3.2 The orchestra

English first additional language

Grade 4

The world of music

Module 27

The orchestra

Activity 1

To understand the layout and design of a poster or public notice [lo 3.4.1]

THE ORCHESTRA

• You will remember that the symphony orchestra was mentioned earlier on.
• Here is some interesting information about such an orchestra.
• Read the passage carefully.

The Symphony Orchestra

A large symphony orchestra may have over a hundred players. There are different sections in such an orchestra.

The string section has violins, violas and double basses. Have you ever seen the Soweto String Quartet playing on television? They play our national anthem, Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika , very beautifully. Their instruments are stringed instruments.

Then there is the woodwind section, with instruments like clarinets and flutes. The smallest instrument in this section is the piccolo. Piccolo is an Italian word meaning small.

The brass section has all the shiny instruments like trumpets and trombones. The huge tuba is also in this section.

Lastly, there is the percussion section where the loudest noises are made on instruments such as the drums, the gong, cymbals and so on. This is an interesting part of the orchestra, because there are many kinds of small instruments that make unusual noises.

The conductor usually uses a baton to conduct the orchestra. He keeps the beat and controls how the musicians play the music.

Look carefully at the diagram on the next page. It is a diagram of a typical symphony orchestra.

• You should have read the passage twice to make sure that you have picked up all the details.
• You should also have studied the diagram.
• This means that you should have understood the position of the different instruments and tried to work out WHY an orchestra is seated as it is.
• You could also imagine the sounds of the different instruments. Try to hear in your mind how sounds combine.
• Surely the size of the instruments also plays a part.

1. Now answer the questions, which follow.

a) How many sections are there in the orchestra?

There are ………………………………….. sections in an orchestra.

b) Which section is the biggest?

The …………………………………………. section is the biggest.

It has ……………………………………… players.

c) Name the different kinds of instruments found in the brass section?

……………………………………………………………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………….

d) To which section does the piccolo belong?

The piccolo belongs to the …………………………………….. section.

e) In which section will you find the glockenspiel?

The glockenspiel is in the ……………………………………… section.

2. Study any poster that advertises a music concert and see if you can find all the information you would need if you wanted to go to the concert advertised on it.

1. When will the concert be held? (Date and Time)

It will be played on ……………………… at …………………………..

1. Who will be performing?

The …………………………………………………… will be performing.

1. Where will the concert be held?

It will be held at …………………………………………………….

1. What is the price of the tickets?

The tickets cost …………………….. for ……………………………..

and ………………………………. for ……………………………….

1. Where can I book tickets in advance?

I can book at ……………………………………………

1. Do I have to book seats in advance? (Full sentence)

…………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………

1. How do you know?

I know because ……………………………………………………………..

Assessment

Learning outcome 3: reading and viewing

The learner will be able to read and view for information and enjoyment, and to respond critically to the aesthetic, cultural and emotional values in texts.

Assessment standard

We know this when the learner:

3.4 reads media texts:

3.4.1 understands the layout and design of a poster or public notice.

Memorandum

Activity 1

1. a) Four

b) strings; 54

c) French horn; trumpet; trombone; tuba

1. Woodwind

e) Percussion

2. a) 26 September 2002; 19:30

b) Soweto String Quartet

1. Baxter Hall, UCT

d) R15 Adults; R5 scholars / Students

e) Computicket

f) No I do not.

g) They will be sold at the door.