Ottawa Symphony Orchestra

	Strings
	Winds and Brass
	Where To Go

Our Programs

Background

The Ottawa Symphony Orchestra is a 100-member orchestra that plays five major concerts a year in Southam Hall of the National Arts Centre. For these concerts, the OSO concentrates on performing music from the large-scale symphonic repertoire of the 19th and 20th centuries, including works by Canadian composers.

As well, the OSO makes an important contribution to the community through its three educational programs – its Mentorship Program for young musicians, its Symphony for Schools concert series in local elementary schools and its Students at the Symphony program of complimentary tickets for high school students.

Mentorship Program

Each season approximately 15 gifted students from the University of Ottawa’s Department of Music perform with the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra as regular players. These talented young musicians, in the final stages of their pre-professional training, gain invaluable experience under the guidance and leadership of seasoned professional performers/mentors, both on and off stage, and in rehearsal and performance situations.

Over the years, the OSO has served an integral role in the training of over 40 professional musicians now performing in 30 professional orchestras in 6 countries.

Symphony for Schools

Every season the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra presents Symphony for Schools, a programme of free concerts by a large orchestral ensemble under the direction of David Currie. This cultural initiative for Grade 5 students of Ottawa-Carleton and the surrounding region has been in existence since 1996.

Funded principally by an anonymous foundation, the program enables more than 5,000 young people from four local school boards to experience their first classical concert. Thanks to the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, all concerts are now held in the Albert Street School auditorium.

In 2005, Symphony for Schools was expanded to include a second program featuring the woodwind and brass instruments of the symphony orchestra. These concerts are offered in the fall to the grade 6 students who attended the string program the previous spring. By offering a second performance within close time range to the first, the experience of orchestral music performance is reinforced while most of the instruments in the orchestra are introduced.

During each concert David Currie introduces and conducts a series of short symphonic pieces. There is also a demonstration by several players of the production of sound on the various instruments. As part of each performance, students are encouraged to ask questions of the musicians during a question and answer session.

The youthful audience members have shown their enjoyment of the music by their attentiveness during the concerts and in letters expressing their appreciation for this enriching opportunity.

Students at the Symphony

Students at the Symphony is a program that provides free tickets to live performances of our full-sized Orchestra to young students in our community. Focused on students in Grades 7, 8 & 9 who might not otherwise be able to attend, the program distributes an average of 20 tickets per concert to each of eight schools. Program notes are sent in advance to help teachers prepare their students for the experience.

The program is an important opportunity to broaden young people’s exposure to the arts. The response to this program from teachers and students has been very enthusiastic and appreciative.

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Strings

The Ottawa Symphony Orchestra and David Currie, Music Director presents

Symphony for Schools: Introduction to String Instruments

Classroom Preparation Guide

Background

The Ottawa Symphony Orchestra is a 100-member orchestra, which plays five major concerts a year in Southam Hall of the National Arts Centre. In these concerts, it concentrates on playing works from the large-scale symphonic repertoire.

For the school concerts, the Orchestra will present a string ensemble of about 27 musicians. Maestro David Currie will introduce and conduct a series of short pieces.

Purpose

The overriding objective of the school concert initiative is to provide a cultural enrichment opportunity for the students. The purpose of this program is to introduce and familiarize the students with the instruments of the string family. David Currie will demonstrate the production of sound on a string instrument. The students will become acquainted with the similarities and differences in the family of string instruments.

Strings

The strings are the largest group of instruments in a full symphony orchestra. Strings are comprised of four different instruments arranged in five sections or groups within the orchestra. The smallest instrument, the Violin, is the highest in pitch. A full sized symphony orchestra would contain thirty violinists arranged in two sections, the first violins and the second violins. While there is no physical difference between the first and second violins, the part that they play in the orchestra is different. The first violins often play melody while the second violins more often play accompaniment.

The next largest stringed instrument is the Viola that is tuned one fifth lower than the violin. While it is also played underneath the chin, its strings are longer to allow for the lower pitch. A symphony orchestra viola section would contain twelve violists.

The Violoncello (commonly called Cello) is the next largest member of the string family and is played in an upright position, placed between the legs of the player to accommodate its rather large size. It is tuned a full octave lower than the viola. Ten to twelve cellists play in a symphony orchestra.

The largest and lowest pitched member of the string family is the Double Bass. It is capable of reaching pitches one octave below the Cello. It is played in a standing position, or while seated on a tall stool, to accommodate its great size. A symphony orchestra bass section contains eight to ten members.

In all, a symphony orchestra could contain as many as sixty-four stringed instruments. All members of the String Family of Instruments have four strings and are played with a wooden bow across which is stretched horse hair. When drawn across a string, the horse hair creates a constant and even vibration or pitch.

Programme

The content of the program is designed to entertain the students, as well as to educate them.

The program will run about 45 minutes and will include the following works and others to be introduced at the concert:

Eine Kleine Nachtmusik - Mozart
Pizzicato Polka - J. Strauss
Diary of a Fly - Bartók
Concerto for Four Violins - Vivaldi
Serenade for Strings - Tchaikovsky

Suggestions for class preparation

The physics of string instruments are easily demonstrated with rubber bands of differing width, length, and tension. These three variables affect the natural pitch of the vibrating surface of the rubber band. Compare the pitch of differing lengths, densities, and tensions of rubber bands. Students can alter the pitch by lengthening and shortening a rubber band. To do this, secure a stretched rubber band to a board with fasteners (nails). Depress the middle of the string with one hand and pluck the shortened string. The pitch will be altered (raised) by an octave.
If time allows, a simple string instrument can be created. Cut a hole in a cigar box or other box to create a vibrating chamber. Then secure a rubber band or bands across the hole in the box. Tightly stretch a very short thin band across the hole. Progressively place longer, thicker, and looser strings across the hole (four strings). These differing lengths and densities of stretched rubber band will demonstrate both the principle of pitch production and instrument size differential in the Stringed Instrument Family.
Instruments of the Woodwind and Brass Sections of the Orchestra will not be present at these concerts, so no comparisons of the Orchestra’s three families of instruments will be possible. An explanation of these three families of instruments, accompanied by a demonstration of sound production and timbre of a woodwind, a string and a brass instrument, given by a student, teacher or high school student, would greatly enhance appreciation of the music.
Most of the works to be performed are easily accessible on recordings. Critical listening to any of the pieces that are to be performed prior to the concert will enhance both the educational and entertainment components of the program.
Should questions occur during the preparation for the concert, please list them and be prepared to ask them should they not be answered in the course of the performance. Time will be set aside just prior to the final selection for questions from the audience. Teachers may wish to designate certain pupils to ask a question. The Music Director looks forward to having a dialogue with the students.
The performance lasts for 40-45 minutes. Since the concert is presented as a lesson in listening, it would be appreciated if students are informed that it is customary to remain in their seats during the performance. Departures should only be considered in the case of an emergency. If students are allowed to exit and return at will, considerable disruption occurs.
It would also be helpful if teachers explained to students that applause (clapping only, not whistling or shouting) is customary when the violin soloist enters and when the Music Director, David Currie, enters at the beginning of the concert. Applause is also usual at the conclusion of each musical selection.

The members of the String Ensemble and David Currie, the Music Director, anticipate an educational and inspiring event, and look forward to joining students and teachers for an enjoyable hour.

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Winds and Brass

The Ottawa Symphony Orchestra and David Currie, Music Director presents

Symphony for Schools: Introduction to the Woodwind & Brass Instruments

Classroom Preparation Guide

Background

For the school concerts, the Orchestra will present a wind and brass ensemble of about 31 musicians. Maestro David Currie will introduce and conduct a series of short pieces.

Purpose

The overriding objective of the school concert initiative is to provide a cultural enrichment opportunity for the students. The purpose of this program is to introduce and familiarize the students with the instruments of the woodwind and brass family. David Currie will demonstrate the production of sound on various woodwind and brass instruments. The students will become acquainted with the similarities and differences within the woodwind and brass families.

Woodwind Instruments

There are four main groups of woodwinds – flute, oboe, clarinet, and bassoon. They sit together in two rows behind the string section. The flutes and oboes share one row; the clarinets and bassoon share the row behind. Unlike their counterparts in the string section, who produce sound by drawing a bow over their strings to make vibrations, the members of the woodwind instruments produce sound by blowing into their instrument. Different notes are made by depressing keys and buttons on the instrument’s body, or by changing the way that the air is blown.

Flute:

Even though the modern flute is usually not made out of wood, the Flute is still considered a woodwind. The flute is made out of metal – usually silver, but sometimes even gold! It is held transversely (sideways), and sound is produced by blowing over (not into) a hole in the head-joint. The flute produces a beautiful, warm sound down low, and a pure sound when it plays up high. The highest-pitched instrument in the woodwind section is the Piccolo, which is a smaller version of a flute, and plays an octave above. A symphony orchestra usually has two flutes and one piccolo.

Oboe:

The Oboe is a member of the double-reed family. An oboist produces the distinctive ‘reedy’, haunting sound by blowing into the reed - two very thin pieces of wood that vibrate against each other. The oboe’s penetrating sound can be heard through even the largest orchestra. The English Horn is closely related to the oboe, and is often used in the symphony orchestra. It is played the same way as the oboe, but is pitched a fifth lower. A symphony orchestra usually has two oboes and one English horn.

Clarinet:

The Clarinet is a member of the single-reed family, and can play very high and very low. The smooth sound of the clarinet is produced by blowing into a mouthpiece, causing the reed to vibrate against it. There are two more members of the clarinet family: the Bass Clarinet, which plays lower than the regular clarinet, and the E-flat Clarinet, which plays higher than the regular clarinet. A symphony orchestra may have two regular clarinets, a bass clarinet, and an E- flat clarinet.

Bassoon:

The largest and lowest pitched member of the woodwind family is the Bassoon. Because they play so low, the bassoon provides support to the entire orchestra. Like the oboe, the bassoon is a member of the double-reed family, and produces a rich, buzzy sound in a way similar to the oboe. The bassoon can play much lower than the other woodwinds. The Contra-bassoon is twice the size of a regular bassoon, and can play an octave lower than the regular bassoon.

Saxophone:

A relative new-comer to the woodwind section, the Saxophone is featured in some late romantic and modern pieces written for orchestra. With a body made out of copper, bronze, brass, or plastic, the saxophone has a mouthpiece similar to that of the clarinet, and produces sound in a similar manner. There are several members of the saxophone family - the Soprano Saxophone, the Alto Saxophone, the Tenor Saxophone and the Baritone Saxophone. Although rarely used as an orchestral instrument, the saxophone's versatile range and sound is used extensively in concert band and ensembles.

Brass Instruments

Brass instruments are not necessarily made of brass, but are named “brass” because they are made of different metal tubes. In addition to the instrument itself, a brass-player needs a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece goes in the narrower end of the tube. Sound is created as the lips of the brass-player vibrate, or “buzz,” on the mouthpiece.

The range of a brass instrument is determined by the length of its coiled metal tube. For example, the trumpet is made from a shorter tube and therefore is a high pitched instrument, while the tuba is made from a much longer tube and is a low range instrument.

In order to play different notes brass instrument players have to press on valves or move a slide (trombone). Unlike a woodwind instrument, brass instruments only have three or four valves. This means that in addition to valves, the speed of the air as it goes through the mouthpiece is used to change the pitch of the note. Faster air means a higher pitch.

The brass section of an orchestra sits in the back row because it can be very loud. The different brass instruments in an orchestra are:

The trumpet: usually two players, but sometimes up to five
The French horn: usually four players, sometimes as many as eight.
The trombone: two tenor trombone players and one bass trombone player
The tuba: one player

Trumpet:

The trumpet has three valves. It is a cylindrical instrument, meaning that the tube is the same width from beginning to end. If you were to straighten out a trumpet it would be 54 inches long. The trumpet has a very piercing sound.

French horn:

Before the French horn was added to the orchestra in the 1600s, it was used by hunters to send signals to each other. In addition to using valves to alter the pitch of the instrument, a horn player covers the bell with his or her right hand to give the horn a more veiled or covered sound. The French horn is conical in shape and is the only brass instrument whose bell points backwards.

Trombone:

The word “trombone” means “big trumpet” in Italian. If you were to uncoil a trombone it would be twice as long as a trumpet. This means that its range is an octave lower than the trumpet. The trombone is the only brass instrument that uses a slide to change the notes instead of valves, although the tenor trombone sometimes has a valve in addition to the slide. The bass trombone has two valves as well as a slide. The valves allow the player to play different notes with more ease, as well as expand the lower range of the instrument.

Tuba:

The tuba is the biggest and lowest brass instrument. It plays an octave lower than the trombone and has at least twelve feet of tubing. Its bell points directly to the ceiling. Like the horn, the tubing is conical in shape.

Programme

The content of the program is designed to entertain the students, as well as to educate them.

The program will run about 45 minutes and will include the following works and others to be introduced at the concert:

Overture to Candide - Bernstein
Polka from “The Bolt” - Shostakovich
Fandango - Frank Perkins
Three Folk Miniatures - André Jutras
Buglers Holiday - Leroy Anderson
Radetsky March - Strauss

Suggestions for class preparation

The children can learn to buzz simple melodies on their lips alone. It is important to breath deeply in order to accomplish this activity successfully. The children should be breathing as if they are trying to blow out all the candles of a birthday cake at once.
Instruments of the String Sections of the Orchestra will not be present at these concerts, so no comparisons of the Orchestra’s three families of instruments will be possible. An explanation of this family of instruments, accompanied by a demonstration of sound production and timbre of a string instrument, given by a student, teacher or high school student, would greatly enhance appreciation of the music.
Most of the works to be performed are easily accessible on recordings. Critical listening to any of the pieces that are to be performed prior to the concert will enhance both the educational and entertainment components of the program.
Should questions occur during the preparation for the concert, please list them and be prepared to ask them should they not be answered in the course of the performance. Time will be set aside just prior to the final selection for questions from the audience. Teachers may wish to designate certain pupils to ask a question. The Music Director looks forward to having a dialogue with the students.
The performance lasts for 40-45 minutes. Since the concert is presented as a lesson in listening, it would be appreciated if students are informed that it is customary to remain in their seats during the performance. Departures should only be considered in the case of an emergency. If students are allowed to exit and return at will, considerable disruption occurs.
It would also be helpful if teachers explained to students that applause (clapping only, not whistling or shouting) is customary when the Music Director, David Currie, enters at the beginning of the concert. Applause is also usual at the conclusion of each musical selection.

The members of the Woodwind & Brass Ensemble and David Currie, the Music Director, anticipate an educational and inspiring event, and look forward to joining students and teachers for an enjoyable hour.

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Where To Go

Bus Information
to Albert Street School (formerly Ottawa Technical H.S.)

Proceed North on Bronson Avenue and turn on to Slater Street.
Approximately half a block along Slater Street from Bronson there is a parking lot on the right hand side, which is ACROSS the street from the Albert Street School.
Stop at parking lot entrance just before the bridge across Slater Street to allow students to exit bus on to right hand side sidewalk. (Students will enter and exit from School via the doorway below the bridge.)

Please be advised that there is no parking on Slater Street or in the school parking lot for buses.

Thank you for your co-operation.

Teacher and Volunteer Information
to enter/exit Albert Street School (formerly Ottawa Technical H.S.) via bridge across Slater Street

Follow BUS INFORMATION sheet for safe arrival at Albert Street School – Slater Street entrance.
Students enter Albert Street School below the bridge on the South side of Slater Street.
Walk up 1 flight of stairs.
Cross bridge to the main part of Albert Street School.
From stairway area go into wide corridor and proceed along this hallway to a set of doors. Go through these doors and turn into front lobby area.
Enter the Auditorium through the doors off the front lobby.
Reverse directions for exiting to buses on Slater Street.

OSO est un fier membre d'Orchestres Canada, l'association nationale pour les orchestres canadiennes.