OPEN YOUR EARS I
101. The Woodwind Family
Students are introduced to the sounds of the woodwind family of instruments and how vibrating air produces sound. The beginnings of woodwinds are discussed and young musicians play a flute, an oboe, and a clarinet.
102. The Brass Family
The sounds of the brass family of instruments are demonstrated. The beginnings of brass instruments are discussed and young musicians play in a brass band. The various ways that brass instruments are constructed are also demonstrated.
103. Dynamics
The concept of dynamics in music is explored, specifically the dynamics of volume, pianissimo, piano, mezzo-forte, forte, and fortissimo.
104. Harmony
Harmony is described as the ability or inability for sounds to "get along" when played at the same time. If two sounds agree and sound pleasing to the ear, it is called consonance. When two sounds disagree, dissonance is produced. A four-part harmony plays to show the learners that musical instruments can play their unique sounds to produce pleasing music.
105. Improvisation
In this episode, the viewer discovers improvisation--taking everyday songs and making them into something new. There is some scat singing and a bass section.
106. Music of the World
The tabla and African drum are highlighted in this episode. Young players show how each is played separately and how the two different drums from different cultures sound together.
107. The String Family
Through a demonstration of archery, Jennifer shows the roots of the string instruments, including the violin, cello, and bass.
108. Rhythm
Students discover the use of rhythm in music by comparing it to our hearts beating. Jennifer also discusses how repetition is used with rhythm, especially with the bass and percussion sections of bands.
109. Music of Life
This episode looks at the music in everyday life - at weddings, funerals, and other important events.
110. Melody
The host discovers that a song can follow you all day and night and wants to know why. The concept of melody and its use of single tones in meaningful sequences is explored.
111. Tempo
In this episode, tempo in music is discussed by looking at different types of musical tempos in a musical relay race.
112. Timbre
Timbre--the quality given to a sound through its overtones--is explained through the use of different voices.
113. Pitch
The pitch of different sounds and instruments is explored through the discussion of frequencies and pitch ranges.
114. Recording
The discovery of sound recording is discussed and different ways and locations of recording are explored.
115. Acoustics
Students learn the difference between the acoustics in a bathroom and a gym and how voices are changed electronically.
116. The Percussion Family
Percussion is demonstrated in everyday life. The students are given a tour of percussion instruments played by a young percussion band.
OPEN YOUR EARS II --
117. Classical
Classical music has six broad historical periods: medieval, renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and 20th Century.
118. Folk
Folk music is the traditional melodies, words, and songs of the common people that are handed down from one generation to the next.
119. Conductor
A conductor is the leader of the orchestra.
120. World Music
World music is the music of a certain country or culture, often featuring instruments, melodies, or rhythms unique to that area and culture.
121. Opera
Opera is a story told through singing, orchestral music, costumes, staging, and props.
122. Vocal
The voice is an instrument that everyone has and everyone can use.
123. Jazz
Jazz music is characterized by strong rhythmic patterns, syncopation, and improvisation.
124. World Drums
Drums are one of the world's oldest instruments and are found in all cultures.
125. Rock
Rock is a form of popular music that evolved in the 1950s from rhythm and blues.
126. Composing
You can make music anywhere at any time.
