tells the composer’s life story with performances of musical excerpts.

Module 5: Listen Up!

Students are prepared to attend an upcoming Vancouver Symphony Sunday concert at the Orpheum Theatre with insightful sessions by a post secondary music student tailored around listening to CD recordings of the works to be performed. Each student receives a pair of free tickets to the performance.

Module 6: Meet the Maestro

Maestro Otto Tausk gives a presentation to the school community including students, teachers, administration and parents/guardians discussing the importance of symphonic music and the role music has played in his life.

Module 7: A Morning at the “Office” with the VSO

This module offers students an opportunity to experience how the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra prepares for a concert in its own “office” – the magnificent Orpheum Theatre. Students are first given a tour of the historic building, and then observe 45 minutes of a morning rehearsal.

Module 8: Music in Motion

A Vancouver Symphony musician works collaboratively with a visiting dance teacher leading students to interpret a selection from Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons”.

Module 9: Music Tells a Story

After students study the characteristics of stories they are reading, a post secondary music student collaborates with the teacher to help the class interpret the mood, the actions of characters and the plot through music.