String Update & Assignment

Fourth Graders:
4A:  Today we learned rest position and playing position, as well as how NOT to hold our violin/viola!  Watch out for that wrist and elbow :)  We also played the open strings and discussed the differences and similarities between the violin and viola.

Assignment:

• Purchase Essential Elements for Strings Book 1 (for your instrument) if you haven't already.
• Go through the first few pages in the book on your own.   Since some of you switched instruments from violin and some are playing an instrument for the first time, it might be more or less difficult for you.  We'll check in next week and see how you did!

4B and 4C:  Today we played our D scale, then reviewed what we did last week on the "Concerto for Triangle."  Then, we added a few more measures and learned how to play piano (quietly) with beautiful tone! 

Assignment:

• D Scale and Variations
• Concerto for Triangle - up to measure 25

Fifth Graders:

5A and 5B:  Today we played through the Concerto for Triangle, and learned some new articulations including the accent.  Next, we listened to a new piece we will be working on called "Jazzy Old Saint Nick." The piano part sounds so cool with our pizzicato and arco music!

Assignment:

• D Scale and Variations
• Concerto for Triangle - all
• start Jazzy Old Saint Nick

String Update & Assignment

Wow, yesterday we had an amazing day of string lessons!  Please remind your child to come to school on Mondays with their instrument and music - we had quite a few who forgot - thank you!

Fourth Graders:
4A:  We started by reviewing the parts of the violin, viola, and cello.  Then, we discussed some of our concert pieces, including one very funny joke piece!

4B and 4C:  We discussed our concert songs, then played a D Major scale.  It was a great warm-up and got our fingers moving!  We also started to play a new song called "Concerto for Triangle."

Assignment:

• D Scale
• Concerto for Triangle
• Try to get back into your practicing routine from last year! :)

Fifth Graders:
5A and 5B:  After discussing our music for the Winter Concert, we played the D Major Scale with varied rhythms as a warm-up.  Then, we started to work on "Concerto for Triangle."   Although it was only the first day for this piece, the students were amazing sight readers!  Check out how they sounded after only a few minutes:




Assignment:

• D Major Scale with tricky rhythmic patterns
• See how far you can get through "Concerto for Triangle!"   We will try to run through the whole piece next week.
• Start to brainstorm a fun and challenging piece we can play as a 5th grade feature at the concert.

Orchestra Rocks!

I am SO proud of this year's 4th Grade Orchestra!  Since the string program is new to Burlington, these students have been paving the way for all future string players.   To celebrate the end of a fantastic year, we had a little photo shoot!

Thanks for a fun, silly, and musical year!  I look forward to Memorial School's first 5th Grade Orchestra next year :)

String Update/Assignment

Third Graders:
With our concert less than two months away (June 10th!), we have really been focusing on those concert sheet songs.  Today we reviewed Song for Christine and Frere Jacques.  Some of the lesson groups worked on the other songs too.

PLEASE remember to practice at home!  Soon I will be giving some extra music for students who have already mastered the concert pieces :)

Assignment:

• D Major Scale, with varied rhythms
• Concert Sheet, focusing on whatever you find the trickiest

Fourth Graders:

4A:  Today we focused on the Submarine Song and the William Tell Overture.  These are our most difficult pieces, and it is important to practice them often at home!

Assignment:

• D Major Scale, with varied rhythms
• Submarine, William Tell, and Ode to Joy should be the focus of your practicing
• Play through Hickory Dickory Dock as a warm-up or a reward for a good practice session!

4B:  Today we spent most of our lesson time on the Minuet.  We also learned what a slur was!  A slur is when two (or more) notes are played smoothly using one bow stroke.  We also ran through Ode to Joy and William Tell.  It sounded beautiful today with the dynamics! :)

Assignment:

• D Major Scale, with varied rhythms
• ALL concert tunes!  Focus on the A section (first half) of Minuet

Thank you to Paul for suggestion the rhythm for our scale, and thanks to Steven for taping it!!

It was so beautiful out today that Mrs. Keating's class had their lesson outside!  It was quite windy, but the students above knew their tune from memory.  Great job!

String Update/Assignment (Performance Day!)

Today was PERFORMANCE DAY for the 3rd Graders!! (4th Graders are working on their challenging concert music). This is an opportunity for each student to play a piece that represents their best.  Below are some of the benefits of Performance Day:

• Students play for, and inspire, their peers
• Students gain independence playing alone
• The more frequently they perform, the less nerves there will be come concert time
• I can more accurately assess each student, and help them one-on-one
• Each student becomes a teaching tool for the others in class, and students may offer suggestions to help their peers. 
• It's fun!

Before we get to the videos, here are the assignments for the week:

Third Graders

• Concert Sheet - ALL SONGS! :)

Fourth Graders
4A & 4B:  Today was structured a bit differently than usual!  Instead of performance day or a traditional lesson, we had a Peer Practice Day!  Students paired up and helped each other with concert music.  This gave me the opportunity to cruise around and give individual help to each child.  We had a great time!  We will probably have one more Peer Practice Day before our concert  :)

Reminder:  Orchestra Rehearsal is every Thursday at recess.
**Our Spring Concert is Wednesday, May 13th!**

Assignment:

• ALL CONCERT SONGS! :)

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PERFORMANCES

(note:  not all students choose to be videotaped)

String Update/Assignment

Third Graders:
After we played the D scale in unison and as a round, we focused on "Old MacDonald."  For fun, we played a variation on the second line, and it was so much fun!  I  think we might play it that way in the concert!  We also reviewed "Song for Christine" and "Frere Jacques."

Assignment:

• D Scale, with varied rhythm
• Concert songs (see photo below)

Fourth Graders:

4A:  Today we learned the first part of Submarine!  It can be tricky to read those G string notes, but you did a great job!  Remember to check back in the book if you forget the fingerings.  

Assignment:

• D Scale, with varied rhythm
• Concert songs (see photo below)

4B:  Today we spent some time finishing up the Submarine song!  You all did an amazing job playing the beginning, so it was fun to play the song in its entirety.  

Assignment:

• D Scale, with varied rhythm
• Concert songs (see photo below)

As we approach our concerts (May 13th for 4th grade, June 10th for 3rd grade), we will be having more ensemble rehearsals at recess.   Please check the schedule below:

4th Grade:

April 2

April 9

April 16

April 30

May 7

Concert - May 13

3rd Grade:

April 28

May 12

May 26

(June 2, if needed)

June 9

Concert - June 10

String Update/Assignment

Third Graders
Today we continued to work on the concert songs.  Not only did we review "Song for Christine," but we also had time to play through the first line of "Frere Jacques."

Assignment:

• D Scale, with varied rhythm
• Concert Sheet

Fourth Graders

4A:  We finally got through the first half of the William Tell Overture- thank you so much for the work you did on it at home!  We started the second half today, and also played through Hickory Dickory Dock.  Next week, we will start the Submarine Song- it's a fun one!

Assignment:

• Scales
• Hickory Dickory Dock
• William Tell Overture

4B:  Today we played through all of the William Tell Overture- it sounded great!  We also got a lot of work done on the Submarine Song.  

Assignment:

• Scales
• Hickory Dickory Dock
• William Tell Overture
• Submarine Song- focus on the eighth note patterns and keeping that C# (high 3rd finger on the G string) in tune.

Here are some videos from today's lessons!

This video was recorded by Saniya- thanks for being such a great videographer! :)

String Update/Assignment (Performance Day!)

Today was PERFORMANCE DAY for the 3rd Graders!! (4th Graders are working on their challenging concert music). This is an opportunity for each student to play a piece that represents their best.  Below are some of the benefits of Performance Day:

• Students play for, and inspire, their peers
• Students gain independence playing alone
• The more frequently they perform, the less nerves there will be come concert time
• I can more accurately assess each student, and help them one-on-one
• Each student becomes a teaching tool for the others in class, and students may offer suggestions to help their peers. 
• It's fun!

Before we get to the videos, here are the assignments for the week:

Third Graders

• Concert Sheet - please focus on Frere Jacques, especially the second line! :)

Fourth Graders
4A: Today we spent time on the William Tell Overture.  We were all a bit disappointed to hear that there was no improvement since last week.  Your experience in the lesson today hopefully portrays the importance of practicing.  Please get back in the habit of practicing- we need your wonderful music for the concert!!

Assignment:

• William Tell Overture
• Hickory Dickory Dock

4B:  Today we played through all of the William Tell Overture- it sounds awesome!  We also had time to run through Hickory Dickory Dock, then review the Submarine Song.

• William Tell Overture
• Submarine Song

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PERFORMANCES

(note:  not all students choose to be videotaped)

String Update/Assignment

Wow, with all of the snow days and a week off for February Vacation, it has been a long time since we last had a lesson!  Please see me if you are having trouble with any of the music!

Third Graders

Today we warmed up with our D scale, trying out different rhythms.  We also started our music for our very first violin concert!

Assignment:

• Please practice Song For Christine and Frere Jacques on our concert sheet. 

Fourth Graders

4A:  Today we spent a lot of time working on Hickory Dickory Dock. We have seemed to forget a lot that we worked on last month!  Luckily, by the end of the lesson we were all on the same page :)   We also started the B part for the William Tell Overture, and learned how to play a hooked bowing pattern.

Assignment:

• Hickory Dickory Dock
• William Tell Overture (#190 on page 44)

4B:  Today we continued to practice our C natural and F natural- keep those 2nd fingers low and touching the first finger!  We reviewed the songs on page 34, then spent some time on the William Tell Overture.

Assignment:

• page 34 (again please!)
• William Tell Overture (#190 on page 44)
• Submarine

Featured Musician: Sophie

When the string students complete over 90 minutes of practicing in a given week, they are awarded stickers and and a ticket to put in the ticket box.  Once per month (on their Performance Day), I pull out 5 random tickets, and those students receive a prize!

This month, Sophie won the Featured Musician prize...a special feature and interview right here on her blog!  Keep scrolling to learn a little bit about Sophie :)

Grade :  3rd

How long have you been playing violin?  Since October 2014

Why did you choose to play the violin?  Because my friends were playing it, and I thought it would be fun- and it is!

What is your favorite song to play?  Teeter Totter

Does anyone else in your family play the violin?  Nope

Do you play any other instruments?  Yes- the piano.

Who is usually your stand partner in our lessons?  Ava D.

Are you looking forward to playing the recorder? Yes.

What music do you listen to outside of school? Eminem, Jobi (the tuba player), Katie Perry, Ariana Grande, and Taylor Swift.

Have you ever been to a live concert? No, but I am going to a Taylor Swift concert in July.

Do you like singing?  Yes, I’ve been singing since I was three.

Do you have any advice for young musicians?  It takes time and practice to learn an instrument!

Thanks so much, Sophie!

String Update/Assignment

Good afternoon!  It looks like we may have a snow day tomorrow- what a great opportunity to squeeze in some extra practice time! :)  I hope you stay safe and warm inside.

Third Graders

Today we continued to work on our bowing.  We played through the examples on pages 16 and 17 in the book.

Assignment:

• D Scale, ascending (up) and descending (down)
• Page 18 with the bow! :)

Fourth Graders

4A:  Today we played through the songs on page 22.  Then, the violins and violas learned how to finger A with the 4th finger (on the D string).   We also played ALL of Hickory Dickory Dock, and played on the G string.

Assignment:

• Work on bow technique and posture!  Some of you were a little droopy today :)
• Page 23
• Hickory Dickory

4B:  Today we reviewed that pesky C natural...it's tough to squeeze the second finger so close to the first!  We also worked on the William Tell Overture. 

Assignment:

• Pages 33 and 34 in the book
• Hickory Dickory
• William Tell Overture (#190)

4th and 5th Grade Spring Concert

As a reminder, our 2015 Spring concert will be held on

Wednesday, May 13th, 2014
7pm

Concert information can always be found on the Concert Information page, located in our blog's sidebar.

That page will be updated as we get closer to the concert with more detailed information!

Violin Update/Assignment

Third Graders:
We made connections between the music  notation we have been learning in general music, and the notes we know for violin.   They are the same pitches, since we are reading in treble clef in our classroom AND lessons!   We played through "Mozart Melody," which is the same as "Twinkle, Twinkle."  This will be one of our concert songs at the end of the year :)

Assignment

• Practice scales!  I can tell which students have been working on scales and which have not- scales are essential to help improve tone, pitch memory, and more!
• Review page 15, and continue on to page 16.  Page 16 will be a great review of playing open strings with the bow.

Fourth Graders:

4A:  We reviewed all of the notes on the staff and the pitches in the D scale, then tried sight reading!  We read through the B part of "Hickory Dickory Dock."  This will be one of our concert songs.  It was especially fun to play because of a new technique:  left hand pizzicato.

Assignment:

• D Scale
• Pg. 22
• Hickory Dickory Dock

4B:  We also started some songs for our Spring concert!  We played through the A part of "Hickory Dickory Dock," "William Tell Overture," and then started "Submarine."  In addition, we reviewed the songs from last week in our book.  

Assignment:

• D Scale
• Pg. 34
• Pg. 44 #190 (William Tell)
• Hickory Dickory Dock

**Please note:  Next week is Martin Luther King Day.  Lessons will resume the following Monday!**

Below are some extra videos from last week's Performance Day:

String Update/Assignment - (Performance Day!)

Today was PERFORMANCE DAY!!  This is an opportunity for each student to play a piece that represents their best.  Below are some of the benefits of Performance Day:

• Students play for, and inspire, their peers
• Students gain independence playing alone
• The more frequently they perform, the less nerves there will be come concert time
• I can more accurately assess each student, and help them one-on-one
• Each student becomes a teaching tool for the others in class, and students may offer suggestions to help their peers. 
• It's fun!

Before we get to the videos, here are the assignments for the week:

Third Graders

• Page 15 (pizzicato first, then with the bow)
• Practice the D scale with the bow using different fun rhythms!

Fourth Graders
4A: 

• Page 20
• Brainstorm ideas for a fun Spring concert song!

4B:

• Pages 32 and 33
• If you were still having trouble on page 31, please review it- those G string notes are a bit tricky! 
• Brainstorm ideas for a fun Spring concert song!

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PERFORMANCES

(note:  not all students choose to be videotaped)

String Update/Assignment

Third Graders
Today, we practiced reading music on the staff, and identifying each note.  Sometimes it's tricky to get them right away- working on it at home will help you memorize the notes!  We played through Jingle Bells, one measure at a time, then tried to do the whole thing.  The students did an excellent job- ask them to play it for you at home!

Assignment:

• D Major Scale
• Page 14- focus on Old MacDonald.  

Fourth Graders

4A:  Today the students played Jingle Bells with the bow!  The 4th grade beginners are starting to catch up with the other 4th grade students, which is awesome.  :)

Assignment:

• Page 15
• If page 15 goes well, please move on to page 16!

4B:  For fun, we read through a new song- Deck the Halls. It was a lot of fun!  The students played part A in the lesson.

Assignment:

• Deck the Halls- you can play it for your family!
• pages 31-32

We will start music for our Spring concert when we get back from break!

(Thank you Paul for videotaping while I played piano!)

String Update/Assignment

I want to extend an extra Congratulations to all 4th Grade String students for such a wonderful performance last week!  I am so proud of you and all of your hard work :)

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Third Graders
Today, we continued to review all notes on the D and A strings, then played through page 13.  By now, students should have each of those notes memorized - not only the fingerings, but also what they look like on the staff.  If your child is having trouble with this, remind them that they can go back to the earlier pages in the book to review.  If it is still difficult, please let me know so I can give them extra help in school!  Thanks.

Assignment:

• Pg. 14.  This one is a little tricky!!  Please focus on "Jingle Bells" so we can play it in our lesson next week :)
• Please continue to work on holding the bow, and switching between strings.

Fourth Graders

4A:  Today we had (a belated) Performance Day!!  

Assignment:

• Now that the concert is over, we can get back to the book!  Please review pages 13 and 14.

4B:  Today we had (a belated) Performance Day!

Assignment:

• Review G String notes (G, A, B, C)
• Pg.  31 

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PERFORMANCES

(note:  not all students choose to be videotaped)

String Update/Assignment

**Reminder! There will be an ensemble rehearsal TOMORROW for ALL FOURTH GRADE string players!  Please don't forget to bring in your instrument!**

Third Graders
Today we reviewed ALL A string and D string notes.  This includes:  D (open), E, F#, G, A, B, C#, and high D.  Some students are still struggling with remembering the fingerings.  Please encourage them to practice at home to reinforce what we work on in school!  Thank you.

We also played through page 13.

Assignment:

• Bow Tube Practice
• Practice open strings with the bow
• Page 13 again- pizzicato and bow

Fourth Graders

Our concert is this Wednesday!  Yay!! Please practice ALL concert songs, focusing on Firoliralera and Silent Night.

**Sorry, no pictures/video....it's been a busy day! :)

String Update/Assignent (Performance Day!)

**Reminder! There will be an ensemble rehearsal TOMORROW for ALL FOURTH GRADE string players!  Please don't forget to bring in your instrument!**

Today was PERFORMANCE DAY!!  This is an opportunity for each student to play a piece that represents their best.  Below are some of the benefits of Performance Day:

• Students play for, and inspire, their peers
• Students gain independence playing alone
• The more frequently they perform, the less nerves there will be come concert time
• I can more accurately assess each student, and help them one-on-one
• Each student becomes a teaching tool for the others in class, and students may offer suggestions to help their peers. 
• It's fun!

Before we get to the videos, here are the assignments for the week:

Third Graders

• Page 13 (pizzicato first, then with the bow)
• Bow Tube practice.

Fourth Graders

• Practice ALL concert songs, focusing on Firoliralera and Silent Night

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PERFORMANCES

(note:  not all students choose to be videotaped)

String Update/Assignment

**Reminder! There will be an ensemble rehearsal TOMORROW for ALL FOURTH GRADE string players!  Please don't forget to bring in your instrument!**

Third Graders
Today we focused on ALL D string and A string notes by working on the D scale.  We also reviewed the songs on page 11.

Assignment:

• Bow tube practice.  Watch your wrist to make sure it stays flexible!  Pretend to play on each string and focus on that moving elbow! :)
• Page 12.  Pizzicato first, then bow.

Fourth Graders

4A:  Today we played through the first two songs on the concert sheet.  The sound great, and particularly awesome with the cello, viola, AND violin parts!

Assignment:

• Concert Songs!

4B:  Today we worked on the concert sheet, and got a new song: Silent Night.  

Assignment:

• Concert Songs!

Here are some of our 3rd graders playing a song from the book:

String Update/Assignment (Performance Day)

Today was PERFORMANCE DAY!!  This is an opportunity for each student to play a piece that represents their best.  Below are some of the benefits of Performance Day:

• Students play for, and inspire, their peers
• Students gain independence playing alone
• The more frequently they perform, the less nerves there will be come concert time
• I can more accurately assess each student, and help them one-on-one
• Each student becomes a teaching tool for the others in class, and students may offer suggestions to help their peers. (For example, today one student told another "You are doing an awesome job, you just need more bow pressure"). 
• It's fun!

Before we get to the videos, here are the assignments for the week:

Fourth Graders

4A:  Page 11, pizzicato first then bow

4B:  Submarine song, #106 in book

Third Graders

Page 9 (pizzicato), bow tube practice, String Name sheet (bow)

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PERFORMANCES

(note:  not all students choose to be videotaped)