9th Grade General Music Miss Ashley Adair March 9, 2007 Dynamic Symbol Review 9th Grade General Music Miss Ashley Adair March 9, 2007

What are dynamics? The degrees of softness or loudness in music. They can be indicated by symbols or words on the score.

 is defined as piano. The Symbol  When  is seen in a score, the piece or section of the piece must be played or sung softly.

The Symbol pp Pianissimo represented by pp. This means that the piece or section of the piece being performed must be played or sung very softly.

The Symbol  The symbol  means mezzo piano. When  is seen on the score, the piece is to be played medium soft. Not as soft as piano, but not as loud as forte.

Examples Piano: Pianissimo: Mezzo Piano:

The Symbol f Forte is represented by f. Forte is defined as loud. When seen on a score, the piece should be played loudly.

The Symbol ff Fortissimo is represented by ff. This symbol means that the piece or section of the piece should be played very loudly.

The Symbol  This symbol means mezzo forte. When  is seen on the score, the piece is to be played medium loud. Not as loud as forte, but not as soft as mezzo piano

Examples Forte: Fortissimo: Mezzo Forte:

The Symbol This is a Decrescendo. When a decrescendo is on a score, the section of the piece should gradually become softer.

The Symbol This symbol is a crescendo. This means to gradually become louder when seen on a score.

Examples Decrescendo: Crescendo:

Review p pp  f ff  Symbol Term Meaning Piano Soft Pianissimo Very Soft Mezzo Piano Medium Soft Forte Loud Fortissimo Very Loud Mezzo Piano Medium Loud Crescendo Gradually Becoming Louder Decrescendo Gradually Becoming Softer

For Homework I will give you a short handout on the dynamics markings reviewed today. All you have to do is fill in the blanks. Due Thursday, March 11.

To come… We will look at some more dynamic examples on Wednesday, March 10. We will also review for Test 5 on Thursday. Friday, March 12 is Test 5.

and Finally~ Don’t Forget to support this year’s cast of Anything Goes! Next Weekend- March 18, 19, 20 at 7:30pm