December Listening Activity – Benjamin Britten’s “This Little Babe” from A Ceremony of Carols
As the year winds down, this month’s listening turns to one of the most electrifying movements from Benjamin Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols. “This Little Babe” bursts with rhythmic intensity and vivid musical storytelling, created by the brilliant combination of treble voices and harp.
The text, by 16th-century poet Robert Southwell, describes the newborn Christ as a tiny warrior defeating darkness through innocence and light. Britten’s driving rhythms, tightly layered texture, and sparkling harp writing bring this imagery to life with excitement and urgency.
November Listening Activity – William Billings’ “Chester”
As the season turns toward reflection and gratitude, this month’s listening celebrates music that brought people together in early America. Chester, by William Billings (1746–1800), was written to inspire courage and faith during challenging times.
Billings was a self-taught composer and singing-school teacher from Boston who believed that music should belong to everyone. His songs were sung by communities gathered in homes, meeting halls, and churches — ordinary people raising their voices together. Chester became one of his best-loved works, known for its strength, simplicity, and sense of shared purpose.
October Listening Activity – Camille Saint-Saëns’ “Dans Macabre”
Listen to Camille Saint-Saëns’ Danse Macabre with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, featuring eerie effects, dancing rhythms, and spooky orchestration for this Halloween activity.
September Listening Activity – Scott Joplin’s “Maple Leaf Rag”
Explore three performances of Scott Joplin’s Maple Leaf Rag. Compare interpretations, rhythm, tempo, and swing in this piano listening activity.
August Listening Activity – J.S. Bach’s Invention No. 4
Explore three unique performances of Bach's Invention No. 4 in D Minor. Compare interpretations, discuss articulation, tempo, and expression in this 10-minute activity for students.