BPS Music for Youth: Our Musical Heritage

Music from America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America combine with immigration stories to explore musical language, musical forms, rhythms, and melodies from different cultures. 

Invincible Eagle
by John Philip Sousa

March through history in this musical connection to Buffalo.

MUSICAL FORM

Identify the musical form of an historic Sousa march.
Grades 5-8 suggested

The Magic Flute Overture
by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

The Magic Flute is Mozart’s most popular opera and the second most performed opera throughout the world.

MUSICAL FORM

Become familiar with traditional sonata form in music by Mozart.
Grades 5-8 suggested

Africa, Mvt. III “Land of Superstition”
by William Grant Still

William Grant Still’s musical expression of his heritage and African culture.

CULTURAL INFLUENCE & MUSICAL EXPRESSION

This symphonic poem celebrates the importance of stories, myths and folklore in African cultures.
Grades 5-8 suggested

“Feast” from Arabic Suite
by Agnes Bashir

Celebrate the musical traditions of Iraqi culture through song and dance!

CULTURAL INFLUENCE & MUSICAL EXPRESSION

Agnes Bashir’s music incorporates traditional Arab melodies, rhythms and dance.
Grades 5-8 suggested

Flower Drum Song from Feng Yang from Folk Songs for Orchestra
by Huang Ruo

Folk songs reflect the life, culture and soul of a civilization.

CULTURAL INFLUENCE & MUSICAL EXPRESSION

Huang Ruo blends his traditional Chinese and Western educational training in his musical compositions.
Grades 5-8 suggested

Brasil 
by Ary Barroso

One of the most representative works of the country of Brazil, this popular song is responsible for ushering in a new genre of samba.

CULTURAL INFLUENCE & MUSICAL EXPRESSION

Discover the cultural importance of music and dance in Brazil.
Grades 5-8 suggested

Ellington Fantasy
by Duke Ellington

Composer Duke Ellington is famous for popularizing American jazz music.

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The Star-Spangled Banner
by John Stafford Smith
words by Francis Scott Key

Our nation’s anthem brought to life on stage.

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Musical Heritage

Hear from fellow students and BPO musicians about their own heritage and music culture, as well as their personal journeys from far-away lands to the United States.

YOUR MUSICAL HERITAGE

Discover your family’s heritage and explore the culture’s music traditions.
Grades 5-8 suggested
Fernanda Lastra
born in Argentina
Dalia Alsayadi
born in Yemen
Anya Shemetyeva
from Russia
Xiaofan Liu
born in Russia
Jayson Williams
born in Buffalo, NY
Nguzo Taleshiwe, aka Satre Brown
born in Tanzania
Ariela Granados
born in El Salvador

Additional Resources

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#PlayOnWNY

Choose and practice an instrument along with BPO musicians through the #PlayOnWNY series featuring 70+ videos.

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#SingOnWNY

Learn the fundamentals of singing with the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus.

High school student members with Principal Pops Conductor John Morris Russell

Symphony Hall Pass

Designed to be a flexible season concert pass for high school students to enjoy BPO performances at a discounted rate. Only $29 per student and free for Buffalo Public School students.

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BPO Teaching Artists

Bring unique arts engagement into your classroom or virtual learning through the dynamism of the BPO’s professional musicians.

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Music Education Resources

Access additional music education resources.

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Education Sponsors

Education programs are made possible through generous annual donations and significant investment from the BPO.