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All questions of The Sound of Music for Grade 9 Exam

Direction: Read the following paragraph and choose the correct options to answer any four questions given below :
But Evelyn was not going to give up. She was determined to lead a normal life and pursue her interest in music. One day she noticed a girl playing a xylophone and decided that she wanted to play it too. Most of the teachers discouraged her but percussionist Ron Forbes spotted her potential. He began by tuning two large drums to different notes. “Don’t listen through your ears,” he would say, “try to sense it some other way.” Says Evelyn, “Suddenly I realised I could feel the higher drum from the waist up and the lower one from the waist down.” Forbes repeated the exercise, and soon Evelyn discovered that she could sense certain notes in different parts of her body. “I had learnt to open my mind and body to sounds and vibrations.” The rest was sheer determination and hard work.
Q. How did Evelyn hear music?
  • a)
    through drums
  • b)
    through fingers
  • c)
    through sticks
  • d)
    by feeling vibrations through her different parts of body- fingers, hair, feet
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Avinash Patel answered
Evelyn learned to hear music by sensing vibrations through different parts of her body. The passage describes how she felt the higher drum vibrations from the waist up and the lower drum vibrations from the waist down, and eventually, she discovered she could sense certain notes in various parts of her body. This indicates that she used multiple parts of her body to feel the vibrations of the music.
Therefore, the correct option is: by feeling vibrations through her different parts of body - fingers, hair, feet

How did Bismillah Khan gain recognition at a young age?
  • a)
    By winning a local music competition
  • b)
    By performing at the Allahabad Music Conference
  • c)
    By recording a hit song
  • d)
    By participating in a film
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Gargi Shah answered
Introduction
Bismillah Khan, a legendary shehnai maestro, gained fame and recognition early in his life, which significantly shaped his musical career.
Early Recognition at Allahabad Music Conference
- At the young age of 14, Bismillah Khan performed at the prestigious Allahabad Music Conference in 1930.
- This event was a significant platform for classical musicians in India, and performing there marked a pivotal moment in his career.
- His performance showcased his exceptional talent, captivating the audience and critics alike.
Impact of the Performance
- The performance at the conference helped him gain visibility and respect within the classical music community.
- It played a crucial role in establishing his reputation as a skilled shehnai player.
- Following this, he received numerous invitations to perform at various prestigious events and festivals.
Legacy and Influence
- Bismillah Khan's early recognition laid the foundation for his illustrious career, leading him to become one of India’s most celebrated musicians.
- His unique style and contribution to Indian classical music inspired countless musicians, and he remains an iconic figure in the history of Indian arts.
In summary, Bismillah Khan's performance at the Allahabad Music Conference was instrumental in gaining him early recognition and set the stage for his remarkable journey in music.

What was the recommended course of action for Evelyn Glennie after it was discovered that her hearing was severely impaired?
  • a)
    Use hearing aids and attend a specialized school for the deaf
  • b)
    Undergo surgery to regain hearing
  • c)
    Learn sign language and lip-reading
  • d)
    Attend regular public school with accommodations
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Understanding Evelyn Glennie's Journey
Evelyn Glennie, a world-renowned percussionist, faced significant challenges after her hearing impairment was discovered. The recommended course of action for her was to use hearing aids and attend a specialized school for the deaf. Here’s why this approach was beneficial:
Use of Hearing Aids
- Hearing aids allowed Evelyn to amplify sounds, making it easier for her to perceive vibrations and nuances in music.
- They helped bridge the gap between her impaired hearing and the auditory world, enabling her to engage more fully with sound.
Specialized Education
- Attending a specialized school for the deaf provided Evelyn with tailored educational strategies that catered to her unique learning needs.
- She received instruction from teachers who understood the intricacies of hearing impairment, fostering an environment where she could thrive.
Holistic Development
- This combination of hearing aids and specialized education empowered Evelyn to develop her musical talent despite her challenges.
- It emphasized the importance of adaptability and resourcefulness in overcoming obstacles, encouraging her to pursue her passion for music.
Conclusion
Evelyn Glennie's journey illustrates that with the right support and tools, individuals with hearing impairments can achieve remarkable success. The recommended course of action not only addressed her immediate needs but also laid the foundation for her extraordinary career as a musician.

What was Bismillah Khan’s reaction to film music compared to traditional music?
  • a)
    He embraced it eagerly
  • b)
    He found it overly commercial
  • c)
    He preferred traditional music and avoided film work
  • d)
    He was indifferent to both
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Shivani Iyer answered
Introduction
Bismillah Khan, a renowned musician and master of the shehnai, held strong views regarding the distinction between traditional music and film music. His preference for traditional art forms significantly influenced his career choices.
Disdain for Commercialism
- Bismillah Khan believed that film music often lacked the depth and spiritual essence found in traditional music.
- He viewed film music as overly commercialized, prioritizing marketability over artistic expression.
Commitment to Tradition
- His dedication to traditional music was evident in his lifelong commitment to preserving and promoting classical Indian music.
- Bismillah Khan was known for performing at religious and cultural events, emphasizing the importance of traditional forms.
Avoidance of Film Work
- Despite numerous offers from the film industry, he consistently refused to participate in film projects.
- His choice to avoid film work stemmed from a desire to maintain the purity of his art and stay true to his roots.
Conclusion
Bismillah Khan’s reaction to film music was marked by a clear preference for traditional music, leading him to avoid the commercial avenues of the film industry. His legacy as a guardian of classical music remains influential, reflecting his deep-seated beliefs about the integrity of musical art forms.

Direction: Read the following paragraph and choose the correct options to answer any four questions given below :
Evelyn Glennie’s loss of hearing had been gradual. Her mother remembers noticing something was wrong when the eight-year-old Evelyn was waiting to play the piano. “They called her name and she didn’t move. I suddenly realised she hadn’t heard,” says Isabel Glennie. For quite a while Evelyn managed to conceal her growing deafness from friends and teachers. But by the time she was eleven, her marks had deteriorated, and her headmistress urged her parents to take her to a specialist. It was then discovered that her hearing was severely impaired as a result of gradual nerve damage. They were advised that she should be fitted with hearing aids and sent to a school for the deaf. “Everything suddenly looked black,” says Evelyn.
Q. Why did Evelyn’s headmistress advise her parents to consult a specialist?
  • a)
    because of her voice problem
  • b)
    because of her hearing problem
  • c)
    because of her eye sight problem
  • d)
    none of these 
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Swati Verma answered
Evelyn's headmistress advised her parents to consult a specialist because her academic performance had deteriorated, which raised concerns about her well-being. Upon visiting the specialist, it was discovered that Evelyn's hearing was severely impaired due to gradual nerve damage. This confirmed that the reason behind her declining marks was her hearing problem, which had gone unnoticed for some time. Therefore, the correct answer is that the headmistress's recommendation was due to Evelyn's hearing problem.

What impact has Evelyn Glennie had on the perception of percussion in orchestral music?
  • a)
    She has shown that percussion can be emotionally moving.
  • b)
    She has proven that percussion is the least important section of an orchestra.
  • c)
    She has demonstrated that percussion instruments are easy to play.
  • d)
    She has highlighted the limitations of percussion compared to other instruments.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Nandini Bose answered
Impact of Evelyn Glennie on Percussion in Orchestral Music
Evelyn Glennie, a renowned percussionist, has significantly transformed the perception of percussion within orchestral settings.
Emotional Depth
- Glennie's performances have showcased that percussion instruments can convey profound emotions, much like traditional melodic instruments.
- By incorporating a variety of techniques and expressing personal narratives through her music, she has brought a new emotional dimension to percussion.
Technical Mastery
- She has demonstrated that the skill involved in playing percussion is complex and requires extensive training, challenging the notion that percussion is a lesser or easier section.
- Her innovative use of different percussion instruments and techniques has expanded the repertoire and possibilities for percussionists.
Broadening Musical Horizons
- Glennie has collaborated with various genres beyond classical music, thus illustrating the versatility and rich potential of percussion.
- Her work encourages composers to explore new soundscapes and integrate percussion more prominently in orchestral compositions.
Inspiring Future Generations
- Through her outreach and educational efforts, Glennie has inspired many young musicians to pursue percussion, elevating its status in the music community.
- She exemplifies how percussion can lead both the orchestra and popular music, making it a focal point rather than just a background element.
In summary, Evelyn Glennie's contributions have firmly established percussion as an emotionally engaging and technically intricate part of orchestral music, reshaping its perception in the classical realm.

How does Evelyn Glennie describe her experience of playing the xylophone?
  • a)
    She feels the vibrations in her chest.
  • b)
    She hears the music resonating in her ears.
  • c)
    She senses the sound passing up the stick into her fingertips.
  • d)
    She smells the fragrant wood of the xylophone.
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Understanding Evelyn Glennie's Experience with the Xylophone
Evelyn Glennie, a renowned percussionist and profoundly deaf musician, offers a unique perspective on playing the xylophone. Her description emphasizes a deep, tactile connection to the instrument that transcends auditory experience.
Connection Through Touch
- Vibrational Sensation: Glennie highlights how she feels the vibrations of the xylophone not just through her ears, but also through her fingertips.
- Physical Interaction: When she strikes the bars, the sound waves travel up the mallet into her hands, creating a direct, physical connection to the music.
Importance of Sensory Experience
- Beyond Hearing: For Glennie, the experience of playing the xylophone is not limited to sound; it encompasses a rich tapestry of sensations.
- Musical Expression: This unique method of perception allows her to express herself musically in ways that are deeply personal and profound.
Conclusion
Evelyn Glennie's experience of playing the xylophone illustrates how music can be perceived through various senses. The correct answer, option 'C', underscores her ability to sense sound through her fingertips, showcasing the diverse ways in which musicians can connect with their instruments beyond traditional auditory methods. This ability not only enhances her performance but also enriches her musical interpretation, making her artistry truly extraordinary.

Why did Bismillah Khan limit his involvement in film music?
  • a)
    He preferred traditional music
  • b)
    he could not come to terms with the artificiality and glamour of the film world.
  • c)
    He was only offered two film projects
  • d)
    He was too busy with international performances
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Tarun Goyal answered
Understanding Bismillah Khan's Perspective on Film Music
Bismillah Khan, a renowned shehnai maestro, had a significant impact on Indian classical music. His reluctance to engage deeply with film music can be attributed to several profound reasons.
Preference for Traditional Music
- Bismillah Khan was deeply rooted in the traditions of Indian classical music.
- He believed in preserving the authenticity and purity of traditional forms, which he felt film music often compromised.
Artificiality and Glamour
- Khan could not reconcile with the artificiality and glamour associated with the film industry.
- He viewed the film world as a realm that prioritized commercial success over artistic integrity.
- This perception led him to limit his involvement, as he preferred a more genuine expression of music.
Limited Film Opportunities
- While he did receive offers to work in films, the projects were few, which also contributed to his limited engagement.
- However, his selective nature meant that even when opportunities arose, they often did not align with his artistic vision.
Commitment to Live Performances
- Bismillah Khan was highly sought after for international performances, which kept him busy.
- His dedication to performing live allowed him to connect directly with audiences, reinforcing his commitment to traditional music.
In summary, Bismillah Khan's limited involvement in film music stemmed primarily from his disdain for the superficial aspects of the film industry and his deep commitment to preserving the essence of traditional Indian music.

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