The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra

Benjamin Britten's celebrated and much-loved Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra began life in 1946 as a British Government commission for music to accompany an educational film aimed at introducing the young to the instruments of the orchestra. Britten's eventual theme and variations form features a showcase for every instrument or instrumental group based upon a popular theme adapted from Henry Purcell, along with explanatory narration. In this classroom pack, Wesley Ball presents a selection of strategies for children to explore Britten's musical guide using worksheets, listening maps and more. The activities are intended to engage children in the active understanding of the orchestra and its growth from the Baroque period onwards. The lessons are all supported by an accompanying CD recording of the full work.