Dear Friends and Parents,
Would you like an opportunity to hear the ASO and world-renowned conductor Pinchas Zukerman? Well read on...
_______________________________________________________________________
Enjoy $12 tickets to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra!
Join us for a concert October 11/12/13 at 8pm
Contact Angela White at 404.733.4848 or angela.white@woodruffcenter.org to get the discount.
GREAT SEATS STILL AVAILABLE!
HAYDN: Symphony No. 83, La Poule
CHAUSSON: Poeme for violin
RAVEL: Tzigane, for violin
SAINT-SAENS: Symphony No. 3, “Organ”
Pinchas Zukerman, conductor
*Offer not valid at box office, subject to availability.
posted on: August 29, 2007
The Doemel's are in Germany for a few weeks. We landed today and have already done so much!. Click on the pictures for a larger view of some castles and scenes. What a fastidiously beautiful country. We will visit Bonn to see Beethoven's house and Vienna, home of so many wonderful musicians. Stay tuned.
posted on: June 17, 2007
...is a traditional English round, the oldest example of counterpoint, a music composition technique, in existence. The title might be translated as "Summer has come in" or "Summer has arrived", The language is Middle English, more exactly Wessex dialect. It is the oldest piece of six-part polyphonic music in existence. Its composer is anonymous, possibly W. de Wycombe, and it is estimated to date from around 1260.
Thank you to the departing 8th grade students. Many of you I hope to see regularly at Lassiter. You helped make this a great three years for me and I have enjoyed working with you. I’m proud of what we accomplished and hope you are also.
I hope you have a wonderful high school experience. Please keep in touch.
posted on: June 17, 2007
I apologize for not posting lately. I have experienced technical difficulties that are now fixed.
Our last concert of the year is tonight! Hopefully you received the letter I sent home with details.
The 8th graders were to bring in their concert clothes today and stay after school for a final rehearsal
and to combine the two classes. They will have a pizza dinner at school at about 5:45.
6th and 7th graders are to arrive at 6:15, dressed and ready to play. 6th graders will meet in the band room, 7th graders in the chorus room. There will be a reception in the cafeteria following the performance. See you there.
posted on: May 15, 2007
Congratulations to the Mabry Orchestra iMovie team. The team's movie, "Music: Our Common Bond" was awarded the "Best Cinematography" award at the 2007 Mabry Film Festival. The film was nominated in four categories including Best Sound, Best Editing, Best Cinematography and Best Picture. "Music: Our Common Bond", along with all the other excellent films nominated for Best Picture, can be seen by clicking this link.
posted on: April 29, 2007
Congratulations to (from L to R) Ian M., Jessica I., and Katherine J. for being chosen to be part of the 2007 Cobb County Middle School Honor Orchestra. After auditioning, they were chosen from hundreds of middle school string players to participate. The performance, at McEachern HS on Saturday, April 14th, was a wonderful example of the wealth of talented musicians being developed in Cobb County. Jessica and Katherine are 8th graders who will be part of the Lassiter HS Orchestra next year. Ian is a 7th grader! Congratulations for this honor that your hard work has brought you!
posted on: April 18, 2007
Practice Records are due next Monday, April 23rd. Here's a copy.
posted on: April 16, 2007
On the Concert and Activity Calendar you received in the Fall the date for our Spring Concert was listed as May 3rd.
For several reasons the date for this concert has been moved to Tuesday, May 15th at 7 p.m.. Please contact me at
Chris.Doemel@Cobbk12.org with any conflicts.
Thursday, May 3rd is the Lassiter Orchestra's "Night At The Movies". The 8th Grade Orchestra will perform at that event.
You received a form recently to purchase tickets. On that form the date was incorrect. The correct date and time are Thursday,
May 3rd at 7:30 p.m.
posted on: April 16, 2007
Enjoy $12 tickets to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra!
GREAT TICKETS AVAILABLE!
April 26th, 27th, 28th at 8:00 pm
Atlanta Symphony Hall
PROGRAM:
MAXWELL DAVIES: An Orkney Wedding, with Sunrise
TURNAGE: Three Screaming Popes
MACMILLAN: Britannia
BRITTEN: Sinfonia da Requiem
ELGAR: Pomp and Circumstance Marches Nos. 1 and 4
Donald Runnicles, conductor
Scott Long, Highland bagpipes
Mr. Runnicles takes us to his British homeland: the source of Elgar’s popular success, Britten’s deeply felt and universal anti-war ode, and “a trajectory of exuberant fun” from Turnage. From Scotland comes a loving evocation of a wedding, which ends with a bagpiper greeting the dawn of a new day.
CONTACT RUSSELL WHEELER AT (404) 733-4807 OR russell.wheeler@woodruffcenter.org to purchase. Offer not valid at box office.
posted on: April 11, 2007
If you're interested contact Carol Doemel at Carol.Doemel@Cobbk12.org
posted on: March 30, 2007
Science Daily - A newly published study by Northwestern University researchers suggests that Mom was right when she insisted that you continue music lessons -- even after it was clear that a professional music career was not in your future.
The study, which will appear in the April issue of Nature Neuroscience, is the first to provide concrete evidence that playing a musical instrument significantly enhances the brainstem's sensitivity to speech sounds. This finding has broad implications because it applies to sound encoding skills involved not only in music but also in language.
The findings indicate that experience with music at a young age in effect can "fine-tune" the brain's auditory system. "Increasing music experience appears to benefit all children -- whether musically exceptional or not -- in a wide range of learning activities," says Nina Kraus, director of Northwestern's Auditory Neuroscience Laboratory and senior author of the study.
"Our findings underscore the pervasive impact of musical training on neurological development. Yet music classes are often among the first to be cut when school budgets get tight. That's a mistake," says Kraus, Hugh Knowles Professor of Neurobiology and Physiology and professor of communication sciences and disorders.
"Our study is the first to ask whether enhancing the sound environment -- in this case with musical training -- will positively affect the way an individual encodes sound even at a level as basic as the brainstem," says Patrick Wong, primary author of "Musical Experience Shapes Human Brainstem Encoding of Linguistic Pitch Patterns." An old structure from an evolutionary standpoint, the brainstem once was thought to only play a passive role in auditory processing.
Using a novel experimental design, the researchers presented the Mandarin word "mi" to 20 adults as they watched a movie. Half had at least six years of musical instrument training starting before the age of 12. The other half had minimal (less than 2 years) or no musical training. All were native English speakers with no knowledge of Mandarin, a tone language.
In tone languages, a single word can differ in meaning depending on pitch patterns called "tones." For example, the Mandarin word "mi" delivered in a level tone means "to squint," in a rising tone means "to bewilder," and in a dipping (falling then rising) tone means "rice." English, on the other hand, only uses pitch to reflect intonation (as when rising pitch is used in questions).
As the subjects watched the movie, the researchers used electrophysiological methods to measure and graph the accuracy of their brainstem ability to track the three differently pitched "mi" sounds.
"Even with their attention focused on the movie and though the sounds had no linguistic or musical meaning for them, we found our musically trained subjects were far better at tracking the three different tones than the non-musicians," says Wong, director of Northwestern's Speech Research Laboratory and assistant professor of communication sciences and disorders.
The research by co-authors Wong, Kraus, Erika Skoe, Nicole Russo and Tasha Dees represents a new way of defining the relationship between the brainstem -- a lower order brain structure thought to be unchangeable and uninvolved in complex processing -- and the neocortex, a higher order brain structure associated with music, language and other complex processing.
These findings are in line with previous studies by Wong and his group suggesting that musical experience can improve one's ability to learn tone languages in adulthood and level of musical experience plays a role in the degree of activation in the auditory cortex. Wong also is a faculty member in Northwestern's Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program.
The findings also are consistent with studies by Kraus and her research team that have revealed anomalies in brainstem sound encoding in some children with learning disabilities which can be improved by auditory training.
"We've found that by playing music -- an action thought of as a function of the neocortex -- a person may actually be tuning the brainstem," says Kraus. "This suggests that the relationship between the brainstem and neocortex is a dynamic and reciprocal one and tells us that our basic sensory circuitry is more malleable than we previously thought."
Overall, the findings assist in unfolding new lines of inquiry. The researchers now are looking to find ways to "train" the brain to better encode sound -- work that potentially has far-reaching educational and clinical implications. The study was supported by Northwestern University, grants from the National Institutes of Health and a grant from the National Science Foundation.
posted on: March 20, 2007
Right now I'm listening to the Mabry 8th Grade Orchestra performance with Barrage the other night. And I'm incredibly proud of them. I hope they realize the skills they have and that they will continue to grow and keep music-making a part of their lives.
I also listened to Crooked Still and the Wild Band of Snee tonight, because Rushad will be here next Thursday. He'll be playing 2 'shows'. The first @1:35, the 2nd @ 2:45.
The shows are
open to the public. Check in at the front office and come to the theater at the times above.
posted on: March 13, 2007
As of 3/13 at 8:56pm, all practice records I have received have been entered into I-Cue (and will show up in I-Parent).
posted on: March 13, 2007
To see the 8th grade orchestra performance at the Barrage concert and to see the 11Alive news story click the link below.
posted on: March 13, 2007
were due today.
posted on: March 12, 2007
The 2002 federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) legislation names arts education as part of the “core curriculum” for schools, on par with reading, math and science. This legislation underscores research that supports music education as a critical component to the overall educational experience of our youth. By listing the arts among the core academic subjects, NCLB established a goal that all students have the opportunity to achieve in the arts, and reap the benefits of a comprehensive, creative, innovative education.
Even with this policy directive outlining the role of arts and music education in schools, the federal legislation has not made its way to state and local schools. As a result, more than 22 percent of schools surveyed nationally have reduced instructional time for music and art. Parents, employers and community leaders expect schools to prepare children to be creative and successful in the information age, and still, there is a discrepancy in many schools between the curriculum and desired outcomes for student learning, particularly in the areas of arts and music education.
Legislators need to know that their constituents support and believe that music education in schools is vital to ensuring a quality education for all children. As Congress begins to consider reauthorization of No Child Left Behind legislation, we must demonstrate our commitment at the federal, state and local levels to making sure students have the opportunity to learn music and arts in school, and to expand their minds through more creative and innovative education.
By communicating your views to your Member of Congress, you are taking a critical first step to ensuring a commitment to arts education. By demonstrating community support across the country, we can encourage legislators to not only reauthorize NCLB legislation with language that strengthens access to music and arts education, but to also strengthen the federal commitment to ensure that a quality arts curriculum is implemented nationwide.
Please take a moment today to tell your Member of Congress that reauthorization of No Child Left Behind must continue to support and strengthen our national commitment to the arts, both in theory and in practice, in schools across the country.
posted on: March 12, 2007
Is our trip to the Woodruff Arts Center on Wednesday, March 14th to attend a performance by the Atlanta Symphony. We need to leave by 9AM to get to Woodruff in time. Chaperones please be here no later than 8:40. Check in at the front office and come back to the orchestra room. Students need to bring $6 or so for lunch at Colony Square. Casual but nice dress is appropriate. No shorts, t-shirts or torn clothing. We'll be back before 2PM.
posted on: March 07, 2007
Barrage tickets went home Friday (2/16) with the 6th and 8th grade students who purchased them. 7th graders will be bringing them home on Wednesday (2/21).
posted on: February 17, 2007
6th Grade: We'll be continuing to reinforce the new notes F natural and C natural as well as slurs and string crossings. You’ve been given 5 of the 9 pieces we will play at String Jamboree (March 22nd). Don’t wait for a specific assignment to begin working on these pieces.
Use the ‘left hand’ and ‘right hand’ warm-ups we do in class to warm up before you practice at home. At this stage you can’t over do these important repetitions.
7th Grade: We’ve made great strides in our festival music (March 5th). American Folk Trilogy, Iowa Spring and Castle Lore are coming along nicely.
I chose this music because it uses the new skills we’ve learned this year. Advanced rhythms and bowings, lots of high threes and low ones for the upper strings, open position for the cellos and shifting opportunities for the basses.
8th Grade: Our festival music is coming along also. But before festival (March 6th) we’ve got the exciting performance on the Barrage concert (February 23rd). MacPherson’s Lament needs all of our attention between now and then. The other 2 pieces we’ll do at festival, Brandenburg No. 3 and Postcards From Russia are both tough also. Please make certain you give them the time they need so you are prepared for this important performance.
Mabry Symphony: As stated earlier on this blog, the performance on February 13th has been cancelled. The music for our festival (February 26th) is sounding great. Rites of Tamburo and Finale from Symphony No. 2 are both exciting. Meeting only once a week is a challenge. Please make sure you’re preparing your music so when we get together we can work on ensemble issues.
All: Please practice regularly and efficiently. We’ve talked at length in class about how to practice.
Locate then isolate the problem, work it out SLOWLY, put it back in context (with the measure or few beats before and after) then gradually work it back up to tempo.
Some problems won’t be fixed in one practice session, that’s why regular practice is so important.
Remember, each one of you is important to the quality of both the Mabry and Lassiter Orchestra programs.
posted on: February 11, 2007
Congratulations to Andy, Rachel, Ruth and Emily for auditioning and being accepted into the 2007 Georgia Music Educators Association All-State Orchestra. Being accepted into the All-State Orchestra is the highest honor in the state for school musicians. Middle school musicians from all over the state auditioned in a rigorous two-audition process. The All-State event is in Savannah the first weekend in March. Congratulations again and thank you for representing Mabry so well.
posted on: February 07, 2007
This is a link to an NPR program where Mark O'Connor plays through various fiddle styles. It's very cool!
Mark O'Connor playing fiddle styles
posted on: February 06, 2007
Practice records are due. Please turn them in before the end of the day on Thursday
posted on: February 06, 2007
Both 6th grade and both 8th grade classes will have a playing test this Friday.
The 6th grade will play #116, Song For Maria. The 8th graders will play an excerpt they were given
today in class from the Bach Brandenburg Concerto. For the 8th graders it will determine their seating
for our Festival performance.
posted on: January 17, 2007
posted on: January 12, 2007
The Lassiter Orchestra's Winter Concert is this Friday at Kell High School at 7:30pm. There will be light hors d'oeuvres prior to the concert in the auditorium lobby at 7pm. A special guest is performing with the Lassiter Symphony. Milton Masciadri, Professor of Double Bass at The University of Georgia will be performing 2 fabulous pieces. If you have never seen Dr. Masciadri, it is a special treat. The rest of the program will include music of Mozart, Saint-Saens, Puccini, and Copland. The best part...IT'S FREE!!
Hope to see you there!
posted on: December 15, 2006
Click below to download and print practice records.
posted on: December 12, 2006
What a great concert the other night.; I am extremely proud of the hard work all three groups put into preparing for this performance. Most important are the new skills that were put into play.
The 6th graders play as well in-tune and with as nice a sound as any group I've ever started. I tell them all the time that I'm excited about what they will be able to accomplish over the next 2+ years.
The 7th graders continue to work hard and are making good progress. 7th grade is a big skill building year and they are doing well on all the skills that will take them to a higher level of playing.
The 8th grade orchestra is starting to play with a very mature sound and is working hard on advanced skills like vibrato and shifting. Mrs. Doemel said afterward that she is really looking forward to this group and what they will bring to the Lassiter Orchestra.
A special thank you to all the parents who volunteered to help with the evening. I absolutely could not have done it without your help.
posted on: December 12, 2006
Fall 2005 Concert Letter-3.doc
Click on the file name above to view and download the Winter Concert letter.
There is also a request for chaperones.
posted on: November 28, 2006
This is excerpted from the Orchestra Handbook that was handed out in August.
Uniform Information
IMPORTANT! Due to the design of most concert stages, Mabry's included, short skirts will not be allowed as concert attire. All students need to feel comfortable and relaxed during their performance and should dress in a way that will not inhibit the posture required to play their instrument.
Unless otherwise stated, Mabry Orchestra concert attire is as follows: for the young ladies a long (ankle length or longer) solid black skirt or black slacks, long sleeve white shirt, and black or dark dress shoes, for the young men solid black slacks, long sleeve white shirt and long tie, black socks and black or dark dress shoes. T-shirts, jeans and sport shoes are NOT appropriate concert attire. Students not dressed appropriately will not be allowed to take the stage and will be considered unexcused. Please address problems regarding this to me early enough to be resolved. The school dress code is enforced at all orchestra functions.
posted on: November 28, 2006
The Mabry 6th, 7th and 8th grade orchestras will perform on Thursday, December 7th at 7pm in the theater at Mabry. The 7th and 8th grade orchestras should arrive at 6:15 to tune and warm-up. The 7th grade orchestra will meet in the Chorus room and the 8th grade orchestra will meet in the Orchestra room.
The 6th grade orchestra will stay after school that day for a final run-through and to combine classes. This is the only time we will be able to combine both classes so please make plans to stay after school. We will order pizza for dinner (or you may bring your own dinner from home).
We will need chaperones through out the evening. Chaperones are needed in the Orchestra, Chorus and Band rooms beginning at 6:15. We will also need help with the 6th grade dinner at about 5:30. Also, chaperones are needed during the concert to sit with each orchestra that is not playing. Please volunteer to help.
There will be a reception following the concert in the cafeteria.
posted on: November 20, 2006
This is the 'front page' of my blog. It'll only hold so many posts. If there's something you can't find (practice records, or our calendar for instance), click on General Information on the right. All posts will then appear. Scroll down until you find what you need. Practice records are the last three pages of the orchestra handbook, which is at a link in a post called Orchestra Handbook. The calendar is there also.
posted on: November 14, 2006
If you're a cello player it's required, If you're not a cello player, it's required.
posted on: October 27, 2006
Here are 2 pictures of violin/viola left hands. The one on the left is correct. The one on the right is not. On the correct hand notice the thumb pointing toward the ceiling, the straight wrist and the tall square first finger.
Click "Continue reading" below to see pictures of cello and bass left hands.
The picture on the left is a correct cello left hand. The picture on the right is incorrect. On the correct picture notice the well spaced, arched fingers and the thumb directly behind the 2nd finger at the back of the neck. Another common cello problem is when the fingers "cave in" at the first knuckle and are not gently arched from hand to tip of finger
The picture on the left is a correct bass left hand. The picture on the right is incorrect. On the correct picture notice the well spaced, arched fingers and the thumb directly behind the 2nd finger at the back of the neck. Another common bass problem is when the fingers "cave in" at the first knuckle and are not gently arched from hand to tip of finger
posted on: September 28, 2006
These things are happening in October.
Monday October 2nd - Last day to turn in Six Flags form and money.
Tuesday, October 3rd - Fundraiser ends. Turn in order brouchure and money.
Saturday, October 7th - Solo and Ensemble Festival.
Monday, October 9th - 2nd practice record due.
Friday, October 13th - Trip to Six Flags (Teacher Workday).
October 16-20 - Conference Week.
Saturday, October 28th - All-State Audition, Pope HS.
posted on: September 28, 2006
Here's what's going on in class.
6th Grade: The 6th grade orchestra is awesome. We're working hard on our left hand 'set-up'. They know what it looks like. Have them show it to you and monitor their practice to make sure they stay in that position. I have asked them to spend some time in front of a mirror so they can monitor their left hand themselves. We'll soon be learning notes on the A string.
7th Grade: We're working on new notes, C# and G#. This requires a new hand position for cellos and a new finger pattern for violins and violas. We're also working on rhythms that include eighth notes in different arrangements.
8th Grade: These classes are working on shifting, vibrato and our 2nd 2-octave scale, G Major.
posted on: September 26, 2006
The Mabry Orchestra fundraiser will begin Tuesday, 9/19. This has been a great fundraiser in the past and we hope to repeat that success. Look for information on the products and procedures to come home on Tuesday.
All money raised will be used to enhance the students' orchestra experience.
Cobb County Schools policy prohibits door-to-door fundraising sales by students.
posted on: September 17, 2006
The orchestra handbook contains important information for students and families. Please mark all calendar dates that apply to you on your family calendar. Practice records are on the last 3 pages. Please review the list of class expectations. The supply list will outline what is needed for class every day. There are also sections on our uniform, “How To Practice” and a “Parent Guide” that will help you help your child get the most out of orchestra. In the 7th/8th grade handbook are forms for both Solo & Ensemble Festival and All-State Orchestra.
These handbooks were sent home with all students this week.
Click
here
here to view and download the 6th grade handbook.
Click here to view and download the 7th/8th grade handbook
posted on: August 31, 2006
A warm welcome to the new 6th grade orchestra members. I begin each year with excitement and anticipation about the possibilities in each new group of beginners. In the little time that I've actually spent with them so far, I get the feeling that this group has the potential to be really special.
Your child should have come home with an equipment list on Thursday or Friday. Please use this list as a 'shopping' list when you go to rent an instrument. These are important items that your child will need for class. I'd like every student to have a book on Monday (8/28) so we can begin.
Learning an instrument is not easy. It takes effort and regular practice. The time during class is for learning new skills and reviewing learned ones. Class time will not be used doing the 'reps' that are necessary for each student to 'own' these skills. Please help your student develop and maintain a habit of regular daily practice. While 20 to 30 minutes of practice is ideal, even 10 minutes of good, sustained practice at home every night will make a huge difference. And daily practice is ALWAYS better than cramming in 2 hours of practice on Sunday afternoon.
Welcome!
This will be my primary method of mass communication. Please check in often.
posted on: August 26, 2006
posted on: August 09, 2006
Click play to view the video.
posted on: August 09, 2006
Click here to view, print and return the permission form by Monday, March 20th.
Parents, you must arrange transportation home for your student following the concert.
The Mabry Sixth Grade Orchestra will participate in the Cobb County String Jamboree on Tuesday, March 21st at Wheeler High School. Sixth grade students from Mabry, Dickerson, Dodgen, East Cobb, Hightower Trail, and Simpson Middle Schools will combine for this fun and exciting performance.
After school that day, students will have a pizza dinner at Mabry then travel by school bus to Wheeler H.S. The rehearsal with all six schools combined will begin promptly at 5:30 p.m. Parents should arrive by 6:45 for the 7:00 concert. In the past there has been a large crowd so arrive early for a good seat. The overflow parking is across the street at East Cobb MS. For this concert students will wear nice blue jeans (no holes) and a nice, solid white shirt (not an undershirt). Bring your cool shades for Happy Blues!!
Each Student will need to bring:
1. A folding stand, labeled with your name and school.
2. Your instrument, rock stop and bass stool if necessary (If your child will use a school instrument it must be returned to school by 9:00 on Wednesday, March 22nd).
3. Your music.
We also need several chaperones. Any parent that would be willing to help serve pizza and clean-up after the dinner and/or ride the bus to Wheeler with us, please indicate below. We also need help transporting the cellos and basses. We look forward to a great String Jamboree and hope you will be there.
posted on: March 15, 2006
The Sixth Grade Orchestra rehearsal scheduled for tomorrow after school has been cancelled. I apologize for any inconvenience.
The sixth graders will be staying after school on Thursday to rehearse from 4:30 until 5:30. Please make certain they bring their concert clothes to school that day. They will have a pizza dinner at 5:30.
posted on: December 12, 2005
The 6th graders started a playing test Monday 11/7, #45 from their book. This will be the last test that won't include using the bow.
Their next playing test is #54. It assesses bowing on open strings only. We used the bow and left hand together for the first time on Friday. Woo hoo!
WHAT TO LOOK/LISTEN FOR:
As you monitor their practice, make certain their left hand fingers are holding the string down firmly against the fingerboard. Also make certain the bow stays parallel to the bridge (white piece of wood holding up the strings) and that the bow contacts the string about half way between the bridge and the end of the finger board (see pictures). All of these will greatly affect the sound produced.
Both hands should be comfortable and relaxed. No squeezing or white knuckles
posted on: November 08, 2005
The 6th graders will be tested on #31, "Down the D Scale" on Wednesday, 10/26. This will asses moving from the A string to the D string.
We are also working on pages 16 and 17, using our bows. This is a skill that requires careful and focused home practice. Please monitor your child's home practice that they make efficient use of their time.
posted on: October 25, 2005
6th graders are using their bows now. This is a skill that MUST be reinforced daily at home. Up coming playing test is #31, but we’ll be jumping ahead to work on bowing on pages 16 and 17.
posted on: October 12, 2005
Sixth Graders are continuing to work on the notes on the "A" string and moving back and forth between the "A" and "D" strings. We will also step-up our work on beginning bow hold this week.
The next playing test will be #31 (not 32 which is the "Essential Elements Quiz"). I like #31 because they must cross to a string with fingers rather than crossing to an open string. HOVER!!
We'll be working on pages 12-14 this week.
posted on: October 03, 2005
The Sixth Grade Orchestra is continuing to work on excellent instrument position, left hand set-up and the notes on the D string; D, E, F# and G (Essential Elements bk1, pg. 6)
Here is a link to a site showing proper left hand placement on the instrument. It shows side-by-side pictures of common problems and the correct position.
Next week we’ll begin learning the notes on the A string; A, B, C# and D (EE bk1, pg. 10).
We’ve also done our first pre-bow hold exercises using a pencil and will continue to work that. (EE bk1, pg. 7-8).
posted on: September 23, 2005
Here’s what’s happening in the Orchestra room this week.
6th grade – Sixth graders are working on left hand skills on the D string, learning the notes G, F# and E. This material is on page 6 and 7 in their books. They have a quiz scheduled for Thursday, 9/15 on exercise #16.
They will also begin recording their practice time tonight. Each student was given a practice record and we talked about how to use it today in class. If this gets lost or destroyed you can download and print one from this blog. (see ‘Important Stuff’ post below).
posted on: September 12, 2005
Thank you 6th Grade Orchestra parents for getting instruments, books, shoulder rests, etc, etc. for your children in a timely manner. We're ready to go!
The first thing we've begun doing is working on good posture and a good instrument hold. Every skill that we learn builds on the previous one, so this basic "set-up" of the instrument on their shoulder or between their knees is critical to what follows.
Have them show you the correct position and ask them what the important elements are.
We've also learned/reviewed some basic music theory (note reading) skills like the beat, quarter note, quarter rest, staff, bar lines, measure, clef, time signature, repeat sign and learned a method of counting beats.
Next week we'll start putting fingers on the finger board.
Please make certain that these skills are getting some attention every night at home. Thanks!
posted on: September 01, 2005
