Poster Cellist Sterling Elliott
Cellist Sterling Elliott
Courtesy of the artist
YourClassical Children

Performance Today in the Classroom: Sterling Elliott

Target age range: K-8

  1. Meet Sterling! Sterling is a PT Young Artist and he plays the cello.

    Write down or tell someone three things you learned from Sterling’s introduction.

  2. In the next video, listen and watch Sterling play J.S. Bach’s “Courante” from Cello Suite No. 6.

  3. Listen to Sterling explain why he loves playing the cello.

    Do you remember some of Sterling’s favorite things about playing the cello?

  4. The next piece is called “Julie-O” by Mark Summer. First, watch and listen.

    Follow-up questions for discussion or journaling:

    • What are the different ways Sterling made sound on his cello while playing the piece you just heard?

    • What makes music contemporary?

    • How would you describe the music you just heard?

  5. Listen as Sterling describes his next piece of music.

    Questions for reflection, discussion, or journaling:

    • What can you remember about the composer Gabriel Fauré?

    • What does the word “berceuse” mean?

    • What instruments were this piece originally written for?

  6. Now, listen and watch as Sterling plays “Berceuse” by Gabriel Fauré.

  7. Finally, Sterling will review a few key ideas from his PT in the Classroom Concert.

Performance Today serves local schools across the Twin Cities with its Young Artist in Residence Program. This program sends PT Young Artists into schools to present live concerts. Designed to engage and inspire elementary and junior high students through live musical performance, these concerts help cultivate active listening skills and allow students to experience the joy of classical music.

Due to current circumstances, Performance Today has adapted the concert content to provide virtual learning experiences in their new series "Performance Today in the Classroom."

Have a question or suggestion? Contact Katie Condon, music education specialist.

More: View all of our YourClassical Music Lessons

Love the music?

Donate by phone
1-800-562-8440

Show your support by making a gift to YourClassical.

Each day, we’re here for you with thoughtful streams that set the tone for your day – not to mention the stories and programs that inspire you to new discovery and help you explore the music you love.

YourClassical is available for free, because we are listener-supported public media. Take a moment to make your gift today.

More Ways to Give

Your Donation

$5/month
$10/month
$15/month
$20/month
$

Latest YourClassical Children Episodes

VIEW ALL EPISODES

Latest YourClassical Children Episodes

'Sweet Arabella'

What happens when the nicest and best cow has a clumsy run-in with the Ice Fairy? Find out in ‘Sweet Arabella,’ the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime — featuring narration by Valerie Kahler, illustrations by Raul Villanueva and music by Jacques Ibert.

6:17
Class Notes Concerts 2022-23: Artist Menu

Class Notes Concerts 2022-23: Artist Menu

Book a FREE concert for Minnesota schools and students! YourClassical MPR’s Class Notes Concerts bring live music performed by professional musicians to thousands of school children across the state, at no cost to their schools. Take a look at our exciting roster, and sign up for a concert now!

'Dog Days of Summer'

It’s Graduation Day at the Service Dog School, and you’re invited to the ceremony! Find out how these highly trained pups help the people who need them most in ‘Dog Days of Summer,’ the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime.

8:31

'Goose, Goose, Baby Goose!'

Bruce the goose always swims his morning laps alone, until his life changes forever on one fateful summer day. Find out what happens in ‘Goose, Goose, Baby Goose!’ – the new episode of YourClassical Storytime. [Support for this program is provided by Minnesota Waldorf School. Support for Pride Month programming is provided by At Sara’s Table/Chester Creek Cafe and Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church.]

5:46

'I Like Me!'

Nancy Carlson’s classic charmer ‘I Like Me’ is a short but sweet tale of a young pig who learns how to practice good habits of self-esteem and pride – embracing how she looks, what she likes to do and, most importantly, how to be kind to herself. And it’s the newest episode of YourClassical Storytime, featuring storytelling by Ines Guanchez with the help of a bunch of kids and the music of Luigi Boccherini.

5:12

'Arion and the Dolphin'

What happens when the world’s greatest harpist gets thrown into the sea by jealous pirates? Find out in the YourClassical Storytime telling of the ancient Greek myth ‘Arion and the Dolphin,’ with art and narration by Ana Freeberg and Ally Thompson, and enchanting harp music performed by Susann McDonald.

10:23

'Mighty Mikko!'

What happens when a poor, lonely woodcutter meets a talking fox? He becomes Mighty Mikko! Find out how their adventures unfold in this charming adaptation of a Finnish folk tale, the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime – featuring narration by Lynn Norris, music by Jean Sibelius and illustrations by Raul Villanueva.  

12:11

'Why Crocodiles Have Tears'

When the river creatures face a disappearing water supply, they must turn to the land animals for help. But will the crying Crocodile be able to make peace with the Lion to find a new home? Find out in “Why Crocodiles Have Tears,” the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime, featuring narration by Jeffrey Yelverton and music by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor.

8:38

'Why the Owl Only Comes Out at Night'

Ever wonder why you never see an owl in the daytime? The answer makes for quite a story. This classic folk tale from Puerto Rico is one of misplaced feathers, a colorful coat, and a lesson about selfishness and sharing. Find out more in this episode of YourClassical Storytime, featuring storytelling by John Birge, music by Gioachino Rossini, and illustrations by Mia Jennings.

11:59

'The Snow Maiden'

There are many different versions of ‘The Snow Maiden,’ but this one reminds us to treasure winter as a special time of year instead of always wishing for warmer weather. Find out more in the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime, featuring storytelling by Valerie Kahler, music by Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov and illustrations by Nancy Carlson.

7:58
VIEW ALL EPISODES

This activity is made possible in part by the Minnesota Legacy Amendment‘s Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.