Today, in 6th grade percussion class, the students were playing the "Surprise Symphony" on their bells. The teacher (who has returned!) asked them if they knew why it was called the "Surprise Symphony." The correct answer is because of the sudden changes in dynamics-- that was rare at the time the piece was written. The students were clueless, though, and it showed by their answers. They were so hilarious that I had to write them down.

Question: What's the surprise in the "Surprise Symphony?"

Student A: "The A natural in measure 4? 'Cause all the other A's are flat.""

Student B: "Is it because we're having a surprise chair test over it tomorrow?"

Student C: "Was it written for his birthday, and it was a surprise? Or maybe it was his birthday, and he died on his birthday."

and my personal favorite--

Student D: "Ooh, I know! It's 'cause a man pops out at the end and says 'ROAR!!'"

I love the high schoolers, but it's things like this that make 6th and 7th graders my favorites. :)