Leonard Bernstein “West Side Story” Richford High Symphonic Band May 5 th, 2006 Ms. Lara Richford High Symphonic Band May 5 th, 2006 Ms. Lara

May 3 rd, 2006  In front of you is a new piece of Music titled “West Side Story.”  Today we will learn a little about the history of the piece and it’s composer.  In front of you is a new piece of Music titled “West Side Story.”  Today we will learn a little about the history of the piece and it’s composer.

Leonard Bernstein's Life &Leonard Bernstein was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts in &Bernstein learned to play the piano at a very young age. &After graduation from Boston Latin School in 1935, Bernstein attended Harvard University, where he studied music with Walter Piston, he then attended the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. &Leonard Bernstein was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts in &Bernstein learned to play the piano at a very young age. &After graduation from Boston Latin School in 1935, Bernstein attended Harvard University, where he studied music with Walter Piston, he then attended the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia.

Young Bernstein  As with many gifted American children, Bernstein had to prevail over his hard-working father’s concern that music did not offer him a secure, stable future, but Leonard continued to pursue his dream no matter what anyone else thought.

Accomplishments  Bernstein was a highly regarded conductor, composer, pianist, and educator, and best known to the public as long-time music director of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra.

Other Information   As a young child Bernstein often performed the piano variations of Aaron Copland.  His Father went from a Fish Cleaner to a Businessman.  Leonard had three children Jamie, Alexander, and Nina.   As a young child Bernstein often performed the piano variations of Aaron Copland.  His Father went from a Fish Cleaner to a Businessman.  Leonard had three children Jamie, Alexander, and Nina.

Other Information  Bernstein received many honors. He was elected in 1981 to the American Academy of Arts and Letters, which gave him a Gold Medal.  Bernstein also received many medals from the Beethoven Society.

Bernstein's biggest Influence was….. George Gershwin An American composer born in Brooklyn, New York. September 26, July 11, 1937.

Bernstein’s Death  Died: October 14 th, 1990  Location of death: New York City  Cause of death: Heart Failure  Remains: Buried, Green Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY  Died: October 14 th, 1990  Location of death: New York City  Cause of death: Heart Failure  Remains: Buried, Green Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

West Side Story  West Side Story is a modern version of the Romeo and Juliet story. The rival families of Verona are now rival gangs of white immigrants and Puerto Ricans on the streets of Manhattan's Upper West Side.

In the Making…  This is Bernstein rehearsing at the piano with female members of the West Side Story cast.

Broadway  West side story’s debut on Broadway was in1957.  The concept underlying the play was to transfer Romeo and Juliet to a contemporary setting and make the story a musical.  West side story’s debut on Broadway was in1957.  The concept underlying the play was to transfer Romeo and Juliet to a contemporary setting and make the story a musical.

Musical Scores  Bernstein's score for the musical has been extremely popular.  Some of the songs include "Something's Coming," “Maria," "America," "Somewhere," "Tonight," "Gee, Officer Krupke," "I Feel Pretty," "One Hand, One Heart," and "Cool."

Awards  1961 Academy Award Winner(Best Picture)  1957 Tony Award Nominee (Best Musical)  1961 Academy Award Winner(Best Picture)  1957 Tony Award Nominee (Best Musical)

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