Sound can also play a role in what people choose to buy. Take, for example, cars. Manufacturers believe that customers (whether they know it or not) expect certain sounds—like a smooth engine in an expensive car or that zoom-zoom sound in a sporty car. So engineers design and build cars to create specific sounds that they hope will be music to customers’ ears.
During the performance, listen for the difference between music played on an inexpensive instrument and on a more expensive, finely crafted one.
Think about… What are some ways music and sound can make you smarter, healthier, and happier? Share your ideas with your friends and family.
For Web links related to the topics covered in the performance, see www.yvonnecaruthers.com and click on “Connections”
Music to Your Ears At the performance, you will hear: “Lullaby” by Johannes Brahms (yoh-HAH-nuhs brahmz) “Flight of the Bumblebee” by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (NICK-o-leye Rim-skee KOR-suh-koff)
David M. Rubenstein Chairman
PERFORMANCE GUIDE
Ever notice that most stores at the mall have music playing? And that different stores play different types of music? For example, stores that sell clothes for young people often play current hits at a relatively high volume. The thinking goes: If the music makes you happy, you’ll stay in the store longer and buy more clothes!
Of course, musicians and instrument makers know a lot about building something—instruments, of course! —to create a good-quality sound.
Connections:
Michael M. Kaiser President Darrell M. Ayers Vice President, Education
Christoph Eschenbach Music Director National Symphony Orchestra Additional support for Performances for Young Audiences is provided by Adobe Foundation, The Clark Charitable Foundation; Mr. James V. Kimsey; The Macy's Foundation; The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation; Park Foundation, Inc.; Paul M. Angell Family Foundation; an endowment from the Ryna and Melvin Cohen Family Foundation; U.S. Department of Education; Washington Gas; and by generous contributors to the Abe Fortas Memorial Fund and by a major gift to the fund from the late Carolyn E. Agger, widow of Abe Fortas.
Cuesheet
Sounds for Happy Customers
Music Matters
Developed and hosted by Yvonne Caruthers
Performed by National Symphony Orchestra members Natasha Bogachek, violin Yvonne Caruthers, cello Stephen Dumaine, tuba Eric Shin, percussion
At the performance, join National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) cellist Yvonne Caruthers and three of her musician friends to learn some surprising connections between music and the world around us—and how music matters by making us smarter, healthier, and happier.
Education and related artistic programs are made possible through the generosity of the National Committee for the Performing Arts and the President’s Advisory Committee on the Arts.
Listen closely! Musical sounds are everywhere.
“American Souvenir: Variations on Yankee Doodle” by Henri Vieuxtemps (ahn-REE vyuh-TAHN) www.kennedy-center.org/artsedge
“Habanera” from the opera Carmen by Georges Bizet (Bee-ZAY) “Music for Pieces of Wood” by Steve Reich
Cuesheets are produced by ARTSEDGE, an education program of the Kennedy Center. Learn more about education at the Kennedy Center at www.kennedy-center.org/education
A Good Audience… ■ ■ ■ ■
Stays seated Stays quiet Watches and listens carefully Claps at the end
The contents of this Cuesheet have been developed under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education and do not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education. You should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government. © 2014 The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
David and Alice Rubenstein are the Presenting Underwriters of the NSO.
Performances for Young Audiences is made possible by