Gregory Smith

Family and EDUCATIONAL CONCERT WORKS

1000+ PERFORMANCES 200+ ORCHESTRAS

Click the scrolling names to see a full list of orchestras.

Family and EDUCATIONAL CONCERT WORKS

All works listed below are for standard symphony orchestra with narrator.

Full-Length Works (15-35 minutes):

The Animated Orchestra

A cartoon score is to be performed at a concert, but the film turns up missing. To salvage the concert, the narrator describes and reenacts missing scenes with the help of the orchestra and audience. Significant audience participation, 29 minutes, MORE DETAILS

VIBE

With the assistance of the orchestra, the narrator leads the audience on a symphonic exploration of the incredible world of sound.  This work is a S.T.E.A.M. oriented work. Significant audience participation, 34 minutes, length adaptable, MORE DETAILS

The Orchestra Games

From the opening to the closing ceremonies, this “get to know the instruments” competition goes far beyond the obvious timbral identities of the instruments while sprinting through an Olympic array of events. Audience participation, 27 minutes, length adaptable, MORE DETAILS

Mr. Smith’s Composition

This work takes the audience on a hilarious and musically educational romp into the mind of Mr. Smith as he composes.  The refrain of “follow one’s heart” is invoked during the many decisions composing music requires.  Some audience participation, 21 minutes, MORE DETAILS

The Melodic Life

In this lighthearted work, theme and variations is the educational backbone. The life of a melody named Bob is traced from childhood to middle age with many stops along the way. 22 minutes, MORE DETAILS

A Major-minor Mystery

This work is a demonstration of the major and minor tonalities disguised as a “whodunit”.  Organized in chapters, a surprise ending is revealed during a reenactment of an ill-fated concert.  Often used for Halloween concerts, this work is appropriate for any time of year. 22 minutes, MORE DETAILS

Zoo Song

In this heartfelt work, a young girl’s visit to the zoo becomes a quest to find the animal that makes a particularly alluring sound. The elusive animal presents itself during a poignant conclusion. 17 minutes, MORE DETAILS

Mr. Smith’s Bowl of Notes

This educational concert work surveys the classical musical styles of the past 400 years. A quirky, unexpected guest explains the amazing fact that most of this music was composed using the same twelve notes. 30 minutes, MORE DETAILS

SHORTER WORKS: (3-5 minutes)

Tempus Fugit

Tempus Fugit quickly and efficiently introduces the instruments of the orchestra by describing the various modes of transportation they used to travel to the concert. The narration can be easily handled by the conductor if a narrator is unavailable. 3½ minutes, MORE DETAILS

Shave and a Haircut

As one might guess, the age-old call and response motif is employed as the anchor for this work.  The audience participates from top to bottom with the narrator leading the way.  This work promotes intense listening, including mirroring dynamic changes. 5 minutes, MORE DETAILS