Class Act Handbook 2012-2013 - Pacific Symphony

can create a Living Time Line, juxtaposing significant events in Saint-Saëns’ life with
events in World, French, American or California History, for example.
What makes a good Bravo Assembly?
1) Participation, in some form, by every student (required, includes kindergarten
students)
2) A site (often outdoors) where the entire school can assemble for the entire
performance
3) A wonderful addition to a great Bravo is some sort of narration that ties the
different presentations together. This is often written by the Teacher
Representative, and can be narrated by upper graders, the teacher or the
principal. The text of the narration might go something like this:
a. Welcome and opening comments. Maybe a few lines about Class Act at
the individual school, and what the students have been learning and
experiencing through Class Act
b. A short introduction to each act. For example, “the third graders have
been studying the how Saint-Saëns uses his music and musical
imagination to describe the different animals in Carnival of the
Animals. Listen for the different animals and watch as the students
show how each animal moves.” “The 5 th grade listened to some of
Saint-Saëns music and drew pictures that showed the emotions they felt
while listening to the music. Look at how the different artwork shows
emotions students experienced while listening to Saint-Saëns.”
c. Some sort of wrap-up where the school thanks the Class Act Musician
and Pacific Symphony.
4) FUN! We want you and the students to enjoy this from beginning to end: the
preparation as well as the execution!
What resources do I have available to me?
‣ Each classroom teacher has a CD filled with Saint-Saëns’ music, as well a few
other featured composers, and access to a book connected to this year’s theme.
‣ There are many different activities in your Teacher Workshop packet and each
one has suggestions on how you can extend your work on a given activity to the
Bravo Assembly. These are provided at the end of each activity.
‣ Your Teacher Workshop packet is filled with great biographical information
about Saint-Saëns including a timeline, quotes, and fun facts.
‣ Your Teacher Workshop packet also has an extensive bibliography and list of
helpful online resources.
‣ Lynne Abraham-Yadlin, Teacher Workshop presenter and Regional Manager,
is happy to help you in any way possible. Bounce ideas off of her, ask for help
implementing an idea—just contact her for help.
Contact her at: labraham-yadlin@pacificsymphony.org
Please contact Carrie Villanueva if you would like to connect directly with
Teacher Workshop Presenter Maria Simeone
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