The Kennedy Center: ARTSEDGE — the National Arts and Education Network

The correct response is "Beethoven"

No, not Mozart. Classical music’s other child prodigy, Ludwig van Beethoven. He was a brilliant improviser, rule-breaker, and master of dramatic music. Beethoven composed symphonies, like No. 9 in D Minor, the first to include a choral portion. While he eventually went completely deaf, Beethoven’s genius was such that he continued working even when he could not hear a single note.

Get to know Classical music's biggest star with Beethoven Rocks!

The correct answer is “Romeo and Juliet”

We love vampire romances, too, but it’s Shakespeare’s fated pair, Romeo and Juliet, who are doomed from the very start of the play. The story of the young lovers from feuding families premiered in 1595 and remains one of the English playwright’s most popular works.

Read more about Shakespeare's star-cross'd lovers.

Even if you’re not big on football, the Superbowl is a big deal. Over the years, this football championship has evolved into an unofficial American holiday. On average, 130-140 million people tune in to the game each year, and not just to catch the bone-crunching action on the field. The games often have to compete with elaborate pre-game and halftime entertainment, which feature popular musicians and acts. On top of the highly anticipated pre-game and halftime shows, audiences also look forward to the commercials shown during the game. Companies spend big money to get their message in front of this huge viewing audience.

To find out how music and football are intertwined, check out Touchdown Songs: Music & Football, narrated by NFL Films composer Tom Hedden.

First of all, ballet is not gross. Maybe it’s just not your thing.

Enjoying the popular ballet’s fantastic scenes—a sparkling Christmas tree shooting up into the ceiling, the Nutcracker turning into a prince, the Mouse King in battle—is a holiday ritual for many families around the world.

But what version are you watching on stage or TV? Perhaps a restaging of the original ballet that premiered in Russia in 1892, choreographed by Frenchman Marius Petipa? Or is it a newer variation that features dance steps by a different choreographer? Maybe you’ve even seen more than one version! Check out our article, Cracking Open The Nutcracker.

The correct answer is "All of the above"

Stage managers play a vital role in every production. They provide organizational support to the director and crew throughout the rehearsal process and run of a show. And, there is indeed a character in Thornton Wilder’s Our Town, a play that explores life in a small New England town. This Stage Manager comments to the audience on the words and actions of other characters in the play.

For more on how theater has made an impact, watch our series, The Power of Theater.

In case you hadn’t heard, this Friday is Veterans Day. And no matter how you celebrate this federal holiday, it’s nice to take a moment to remember why.

As World War I, also known as “The Great War,” came to an end, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 to be a day of celebration, as well as remembrance and gratitude for the heroes who gave their lives in service to their country. Originally called Armistice Day, businesses and schools were closed for the day in order for Americans to attend parades and public meetings. Over the years as other conflicts arose and developed around the world, Congress voted to modify the holiday to Veterans Day, in order to honor American veterans of all wars.

Today, we continue to thank and honor our military’s men and women with parades and other ceremonies. Music always plays a special role at these events. For more on military musical traditions, listen to our audio series Music in the Military.

The correct answer is “Dancing”

While each Native American tribe has its own traditions and beliefs, there are some similarities among tribes, like the PowWow. Dancing is always a lively part of these celebrations, held for various occasions. To the beating of drums—a symbol of the heartbeat of the Native American Nation—dancers perform and compete in front of judges for prizes. The competition is based on how well a dancer performs, as well as the design and construction of his or her regalia, or traditional outfit. The regalia, often made of animal skins and feathers, is not a costume since it is part of the Native American heritage.

For more on traditional dances and regalia, check out our interviews with fancy dancers Larry and Jessup Yazzie from Native Pride Dancers and see video of them in in action!

Monsters aren’t really under your bed, though there should be plenty on the loose when Halloween rolls around. Did you ever wonder where some of these characters come from? Let’s take Frankenstein, for instance. He was imagined by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley in her book Frankenstein; or The Modern Prometheus, in which Dr. Frankenstein creates a live monster. Her book, published when she was 21, proved to be one of the classic examples of the Gothic fiction movement.

Want to see something really scary? Head on over to our collection of our spookiest resources.

The correct answer is "Brass, Percussion, Strings, Woodwind"

‘Cause we’re talking about the four instrument families of the orchestra. Want to know more? Grab your bat and baseball cap and explore the different sections of the orchestra at Perfect Pitch, or the Instrument Spotter's Guide.