YC3/Week 13

Dear Young Child 3 Parent:

Literature and music are a natural duo! Both:

· Include melodic and rhythmic elements.

· Include a balance between repetition and variation.

· Require and develop memory.

· Include sequential and patterning elements.

· Are a means of communication.

This “duo” is exemplified with the classical ballet and story of the Nutcracker. The Nutcracker Ballet, written by the Russian composer Peter Illich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893), is one of the most famous ballets in the world. In class, we are studying some fundamental ballet steps while listening to music from the ballet. Further your child’s interest in the Nutcracker by visiting your local library and checking out books about the Nutcracker. Some book titles and authors are listed on your Music at Home 43 card.

Lynda