Purpose:

1. To learn the sounds of various orchestral musical instruments and create/perform suitable movement responses to their sounds and tempo.
2. To practice the managerial skills of stopping and listening to/for cues.
3. To comprehend story plot kinesthetically in addition to aurally.

Directions:
You will need a recording of Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf and a CD-tape player/sound system. Instruct students to listen to the narrator tell the story. The story begins with an introduction of the instruments and the characters they represent in the story (e.g., strings = Peter; bassoon = grandfather; French horn = wolf). Upon introduction of each instrument/character, ask students to first tell how they think they would move to such a sound and then have students practice the movement. (Be prepared to demonstrate to students and participate with them.) Remind them that when they hear an instrument and the narrator’s instructions that they are to move in the way they think best. The story will begin after the introduction of the instruments/characters; students should begin listening to the narrator for cues of what to do and you will prompt them to link the instrument/character/movement pattern. Praise students’ strong effort and creative interpretations—pinpoint individuals for others to observe.

Debrief:
The story lasts approximately 20 minutes; students will get a fairly intense workout. During a warmdown, ask students questions about the story (e.g., What happened to the wolf in the end? Did the duck get eaten by the wolf? What character did you like best/least and why?)