STAAR Review "Harmony Reclaimed"

Which sentence supports the idea that the instruments are part of what makes the Recycled Orchestra special?

• The group has performed in Brazil, Panama, and Colombia.

• As more children wanted to participate, Chávez knew that more instruments were needed.

• The cost of a traditional violin is far out of the reach of many residents of Cateura.

• The museum honored the orchestra with an exhibit showcasing its instruments.

Which idea about the Recycled Orchestra does the author highlight throughout the selection?

• The goal of the orchestra is to support the children of Cateura.

• The orchestra is successful because of Chávez’s skill as a leader.

• The orchestra members plan to become professional musicians.

• The people of Cateura support the orchestra by working as recyclers.

In order to be successful in the orchestra, members most likely had to —

• show that they had natural talent for playing music

• work together to locate materials for their instruments

• make a commitment to devote time to practicing their skills

• develop an interest for the style of music they would be playing

Gómez travels to the landfill several times a week to search for materials most likely because he —

• knows which items would be best suited for crafting the instruments

• wants to create a new style of instrument

• hopes to find an instrument that is intact

• believes that items from the landfill create unique sounds

The initial success of Chávez’s project depended primarily on —

• inspiring the local children to participate in the orchestra

• spreading awareness of the benefits of reusing materials

• obtaining invitations to perform in foreign countries

• finding resources within the community

What is the best summary of the selection?

• The small village of Cateura, Paraguay, is built on a landfill. Most of the residents search the trash for items to recycle. Favio Chávez had an idea to use trash to make musical instruments. He asked a carpenter, Nicolás Gómez, to make guitars, drums, and other instruments.

• Ecologist and musician Favio Chávez wanted to help the children living in Cateura, Paraguay. He started an orchestra with instruments created from materials found in the local landfills. The Recycled Orchestra has performed around the world and has had a positive impact on the lives of its members.

• Children in Cateura, Paraguay, had few resources when Favio Chávez went there to work on a recycling project. Chávez asked Nicolás Gómez to help him make instruments from items in the landfill. The members of the orchestra appreciate the uniqueness of their instruments.

• Favio Chávez provided the children of Cateura, Paraguay, with instruments made from recycled materials. When the children’s musical skills improved, he created an orchestra and the group began performing locally. Soon they had invitations to perform in Europe and the United States. A documentary film was made about the orchestra’s success.

Which sentence from the selection expresses an opinion?

• Chávez began by teaching music lessons.

• The U.S. performance took place at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, Arizona.

• The Recycled Orchestra has shown the world that with a love of music and a sense of belonging, people can change their lives for the better.

• Inspired by the orchestra, Paraguayan filmmaker Alejandra Amarilla Nash made a documentary about the group.