We are off to a great start in advanced orchestra! The students have really started to play together and listen to each other.
In class the students have a daily bellwork of copying a rhythm down and then writing in the counting. Then the whole class counts and claps together to help build strong rhythm reading skills and also rhythmic ensemble skills. Every day the students work on vibrato exercises from our book "Viva Vibrato" and position/shifting exercises from our method book "Essential Elements Vol. 3." We end every day by playing our pieces. Two weeks ago the students took their first note name and rhythm quizzes. I was so impressed with how well the students did. I have been even more impressed with the students who did not do well the first time but went home and practiced their note names and came back and aced the test! Good work students!! The students also had their first playing test two weeks ago on no. 12 from the method book. Students were graded on playing the correct notes, using the correct fingerings/shifts, playing in tune, playing the indicated bowings, playing the correct rhythms, and maintaining a steady tempo. It was SO fun to see how well prepared the students were and how hard each of them is working to improve their individual technique. We'll be having another set of written quizzes and playing tests this week. Students should feel well prepared if they have been practicing at home. Students should be practicing vibrato motions every day. Students should also be practicing playing in higher positions and shifting up to page 8 in the method book. Additionally, students have two (soon to be three!) pieces to practice and prepare for our October concert! It is the responsibility of every student to practice every day and to practice for however long it takes to improve and master the material.
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AuthorMs. Carrigan has been teaching music for 13 years. She has been teaching orchestra at CMS and CHS for 10 years. Archives
December 2018
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