DSO Kids is an interactive "discovery" site on the music, instruments and composers related to the classical symphony orchestra.
Type of Material:
The site includes RealAudio, Windows Media, Flash and Acrobat PDFs.
Recommended Uses:
This site would be useful for children to explore and familarize themselves with the classical symphony orchestra. There are numerous activities including seating charts for orchestras through historical periods, pictures and sound files of instruments and games to test their knowledge. Teachers could ask students to find biographical infomation on composers, select their favorite instrument and describe the selected music performed by that instrument, or participate in games that test their knowledge of composers and musical terms. The site also has materials for teachers and parents to use with their student/child.
Technical Requirements:
Teachers or students may need to download Real Audio, Windows Media, Flash or Adobe PDF plugins to operate this site. A fast connection would be a benefit particulary when listening to sound files.
Identify Major Learning Goals:
The primary learning goals of this site are to familiarize children to the classical symphony orchestra. Students will be able to: describe instrumentation of orchestras from the Baroque through 20th century; learn about composers of orchestral music and time periods; and select a concert to attend, determining where they would like to sit and reserving tickets.
Target Student Population:
The target student population for this site is elementary school children. Older students could benefit from much of the information but the presentation is basically at the elementary level.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
Basic computer and internet skills are needed to operate this site.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
The information on the site is accurate but general. The content is appropriate for the intended age group.
Concerns:
The Baroque orchestra should have a picture of a natural trumpet.
Some of the content is more challenging and may be suited for high school students but the presentation style in the intro. is more geared to younger children.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
For children this is an excellent interactive introduction to the classical symphony. The design of the site is similar to many commercial childrens education sites making it easily accesable for the intended age group. This site also might serve as a study site for college level music education students into music pedagogy for children. There is so much material available that, depending on the age level, a teacher may want to have the students looking for specific information each time they log on.
Concerns:
None.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
The site is easy to use. Children will need help downloading any necessary plugins.
Concerns:
A possible concern is the sound files. The author tells the student to ask a parent or teacher but they may have trouble.
Other Issues and Comments:
None.
Creative Commons:
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