Fairy Tales, Folklore and Fables
with Auricolae Ensemble

Ferdinand the Bull, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, and other best-loved stores from around the world are told through music and narrative to the delight of pre-school through elementary school students. Active audience participation and an appreciation of non-spoken means of communication are hallmarks of the presentations. The goal of the program is to introduce young people of all backgrounds to the capabilities and range of classical bowed instruments.

This entertaining and educational program uses well-known stories to introduce string instruments, their history, capabilities, and techniques for playing. By telling stories, set to music, students are given a wonderful opportunity to experience how music can invoke both feelings and thoughts, and invigorate the senses.

Common stories that are told include "Ferdinand the Bull”, “An Adventure at Granny's" (Little Red Riding Hood), and “Jack and the Beanstalk.”

What makes the program unique is that David Yang, leader of Auricolae, has been working with composers over the past year and a half to have music composed specifically for this program. “Jack and the Beanstalk” is the newest composition, debuting in December 2003. Composer, Eric Sessler, and David Yang were awarded a grant from the American Composers Forum and Eric accompanied Auricolae during all programs from December 2003 to June 2004. David has been awarded a second grant from the American Composers Forum to continue having music written for this program with a new composer. The next piece is expected to debut in the Fall of 2004. Please call our offices for more information!