New September Store Update - FREE Interactive Worksheet

Happy September! To embrace the vibrant cultures and rich histories during Hispanic and Latine Heritage Month, we have updated the Practice Space shop with renowned Hispanic or Latine composers. We’re featuring composers who have left indelible marks on the world of music with their unique styles and influential compositions.

Each avatar can be redeemed with your Practice Gems, offering a fantastic way to engage and motivate your students as they explore the diverse contributions of these composers.

To make this experience even more enriching, we've included YouTube links for pieces by each featured composer, allowing students to see and hear the music come to life. Additionally, we've prepared a special PDF handout with quizzes and flashcards, designed to complement lesson activities and deepen students' understanding of each composer's legacy. Download the handout here!

Dive into the September store update to find these new avatars, each paired with insightful quotes that shed light on the composers' personal journeys and musical innovations. Below, you'll discover the featured composers for this month, complete with intriguing facts, a brief biography, and links to some of their most famous works for your educational use.

Arturo Márquez (December 20, 1950 - ) is a celebrated Mexican composer known for blending traditional dance rhythms like the danzón with orchestral music..

Facts in app:

1. Born in Álamos, Sonora, my father, a mariachi, inspired my love for Mexican music.

2. I studied music in Paris, discovering new styles that influenced my compositions.

3. 'Danzón No. 2' is my most famous piece, celebrated worldwide.

4. I mix musical traditions to create exciting, new compositions, especially using dance rhythms.

5. My compositions often encourage dancers and listeners to feel the joy and passion of Mexico.

6. Check out this performance of Danzon No. 2
   Gustavo Dudamel - Márquez: Danzón No. 2 (Orquesta Sinfónica Simón Bolívar, BBC Proms) - YouTube

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Leo Brouwer (March 1, 1939 - ) is a renowned Cuban composer and guitarist known for his innovative works that blend classical, folk, and avant-garde elements.

Facts in app:

1. I began learning guitar at 13 in Havana, thanks to my father's encouragement.

2. I'm especially proud of my studies for classical guitar that are used by students all over the world.

3. I once studied under the guidance of Max Deutsch, a student of Arnold Schoenberg.

4. Inspired by African folk tales, I composed 'El Decamerón Negro'.

5. I’ve taught and conducted orchestras, inspiring future generations.

6. Check out this performance of Un Día de Noviembre
   Ana Vidovic plays Un Dia de Noviembre by Leo Brouwer | Siccas Guitars

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Tania León (May 14, 1943 - ) is a Cuban-American composer and conductor known for her vibrant compositions that blend Afro-Cuban rhythms with modern classical music.

Facts in app:

1. Born in Havana, Cuba, I started my musical journey with piano at home.

2. I co-founded the Dance Theatre of Harlem and became its first music director.

3. My 'Horizons' premiered in Hamburg, showcasing my unique blend of musical traditions.

4. I've taught at prestigious universities, inspiring students to explore and innovate musically.

5. I've received numerous awards, including a Pulitzer Prize nomination for 'Ácana'.

6. Check out this performance of A Tres Voces
   A Tres Voces--T.León - YouTube

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Carlos Chávez (June 13th 1899 - August 2nd, 1978) was a pioneering Mexican composer and conductor who integrated indigenous Mexican music themes into his classical compositions.

Facts in app:

1. I was born in Mexico City and began composing music at a very young age, driven by my passion for Mexican cultural heritage.

2. I founded and conducted the Mexican Symphonic Orchestra to promote Mexican music.

3. 'Sinfonía India' features native Mexican tribe melodies, celebrating our cultural roots.

4. Directed the National Institute of Fine Arts in Mexico, initiating cultural projects.

5. I authored books and articles, sharing my insights on Mexican music's power and beauty.

6. Check out this performance of Sinfonía India
   Sinfonía India / Carlos Chávez - YouTube

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Julián Orbón (August 7, 1925 - May 21, 1991) was a Cuban-Spanish composer known for his sophisticated orchestral works that blend Spanish and Cuban musical elements.

Facts in app:

1. I was born in Spain but found my musical voice in vibrant Cuba.

2. I studied under my father and the great Aaron Copland, which shaped my composing style.

3. My work 'Tres versiones sinfónicas' showcases a blend of Latin rhythms and orchestral power.

4. I championed modern music in Latin America, pushing boundaries in every composition.

5. As a professor and critic, I influenced a generation with my rigorous standards.

6. Check out this performance of Tres versiones sinfónicas
   Tres versiones sinfónicas Julián Orbón , Orquesta Sinfónica Simón Bolivar de Venezuela - YouTube

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Background Update

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Some other fun additions
These all cheer the student on but also talk about tempo and other musical terms!