Educational Programs

San Francisco Renaissance Voices is dedicated to helping develop the next generation of music lovers and musicians through our educational efforts directed by Irene Navarro, Coordinator of Educational Programs.
Music Camp for Young Lords & Ladies

Our Music Camp for Young Lords & Ladies is designed to provide an introduction for children of elementary school age (ages 7-11) to the music of the Renaissance using a variety of entertaining,
interactive activities.
Music Camps for Young Lords & Ladies are held at the
site of the hosting organization and reduced-cost camps
are available for organizations with financial challenges.

To consult with Ms. Navarro about a Music Camp for
Young Lords & Ladies that would be appropriate for
your organization, contact her at:
SFRVEducates@yahoo.com
The Instrument Zoo

A lot of the music written during the Renaissance was for singing.  However, music was written for musical instruments as well and we thought you might like to see some of the instruments you might see being played at a concert by San Francisco Renaissance Voices ... here are a few:







 


 
The Serpent
The serpent is usually a long cone bent into a snakelike shape which gives it its name. To play the serpent you blow into it and use your fingers to cover different holes on the instrument to get different notes.  It is generally made out of wood and covered with dark brown or black leather.  CLICK HERE to hear what a serpent sounds like.
The Hurdy-Gurdy
The hurdy-gurdy was a very popular instrument of the Renaissance.  It is an instrument that uses strings to produce sound when you turn the crank at the bottom of the instrument.  This crank turns a wheel inside the instrument that rubs against the strings. The wheel functions much like a violin bow, and single notes played on the instrument sound similar to a violin.  Melodies are played on the keys on the side of the instrument that causes one or more of the strings to make different sounds.  CLICK HERE to hear what a hurdy-gurdy sounds like.
The Lute
The lute is used in a great variety of instrumental music from the early Renaissance to the late Baroque eras. It is also used as an instrument to accompany, or play along with, singers.  The front of the lute is shaped like a tear drop and the body of the lute is rounded almost like a bowl.  Strings are stretched from the neck of the lute (the long stick-like part) over the body of the lute and the strings are then plucked to create sound.  CLICK HERE to hear what a lute sounds like.