TCHAIKOVSKY GOES TO SCHOOL –
Interactive Presentations at Your School - January–June Grades K–6

Dear Teachers,

“TCHAIKOVSKY GOES TO SCHOOL” is an exciting presentation that combines dance, music and history into an action packed curriculum connected experience!

Peter Tchaikovsky, a Russian composer, has undoubtedly made his mark as one of the greatest masters of the late Romantic era.  As an exceptionally gifted orchestrator, his music has always had great popular appeal because of its tuneful, poignant melodies, impressive harmonies, and colourful, picturesque orchestration.  His compositions express moods, intensity and have been interpreted through many balletic dance repertoires.

ABOUT THE PRESENTATION

This is an interactive one hour live presentation that will introduce students to the key elements of dance and music.  The presentation has been aligned with the  educational Ontario curriculum, enriching the pleasure and understanding of the Arts.

Students will be introduced to a brief history of Peter Tchaikovsy, followed by a musical story telling of some of his greatest compositions such as Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker.  Students will be listening, learning, experiencing and exploring the world of ballet and how it relates to the composer.  Colorful costumes, extraordinary ballet demonstrations, and interactive conversation will leave the students with an appreciation of ballet and classical music. 

Learning Expectations From The Presentation

Music
The presentation will give the students the opportunity to:

• learn the basic “elements of music: melody, tempo, beat, rhythm
• learn how music communicates and tells a story
• learn how to listen to the orchestra and “hear” individual sounds from various instruments
  ie: the celeste, oboe, cello
• identify the four families of orchestral instruments
• explore their own personal thoughts and feelings about the music they hear
• understand various styles of music and how a “mood” is created using different elements of music
• have the opportunity to respond verbally or in creative writing/expression

History

• introduction to one of the world’s most famous composers, Peter Tchaikovsky… his life; struggles; accomplishments!

Dance

• experience the emotional connections to music through ballet
• understand how dance is a language used to express feelings and ideas with the focus on the element of the body

Communication

• engage students into critical thinking and interpretation by communicating feelings and ideas

ABOUT THE PRESENTERS

Jude Johnson, Hamilton’s Special Musical Ambassador, has developed into one of Canada's finest vocalists and performers for both adults and children.  Jude has helped children explore their uniqueness and creativity through music, art and drama for 26 years.  The Educational component of her workshops has earned her many awards from The Arts Council of Ontario, Hamilton Arts Award, Woman of the year in the Arts, and in 2011 she has been nominated for Arts Education Award.  To learn more about Jude Johnson visit http://home.nas.net/~judej

Isabel Beatriz Cortina Alegre, is a highly qualified Ballet Master who graduated from the Institute of Higher Arts in Cuba.  As a faculty member with the Training and Education Department of The National Ballet of Cuba, Isabel teaches both the professional dancer vocational program and foreign student workshops.  The National Ballet of Cuba is ranked in the top 5 ballet companies of the world.  Her staged productions and choreographic collaboration have included Aladdin, Hansel and Gretel, The Nutcracker and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Isabel was selected byAlicia Alonso, Artistic Director of the National Ballet of Cuba, to be the resident ballet master at the Hamilton Cuban School of Ballet for the 2010- 2011 dance season.

Deadline for booking your presentation is April 28, 2012

For further information please call The Canadian Ballet Youth Ensemble at (289) 775-5377 or info@cbye.ca.

Sincerely
The Canadian Ballet Youth Ensemble