Educator Resources

Berliner Konzert

Created to mark the twentieth anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, Paul Frehner’s piece uses music to celebrate that momentous event, and explore the entire story of the city’s division; A dynamic lesson plan for history and social studies/ political science environments. Intended Audience: Grades 11 to 12. Curriculum Connections: World History Since 1900, Citizenship and Heritage, Social Economic and Political Structures, Canadian and World Politics.

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Breathe

‘Breathe’ by James Rolfe weaves words by the mediaeval composer Hildegard von Bingen together with those of Toronto writer Anna Chatterton. Each part of the piece is focused one of the alchemical elements–air, fire, water, and earth–which are strongly present in the poetry. A set of hands on activity accompanies this lesson guide offering a creative enrichment to any drama class. Intended Audience: Grades 10 to 12. Curriculum Connections: Dance, Drama.

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Dring Dring

Ana Sokolović describes her composition ‘Dring Dring’ as a “little musical theatre piece inspired by the telephone and the actions we take around that common object.” This piece explores the mechanical sounds of the phone, accomplished through extended vocal sounds—creating a musical patchwork of familiar aural experiences. A series of activities explore aural communication including concepts like ‘the medium is the message’, soundscapes, and the history of the telephone. Intended Audience: Grades 6 to 12. Curriculum Connections: Music, Media Arts.

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Lost and Found

Explore cross-cultural work and influences, self-identity, and cultural identity against the backdrop of this set of themed movements by Dorothy Chan. Includes introduction to traditional Chinese instruments and an engaging “Found Sounds” activity. Intended Audience: Grades 6 to 12. Curriculum Connections: Music, Health, Geography.

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The Weaving Maiden

Ka Nin Chan’s interpretation of the classic Chinese folk tale of the Cowheard and the Weaving Maiden threads together with accents of Chinese culture, allegory, and storytelling through music. Includes helpful guided listening exercises and creative storytelling activities. Intended Audience: Grades 4 to 6. Curriculum Connections: Social Studies, Language.

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Time Zones

Peter Hatch uses music to explore the way people around the world are separated by time and space. Includes a fun and active rhythm jumping activity, as well as a conceptual exploration of time zones. Intended Audience: Grades 1 to 6. Curriculum Connections: Social Studies, Music.

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White Label Experiment (to John Cage)

Bring electronic music into your classroom while keeping relevance to your instrumental music curriculum with this hip journey into the world of soundscapes and prepared piano, along with Avant art concepts such as White Labels, and Objets Trouvés. Intended Audience: Grades 7 to 12 Curriculum Connections: Music

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CATALOGUE OF COMMISSIONED WORKS

Soundstreams Catalogue of Commissioned Works 1982-2012

The works in this catalogue represent thirty years of commissions by Soundstreams, an organization dedicated to the creation and performance of new musical compositions.

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