Mini Maestro Training

Lesson 2: You're the Conductor!

Duration

30 MIN

Objective

Students will be able to lead their peers in starting and stopping using simple conducting gestures, as well as indicating loud and soft dynamics.

Materials Needed

Slides: Who is a Conductor?
Wooden dowels or paper towel rolls
Ribbon, tape, and glitter
Audio: Orchestral music

Key Concepts

Leadership

Leading a group with confidence.

Signals

Start/Stop hand gestures.

Dynamics

Controlling volume (Piano/Forte).

Instructional Arc

5 MIN

Mirror Me Warm-up

Stand in a circle. Students must mirror your every move silently. Move slowly, then quickly. Introduce the "ready" position (arms up, waiting for silence).

5 MIN

Introduce the Conductor

Show slides of real conductors. Discuss: "What is in their hand? Why is everyone looking at them?" Explain the baton as a "magic wand" for music.

10 MIN

Practice & Craft

Students decorate their own "conducting batons." Once finished, practice the "Big Giant" (loud) and "Little Mouse" (soft) gestures with their new batons.

7 MIN

Follow the Conductor

Small groups take turns being the conductor. The "orchestra" (the rest of the group) hums or claps based on the conductor's baton height and movements.

3 MIN

Reflect on Leadership

"How did it feel to be the boss of the music?" Congratulate the new maestros on their teamwork and leadership.

The Cut-Off

The most important signal is the stop. Teach students to make a "fist" or a "sharp slice" in the air to end the music together.

Music Choice

Use "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" or "William Tell Overture" for great dynamic contrast that kids can clearly feel.

Mini Maestro Training

Mini Maestro Lesson Plan

Who is a Conductor Slides

Conducting Batons Craft Activity

Follow the Conductor Game Instructions