Carnegie+Hall+Listening+Adventures


 * 1.** **DESTINATION**

The title of this site is Carnegie Hall Listening Adventures (http://www.carnegiehall.org/article/explore_and_learn/art_online_resources_listening_adventures.html)


 * 2. AUTHORITY**

This is a ".org" domain, which is appropriate because Carnegie Hall itself is a non-profit organization. There is not mention of the author on the site, and no credentials of any staff members are to be found.


 * 3. INSTRUCTIONAL CONTENT**

This website allows students to follow along with a piece of music while reading information about the composer and the piece and watching flash animations. It also points out the themes of the piece, and gives an idea of the mood of the piece through its animations. Currently, the only two pieces available for viewing are “The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra” by Benjamin Britten, and “Symphony No. 9” by Antonin Dvorak. Both pieces have “games” that the students can play, that focus on identifying themes and instruments. The Britten piece has a special section for teacher resources, however all they amount to is seeing how well your students have done in the Britten game. Unfortunately, to get the teacher resources, one must register for the website, which involves giving out some personal information, such as email address and phone number.

National Music Standards that could be addressed through this website include: 6. Listening to, analyzing, and describing music. 7. Evaluating music and music performances.

Site last updated in 2006


 * 4. PURPOSE, VIEWPOINT**

This page’s intent is to help students from ages 6-12 become comfortable with identifying themes and instruments in orchestral music. Also, it provides interesting background information and facts on both the piece and composer, at least in the case of the Dvorak. Carnegie Hall is the sponsor of the website, and not bias can be found, as they are simply reporting fact.


 * 5. REPUTATION**

Not a lot of well known sites link to this particular site, but the reputation of Carnegie Hall itself is impeccable.


 * 6. OVERALL EVALUATION**

Both pieces are entertaining not only to listen to, but to watch. The facts presented are worthwhile, and the things each piece is trying to teach come across easily and effectively. The only problems with this site are that the game for the Britten piece takes a very long time, and that there’s only two pieces! Hopefully Carnegie Hall will be expanding on this more, as there were things that even I learned by watching and listening to these pieces. If you are looking to teach one of the two things these pieces do, then you are in luck, otherwise they simply make for an interesting and fun diversion.

Rating: ++

Reviewed by: Andy Boron, 4-11-06