My introduction to classical music came in middle school when I began playing the clarinet in beginning band. It was an amazing thing to hear a story play out through the instruments. Though my instrument has sat in my closet for many years, I have never let go of my love for the symphony.
It has been a desire of mine to have my own children love the symphony as much as I do. I wasn't really sure how to introduce them to the symphony though since having boys means they don't really want to sit still for very long. Throw in a little ADHD and sensory issues and you have a recipe for disaster when attending a full length production at a theater. And then it happened. I received a notice that TOS would be reviewing Maestro Classic's Peter and the Wolf. I was so excited and promptly went to their website to see what Maestro Classics was all about. I was immediately impressed.
Maestro Classics has taken the guesswork out of introducing classical music to children. Chosen works are arranged and conducted by Stephen Simon and played by the London Philharmonic Orchestra. They are narrated by Yadu, "the original narrator for Stories in MusicTM concerts at the Kennedy Center." In the Introduction track, he explains which instruments are playing which character in the music. It was amazing to hear the descriptions, even for one who can usually tell what it going on.
Maestro Classics has taken some of the most world-renowned pieces of music and narrated them for children. Other pieces in the series are The Tortoise and the Hare, Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel and The Sorcerer's Apprentice. Designed for children ages 5 and up, these CDs are a wonderful introduction to the symphony and classical music.
Included on the CD is more than just a narration of the classic. You also get the full length instrumental version as well as various other learning helps for teaching about classical music. Also included is an activity book packed with information and fun things for kids to do. This "music lesson in a box" is a wonderful introduction to the world of classical music. On the newly designed website you will find curriculum guides and articles for use in homeschool and in a classroom. Would you believe they even have the sheet music to download in PDF!? I printed out Peter and the Wolf and surprised my kids with an impromptu concert by yours truly. (Yea, I've still got it - lol!)
Maestro Classics
http://www.maestroclassics.com/
888.540.2811
info@MaestroCassics.com
Ages 5 and up
$16.98 each or
3 for $45 with coupon code MAESTRO45
I received Peter and the Wolf free of charge from Maestro Classics for the purpose of review. No other compensation was received.
Included on the CD is more than just a narration of the classic. You also get the full length instrumental version as well as various other learning helps for teaching about classical music. Also included is an activity book packed with information and fun things for kids to do. This "music lesson in a box" is a wonderful introduction to the world of classical music. On the newly designed website you will find curriculum guides and articles for use in homeschool and in a classroom. Would you believe they even have the sheet music to download in PDF!? I printed out Peter and the Wolf and surprised my kids with an impromptu concert by yours truly. (Yea, I've still got it - lol!)
Maestro Classics http://www.maestroclassics.com/
888.540.2811
info@MaestroCassics.com
Ages 5 and up
$16.98 each or
3 for $45 with coupon code MAESTRO45
I received Peter and the Wolf free of charge from Maestro Classics for the purpose of review. No other compensation was received.
oh I lOVE this! I played the bass clarinet in school also.. my mom would take me to our local symphony growing up a few special times a year.I do play classical music in our home but this looks like a wonderful resource :)
ReplyDeleteBay, I played bass clarinet in middle school too! My fave was the BBb Contra Bass though! I played that one all through high school. It was (and still is) taller than me. :)
ReplyDeleteDawn that's so cool- I was excited to find the sheet music on the site too and printed it to see if we can play violins, keyboard, flute-etc together! My son wanted to get my old flute out after hearing this so we did, although it needs re-padding before being able to be played.
ReplyDeleteI haven't had much time for any blog "extras" this year, but really wanted to pass along this award for Stylish Blogger I was sent today to some of my favorites. I have really enjoyed your blog!
http://homeschoolblogger.com/armyof5/783090/
I reviewed Maestro Classics last year and loved them. Still have some on my wishlist! Keep playing your clarinet!
ReplyDeleteHi Dawn,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the wonderful review of our Peter and the Wolf CD this winter. I just wanted to let you know that since you reviewed our CD we've made a Facebook page so that our fans can participate in monthly giveaways (June was Peter and the Wolf, as a matter of fact) and get coupons. We'd love to invite you and your readers to join our page and thanks again for the lovely review!
Ruth
Social Media Coordinator
Maestro Classics