Sara Campbell 10-08-2013 Literacy in an Instrumental Setting Where words fail, music speaks, a famous quote by Hans Christian

Andersen was the Cottonwood High orchestras theme last year. However, considering that words do succeed much of the time, literacy still has an important role in shaping the orchestra community. While its only natural that the orchestra values music, among their other values are communication, improvement, commitment, and fun, all of which show through their use of literacy. While instrumental music has no lyrics, literacy is still evident as sheet music is still filled with words. Beyond the title and name of the composer, there are many musical terms that can make a vital difference in how the piece is played. Dynamics such as forte (loud) and piano (soft) are just the beginning. Throughout most pieces you can find little headings such as majestically or bouncy that help give the musician an idea of the style, but most are not so straightforward. For example, pizzicato and arco (which refer to whether or not the musician should use their bow or simply pluck the string) make an appearance in most pieces and presto (meaning very fast) is extremely common. Phrases are also frequently used. My personal favorite is poco piu mosso which means a little more movement. Literacy clarifies these details so that the piece can have more power. However, not everything is already printed on the page. Musicians write all over their music to help them remember things or make adjustments; they even take notes occasionally. In fact, because writing is so important, they frequently have pencil checks to make sure everyone is prepared, and dont have to climb across the room for one when they need it.

Communication is a largely important to the orchestra, which is made obvious by the many text messages used to remind everyone of rehearsals and assignments. Once, the viola section leader sent a reminder that there wasnt sectionals the next day, I repeat, NO sectionals (Isaac Leyva)! The orchestra is large, so in order to be more efficient, Amber Tuckness, the conductor, reminds only the section leaders, who then only have to remind those in their section. In a class that has a history of having over 70 students at once, this system saves a lot of time, and prevents anyone from being forgotten. Literacy allows us to ensure that everyone is on the same page. As a teacher, Amber wants her students to improve, so naturally, improvement is valued. Thats why the last question on the quarterly concert report (which is a list of simple questions about a concert of the students choice) is, What did you learn from this performance that you could apply to your own playing? Its easy to forget that most professional musicians were once in high school orchestras too, and that you can learn from them simply by watching one of their performances. She also gives the occasional assignment, when were struggling with the rhythm of a piece, to go home and listen to a recording of it twice, and then play along twice. While she doesnt make us find a way to prove that weve done the assignment, its often easy to tell because those who did have obviously improved. The orchestra is a team that has to work together if things are to run smoothly, and the music to actually sound good. Thats why its important that everyone is committed to the class. As concerts are coming up, and were running out of time to practice as a group, we usually have a rehearsal or two outside of class to make sure that were prepared. When people dont show up and dont let anyone know, Amber adds their names to her hit list so that the next day in class she can find out what happened and make sure they understand that they need to be there. If for

some reason theyre unable to come, its not a problem so long as they let someone know about it (which is made easy by literacy). Last, but not least, is fun. The arts have a reputation for being fun, but the orchestra likes to make sure whether or not theyre even making music, everyone enjoys themselves. Not only do they joke around in class, but the music committee loves to party and plans many after-school activities for everyone, the goal of which are fun, affordable evenings. In the past, theyve had scavenger hunts, a fear factor party, bought out theaters, gone to operas, and of course, the annual tour (which gets you out of school, out of state, and is filled with so much fun that you need a vacation from your vacation). Some things, especially tour, can get a little pricy. This year the total cost of [tour] will be $650 per student, not including some meals. However, its very important to them that their members can afford these activities and often, if you just communicate (theres that word again), theyll help you find a way to attend (which sometimes means theyll chip in or even pay for you!). Now the orchestras having fun is all well and good, but you might ask what it has to do with literacy. Well, first off, its vital to organizing the activities. For example, tour requires paperwork, various operas and concerts are on the class calendar, and sometimes people have to sign up for activities. Second, sometimes the activities themselves include literacy; when we have scavenger hunts we have to figure out written clues in order to go on. Literacy is an integral part of the orchestra; not only is it evident in obvious ways such as texts and emails, but also ties in to almost everything else they do, from making music to making fun. Through literacy the orchestra can live their values (communication, improvement, commitment and fun) much more easily. The same is true for any group or individual. Even if

youre illiterate, literacy can find a way to sneak into your life, and the more its used, the more useful it becomes.

Works Cited Isaac Leyva, text message to author, September 22, 2013.