Observe the New York Philharmonic Orchestra

For this assignment I was tasked to watch and observe the NY Philharmonic Orchestra, and record my observations based on some questions given to me. Here is the video I'm currently watching for my assignment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxowOVIdnR0

Some instruments I've noticed, or heard, is the Cello, Violin, Piano, possibly trumpet or trombone, but I couldn't really recognize them well.
The musicians on stage are arranged in a half circle shape, possibly to be able to see the conductor.
They, for the most part seem to be sitting in a professional manner. Some don't seem to be sitting up completely straight.
I see that the Conductor is standing. I believe this is important because he shows and orders them when to play, and when not to play.
The musicians, when they perform seem to look at the conductor when they need to and the sheet music so they don't mess up and are on track.
They all do take turns when they perform, they don't all play at the same time.
While they aren't playing, they are either watching who is performing if it's a solo, or at the conductor so they know when to play, i believe.
During the performance, the audience is watching and paying attention to the performers, they are also respectful and quiet.
When the performance ends, everyone, including the musicians clap at the end.

I believe, that the most unexpected thing might have been seeing the performers clap with the audience. We can strive for this professionalism by being silent, respectful, and by paying attention to the teacher and others.

Research Two Wind Instruments

 For my next assignment, I was tasked to research two wind instruments I was interested from a list. We were given a choice from the Flute, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Trumpet, and Trombone. From the list, I found a deep interest in the flute and clarinet.

1.The Clarinet was the first one I found an interest in playing. The clarinet is apart of the Woodwind Instrument family, and produces sound by blowing into the reed. The clarinet, today, is usually made with silver or brass. Here is a picture of the clarinet.

Upon looking on the internet, I found the name of a professional clarinet player named Heinrich Baermann, who played romantic types of pieces, from what i have found on him from the internet. There aren't any videos of him playing directly, but people playing his compositions.
Adagio

Also, a picture of the composer himself.

 I like this instrument, mainly for the way it looks. I also enjoy the way a clarinet sounds, as you can produce various sounds. Even though it is somewhat hard to get used to, I'd love to play this.


2. The second one, and the one I like the most out of the two choices i was given is the flute. The flute is also a woodwind instrument. This instrument makes sound by blowing air across the top, in a very specific angle or it will not make any noise. Today, a flute is usually made of silver, or brass. Here is a picture of the flute itself.

A professional who plays the flute from what I have found on the internet, Sir James Galway, he plays many genres, such as show tunes, and pop and country. He's known to be basically one of, if the not greatest flute players of all time. Here is a video of him playing a song from the lord of the rings.

LOTR

Here's also a picture of James Galway himself.

I like this instrument, again, for the way it looks. I also love the flute because of how beautiful it can sound at times, and how it can play sad songs very well, with a nice tune to it. Out of the two, Flute or Clarinet, i like the Flute slightly more.

This was my assignment on researching my two wind instruments i would love to play for the future.

The Way Things Work - Musical Instruments

1. What is the difference between music and noise?

In my opinion, the difference between music and noise is the sounds. Noise sounds more disorganized, and unemotional, in a sense. Music, when practiced, sounds beautiful, and usually carries the message of the piece that is being played.

2. What are some examples of musical instruments? How does each one make sound?

Musical Instruments include the violin, guitar, flute, cello, trombone, trumpets, etc..

Each instrument makes sound in a different way. Some instruments must be tuned to make

good sounds. Other instruments such as trumpets or a flute require you to blow air into it to play music. The violin uses the bow to play its strings.

3. How does sound travel?

I believe sound travels through sound waves that come from humans speaking, playing instruments, or anything of that nature. I'm not 100% sure, though.
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Reflection Questions:

1. Why do instruments come in different sizes?

I believe that instruments come in different sizes because they all produce different sounds and noises, and vary in size because of their different mechanics in order for them to produce a original sound.

2. How are woodwind instruments different from brass instruments?

Woodwind instruments are different from brass instruments, because woodwind instruments are usually made of wood, brass instruments are mainly made out of metal. Another difference, is woodwind instruments mainly rely on air flow, and the use of keys, while brass instruments rely on altering flow of air when playing the instrument.

3. What instrument family should the piano be in? Why?

The piano should belong in the string instrument category, because inside of the piano, strings help to make the sounds it produces.

4. Why is it good that we have instruments that make sounds in different ways?

I believe that it is good to have instruments with different sounds, so they can make different sounds and be original. Another reason in my opinion, is so we can have new sounds by playing certain instruments together.

My Introduction

My name is Tiffany, welcome to my practice blog! :). I heavily enjoy staying on the computer, listening to a lot of music, reading, and occasionally writing and maybe some drawing here and there. I'm pretty boring so there's not much to me besides what I enjoy doing. I'm pretty silent, but louder with my friends, I don't really speak much in class, sometimes..