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Link Up
March 19, 2019 at 9:45 am
The Akron Symphony Orchestra is one of more than 100 national and international organizations selected to participate in the Link Up program in partnership with Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute.
The Orchestra Swings
In 2018-19, the Akron Symphony will partner with 52 area schools and more than 3,500 students for The Orchestra Swings. The collaboration will culminate with two performances at The Word Church on March 19 at 9:45 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. The concerts will provide students the opportunity to sing and play the recorder along with the Akron Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Assistant Conductor Eric Benjamin.
“Swing” is many things. It’s a distinctive rhythmic feel; a musical era dominated by big band jazz; a style of dance that grew alongside the music; and that elusive but unmistakable feeling that results when musicians are deeply tuned into each other and playing in sync, or “in the pocket.” Though swing is characteristically associated with jazz, an orchestra can also swing. Through the Link Up repertoire, hands-on activities, and a culminating interactive performance with a professional orchestra, we will explore the elements that contribute to that magical moment when the orchestra starts to swing.
Key Objectives
Students will:
- Perform by singing and playing the soprano recorder or string instruments as soloists, small ensembles, and orchestra
- Analyze and interpret the essential structures of rhythm and groove
- Connect with the orchestra and explore instruments, families, and orchestration
- Compose and notate new music using the concert music as models
- Develop their imaginative capacities and make personal connections to the music
Sample Concert Repertoire
“Duke’s Place” – Duke Ellington
“I Got Rhythm” – George Gershwin
“It Don’t Mean A Thing” – Duke Ellington
“When the Saints Go Marching In”
The concert is free to attend, but reservations are required. Contact the Akron Symphony at 330.535.8131 for more information.