The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra has commissioned the Atlanta-based SMKA Productions to create a two-minute song that “samples” classical-music repertoire, as part of its Concerts for Young People during the 2009-10 season. The piece, designed to illustrate the musical element “melody,” will be performed live by the ASO and will feature rap lyrics performed by southern hip-hop artist A.leon Craft (Marcus “A.leon Craft” Thomas). The collaboration is part of ASO’s Discovery/Next Generation concerts and will be performed for students from Atlanta-area schools between October 7, 2009 and February 3, 2010. A.leon Craft’s song “Music Is My Life” superimposes lyrics about components of music over a sampled version of Aaron Copland’s “Hoe Down” from Rodeo. The ASO’s Concerts for Young People, which serve about 4,000 students a year, are geared for pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. Students and teachers in the program will be introduced to popular music and classical repertoire, and provided with teaching materials exploring how melodies are created and how motifs and techniques are used to vary them.
Posted September 29, 2009
