Explore how the musicians, conductor, composers and audience members all have an important role in the orchestra community! Learn how the instruments work together and investigate the roles of the conductor and the composer.
Grades 1-4 suggested
The Orchestra at Work content is broken into smaller video clips further down the page. If you prefer to view the youth concert as a whole, please watch the video directly below.
Introduction
Overture to Candide
by Leonard Bernstein
An introduction to the orchestra and the people that work together to create wonderful music.
The Orchestra
Symphony No. 6, Mvt. III
by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Learn about the different sections that make up the orchestra team!
THE ORCHESTRA AT WORK
Learn how each member of the orchestra (onstage and behind-the-scenes) contributes to a successful performance.
Grades 1-4 suggested
Instrument Families
My Country ‘Tis of Thee excerpts
by Samuel Smith
Discover each instrument family and the BPO musicians that represent them.
THE ORCHESTRA AT WORK
Identify the instruments and instrument families by sound.
Grades 1-4 suggested
The Conductor
Funeral March of a Marionette
by Charles Gounod
Explore the role that the conductor plays in the orchestra and practice some of the basic skills necessary for being a conductor.
THE CONDUCTOR AS LEADER
Learn how the conductor communicates with the musicians during a concert.
Grades 1-4 suggested
Tempo
Hungarian Dance No. 6
by Johannes Brahms
Learn how the conductor communicates basic tempos.
THE CONDUCTOR AS LEADER
Understand and communicate basic tempos (fast and slow).
Grades 1-4 suggested
Dynamics
Symphony No. 3, Mvt. IV
by Ludwig van Beethoven
Learn how the conductor communicates dynamics.
THE CONDUCTOR AS LEADER
Understand and communicate basic dynamics (loud and quiet).
Grades 1-4 suggested
Conducting Duple Meter
Hoedown from Rodeo
by Aaron Copland
Learn how the conductor communicates meter.
Conducting Triple Meter
Romanian Folk Dances, Mvt. IV
by Béla Bartók
Learn how the conductor communicates meter.
The Composer
Seven O’Clock Shout
by Valerie Coleman
Experience music by a living American composer!
VALERIE COLEMAN
Learn about the life and music of this living American composer.
Grades 1-4 suggested
The Audience
My Country ‘Tis of Thee
by Samuel Smith
Sing along with this American patriotic song!
MY COUNTRY 'TIS OF THEE
Learn the basic meaning and historical origin of a well-known American patriotic song.
Grades 1-4 suggested
Finale
Radetzky March
by Johann Strauss
Celebrate the Buffalo Philharmonic orchestra team with this heroic piece!
#PlayOnWNY
Choose and practice an instrument along with BPO musicians through the #PlayOnWNY series featuring 70+ videos.
#SingOnWNY
Learn the fundamentals of singing with the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus.
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.
BPO Teaching Artists
Bring unique arts engagement into your classroom or virtual learning through the dynamism of the BPO’s professional musicians.
Music Education Resources
Access additional music education resources.
Education Sponsors
Education programs are made possible through generous annual donations and significant investment from the BPO.