As some 4th to 6th graders may have reported, I have had to spend a great deal of class time in the past 2 weeks tuning instruments with pegs that refuse to stay put. The unusually cold and dry weather made the heaters at school have to work extra hard, which made the air unusually dry. On many instruments, the pegs and peg-boxes contracted at different rates, and the pegs would no longer stick. If we lived in Colorado or Minnesota, the instruments would probably adjust (or a luthier would adjust the pegs). While I encourage students to avoid leaving an instrument in a cold (or hot) car or the like, some of the most difficult to tune instruments were ones that never left the 4th or 6th grade classroom--it was the dryness rather than the coldness that was the most problematic.
With the return of rain and warmer weather, the instruments seem to be staying in tune much better, and I at least am hoping for damp weather the rest of the winter (or if it is cold and dry, may we have snow with it).
Below are notes looking ahead to the New Year and our assembly on January 28 (at which grades 4 to 8 will all perform on instruments).
4th Grade Your student should bring Smart Violin (and her or his instrument) on our first Thursday back after the break. We will return to the initial exercises and move quickly through the initial pages--both as a review and an introduction to note reading (n.b. many students have learned note reading with private teachers already), with the intention of moving to and beyond Dana the Manatee in the first few classes. I will set our assembly program after our first few classes.
If you cannot locate your student's copy of Smart Violin, you may buy another copy at smartviolin.com
5th & 6th Grade Students might benefit from previewing the following from Strings Extraordinaire: Chorale (8), Processional from Water Music (9), Gavotte in D (11), and King William's March (12). We will play these 4 pieces when we return, and some of them will be on our January 28 program.
7th & 8th Grade For the January 28 assembly, we will likely accompany 4th to 6th grades for their performances. We will also accompany at least one class for a song they will sing from the Spanish curriculum. It is possible we will collaborate with the middle school choir for a song.
I encourage students to look through Rise Up Singing over the break, to find songs that appeal to them, practice them, and bring them back to our group in the New Year. We should be able to play the following chords: C, A, G, E, D, Am, Em, Dm, F, Bm, B7. Many students can also play A7, D7, C7, G7, and E7.
One way to practice switching chords is to take a simple song such as "Itsy Bitsy Spider" and transpose it into different keys:
DDAD is the progression we have learned. Students should also try
CCGC
AAEA
GGDG
FFCF
EEB7E
and
DDA7D
CCG7C
AAE7A
GGD7G
FFC7F
I have done this in individual lessons I have given this week and will present this idea to the group on Monday.
With Warmth and Light,
William Dolde
Thursday, December 17, 2009
5th & 6th instruments Monday, Guitars Tuesday
4th Grade
Had a delightful final class today. They can keep their instruments at home to practice over the break. I gave students 2 somewhat familiar songs from Waldorf vocal music in a format meant to lead into note reading (which we will do as a class in the New Year).
5th & 6th Grade
Please remember that 5th & 6th graders need to bring their violins, violas, and cellos to school on Monday, December 21. We will play first thing for the Advent Assembly for the other grades.
6th graders may bring their cases and instruments to the Butterfly Room to warm up. I will move any instruments left in the 6th grade room over the weekend to the Butterfly Room.
We will be playing without music (for the challenge and because the lobby will be crowded). Our program will consist of Pat-a-pan, What Child is This, and Carol of the Bells.
There will be no strings classes on Tuesday. I encourage students to take their violins, violas, and cellos home on Monday.
7th & 8th Guitar We will have class as usual on Monday. 7th & 8th graders will come directly to the nursery room on Tuesday morning with their guitar cases, Rise Up Singing, and Backpacker's Songbooks to tune and warm up. Once we have opened, we will play in the lobby as a gift to the other students and parents as they arrive. Our program will be
Hey Jude
Silent Night
3 Ships (Pending Our Success With it on Monday)
What Child is This
Let it Be
Moonshadow
Amazing Grace
We will conclude around 8:35 or so.
Had a delightful final class today. They can keep their instruments at home to practice over the break. I gave students 2 somewhat familiar songs from Waldorf vocal music in a format meant to lead into note reading (which we will do as a class in the New Year).
5th & 6th Grade
Please remember that 5th & 6th graders need to bring their violins, violas, and cellos to school on Monday, December 21. We will play first thing for the Advent Assembly for the other grades.
6th graders may bring their cases and instruments to the Butterfly Room to warm up. I will move any instruments left in the 6th grade room over the weekend to the Butterfly Room.
We will be playing without music (for the challenge and because the lobby will be crowded). Our program will consist of Pat-a-pan, What Child is This, and Carol of the Bells.
There will be no strings classes on Tuesday. I encourage students to take their violins, violas, and cellos home on Monday.
7th & 8th Guitar We will have class as usual on Monday. 7th & 8th graders will come directly to the nursery room on Tuesday morning with their guitar cases, Rise Up Singing, and Backpacker's Songbooks to tune and warm up. Once we have opened, we will play in the lobby as a gift to the other students and parents as they arrive. Our program will be
Hey Jude
Silent Night
3 Ships (Pending Our Success With it on Monday)
What Child is This
Let it Be
Moonshadow
Amazing Grace
We will conclude around 8:35 or so.
Monday, December 7, 2009
December 21 and 22
4th Grade With some apologies, we are going to work on a favorite song the 4th graders sing (apologies because we don't have sheet music). We will also work on March of The Crazy Ants and Dana the Manatee from Smart Violin. In the New Year, students will bring their books to school, and we will play from and improve our skills in reading sheet music.
5th & 6th Grade will reprise 2 or 3 of our more tender Christmas songs at, before, or after our final Advent Assembly on Monday, December 21, morning in the lobby. 6th graders can bring their instruments to the Butterfly Room to unpack and tune. Because of space, violins and violas will play standing, and we will do our best to play from memory the following 3 songs: What Child is This, Pat-a-Pan, and Carol of the Bells.
In class we will look at Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring to see how it sounds for the ensemble as a whole. We will also start playing other music in Strings Extraordinaire to prepare for future assemblies.
7th & 8th Grade On Tuesday, December 22, at 8am, we will play guitar and sing in the lobby as others come in. Many of our students know the chords well, and I have observed that playing some slower songs would help some students feel even more confident in playing the chords. We will play and sing some of the more tranquil Christmas songs (e.g. Silent Night and possibly What Child is This) as well as other songs that fit the mood (e.g., Let it Be, Brahms' Lullaby). I've given students the chance to look through Rise Up Singing to come up with other suggestions (one was Amazing Grace).
5th & 6th Grade will reprise 2 or 3 of our more tender Christmas songs at, before, or after our final Advent Assembly on Monday, December 21, morning in the lobby. 6th graders can bring their instruments to the Butterfly Room to unpack and tune. Because of space, violins and violas will play standing, and we will do our best to play from memory the following 3 songs: What Child is This, Pat-a-Pan, and Carol of the Bells.
In class we will look at Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring to see how it sounds for the ensemble as a whole. We will also start playing other music in Strings Extraordinaire to prepare for future assemblies.
7th & 8th Grade On Tuesday, December 22, at 8am, we will play guitar and sing in the lobby as others come in. Many of our students know the chords well, and I have observed that playing some slower songs would help some students feel even more confident in playing the chords. We will play and sing some of the more tranquil Christmas songs (e.g. Silent Night and possibly What Child is This) as well as other songs that fit the mood (e.g., Let it Be, Brahms' Lullaby). I've given students the chance to look through Rise Up Singing to come up with other suggestions (one was Amazing Grace).
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Quinn and Elizabeth's Workshop
Dear Families,
Elizabeth has asked me to pass information along about a workshop she and Quinn are presenting for guitar and violin on Sunday, December 20. Visit this link to see their brochure.
Thank you to students in grades 4 to 8 who donated their time to play music during a day filled with other options. I think it was just right to have this be optional (and I think the bold 4th graders will be all the more confident in a future assembly because they have already performed).
With warmth and light,
William
Monday, November 30, 2009
Instruments at the Holiday Workshop
Dear Families 4th to 8th Grade,
I hope many of your students will be able to play music with me on Saturday (guitars at 10:20, 4th grade at 12:50, 5/6 at 1--don't forget choirs are also invited at 10). Students are allowed to store their instruments upstairs in the office for the day. At present, we are scheduled to perform in the lobby.
I will ask students in class if they plan to attend so that I can get a sense of what supplies we will need or what instruments may need support. All three groups are playing challenging programs (it was tiring for the guitar students to play for 4o minutes in rehearsal today), but I want students to experience many facets of performing. There are times we perform music we have had lots of time to rehearse in a quiet all; at other times we might play challenging music in a potentially noisy lobby.
With warmth and light,
William Dolde
I hope many of your students will be able to play music with me on Saturday (guitars at 10:20, 4th grade at 12:50, 5/6 at 1--don't forget choirs are also invited at 10). Students are allowed to store their instruments upstairs in the office for the day. At present, we are scheduled to perform in the lobby.
I will ask students in class if they plan to attend so that I can get a sense of what supplies we will need or what instruments may need support. All three groups are playing challenging programs (it was tiring for the guitar students to play for 4o minutes in rehearsal today), but I want students to experience many facets of performing. There are times we perform music we have had lots of time to rehearse in a quiet all; at other times we might play challenging music in a potentially noisy lobby.
With warmth and light,
William Dolde
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Performance Opportunities
Students in grades 4 to 8 will have an opportunity to play music at the Children's Holiday Workshop on Saturday, December 5. See below for times. All music performances will be in the 1st grade classroom. Students are encouraged but not required to perform.
4 and 5 and 6 to 8 choirs will sing at 10am.
4th Grade I will invite any 4th graders who want to play either pieces they have been working on outside of school or songs from Smart Violin with me. This is not a required performance but is instead a low-pressure way to allow some motivated students play in public. I will be glad to lead students in our Exercise in A, Twinkle Twinkle, Green Light, and Woke Up Early. Students can join in for any songs with which they are comfortable. Time 12:50pm (right before the 5th & 6th grades play Christmas music).
5th & 6th Grade We had a good time reading through all the Christmas music in Strings Extraordinaire. I invite all students to join me in the first grade room to play these songs, and possibly old favorites such as Largo, Tumba, and Country Gardens. I will be available to play violin, cello, or viola as needed. Time 1pm
We will also begin the Autumn Assembly next Thursday and play Largo, Tumba, and Country Gardens as the lower grades and parents enter.
7th & 8th Grade After the choirs sing, guitar students are invited to play guitar for a Christmas and children's song sing-along. We will be practicing the following in class: Silent Night and Jingle Bells (Backpacker's songbook); as many songs in the PLAY section if Rise Up Singing as we can get to (e.g. Baby Beluga, Itsy Bitsy Spider, The Fox, Puff the Magic Dragon, I Had a Rooster, Wheels on the Bus, and more). The nursery children adore it when the older students play, and this will be a wonderful bit of community service to play for young children and parents at the Workshop. Middle Schoolers who join me on that day will be excused from a performance quiz the following Monday.
The 7th & 8th grade will also support the 5 & 6 orchestra next Thursday at the Autumn assembly.
Some students have missed a number of classes. It will be important for them to practice at home, especially because other students are ready for more challenging material, and I plan to move the class along quickly--this is what some of our students are ready for, and all students will be ready for with enough practice at home. If a student feels she or he is falling behind, daily practice at home will be important. I will be able to give some 1 on 1 lessons in December, but home practice will be essential. I will expect all students to be able to play the following chords by Monday, December 7: C, A, G, E, D, Am, Em, Dm, and F. (Some students who are proficient on the guitar in other ways would do well to take time to make sure they know these basic chords as well).
4 and 5 and 6 to 8 choirs will sing at 10am.
4th Grade I will invite any 4th graders who want to play either pieces they have been working on outside of school or songs from Smart Violin with me. This is not a required performance but is instead a low-pressure way to allow some motivated students play in public. I will be glad to lead students in our Exercise in A, Twinkle Twinkle, Green Light, and Woke Up Early. Students can join in for any songs with which they are comfortable. Time 12:50pm (right before the 5th & 6th grades play Christmas music).
5th & 6th Grade We had a good time reading through all the Christmas music in Strings Extraordinaire. I invite all students to join me in the first grade room to play these songs, and possibly old favorites such as Largo, Tumba, and Country Gardens. I will be available to play violin, cello, or viola as needed. Time 1pm
We will also begin the Autumn Assembly next Thursday and play Largo, Tumba, and Country Gardens as the lower grades and parents enter.
7th & 8th Grade After the choirs sing, guitar students are invited to play guitar for a Christmas and children's song sing-along. We will be practicing the following in class: Silent Night and Jingle Bells (Backpacker's songbook); as many songs in the PLAY section if Rise Up Singing as we can get to (e.g. Baby Beluga, Itsy Bitsy Spider, The Fox, Puff the Magic Dragon, I Had a Rooster, Wheels on the Bus, and more). The nursery children adore it when the older students play, and this will be a wonderful bit of community service to play for young children and parents at the Workshop. Middle Schoolers who join me on that day will be excused from a performance quiz the following Monday.
The 7th & 8th grade will also support the 5 & 6 orchestra next Thursday at the Autumn assembly.
Some students have missed a number of classes. It will be important for them to practice at home, especially because other students are ready for more challenging material, and I plan to move the class along quickly--this is what some of our students are ready for, and all students will be ready for with enough practice at home. If a student feels she or he is falling behind, daily practice at home will be important. I will be able to give some 1 on 1 lessons in December, but home practice will be essential. I will expect all students to be able to play the following chords by Monday, December 7: C, A, G, E, D, Am, Em, Dm, and F. (Some students who are proficient on the guitar in other ways would do well to take time to make sure they know these basic chords as well).
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Improv
5th through 8th grade It seems it will work well to have our guitar students accompany the strings players for Largo, Tumba, Country Gardens, and--if we are able to feel more secure on a challenging piece--German dance. We will perform at least the first 3 at the upcoming assembly.
Students seem quite fond of Tumba. It can be played with one chord (Dm), and as such, provides a good opportunity for improvisation, which I will allow students to practice and perhaps perform. I am passing out a d minor blues scales for the strings player to practice (I did so already in guitar class); they may wish to practice with their private teachers. It is fine--even helpful--for some students to stick to the printed music so that the song stays together.
Students seem quite fond of Tumba. It can be played with one chord (Dm), and as such, provides a good opportunity for improvisation, which I will allow students to practice and perhaps perform. I am passing out a d minor blues scales for the strings player to practice (I did so already in guitar class); they may wish to practice with their private teachers. It is fine--even helpful--for some students to stick to the printed music so that the song stays together.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Assembly coming up for grades 5 to 8, Grade 4 work
Grade 4
Students continue to enjoy working with Twinkle Twinkle. Because a parent made me aware that it can be difficult to support students at home when we are playing folk songs by ear, I think it prudent to return our focus to Smart Violin so that we are all working on the same material. This week I will introduce "Woke Up Early" on page 7. Students should practice this in addition to Green Light, Exercise in A Major, and the first 6 steps on pages 4 and 5 as appropriate (that is, if a child has mastered an exercise, she or he should not feel compelled to repeat it; she or he is welcome if motivated, and a child can also make challenges, trying to play it faster, coming up with new rhythms and the like).
We are still playing almost exclusively on the A and E strings in class (Twinkle, Twinkle, for example).
Students are working on note reading with Ms. Kenney in choir and some with their teachers outside of school. In January, we will have music stands in class. Students will bring Smart Violin to class. We will reprise the material we have learned thus far (giving some students another chance for mastery), moving fairly quickly to get to new material. At present, I draw the songs on the blackboard, using a story of a cat and a rooster and their journey. My goal is to help students become comfortable reading the shape of a melodic phrase so that when we take up note reading they avoid becoming stuck in reading note for note (much as we don't want students reading prose to become stuck sounding out every letter).
Grades 5 & 6
The ensemble sounded strong when we played without music for the Day of the Dead and when we performed for 4th grade. We will work on some of the songs we have less experience with--German dance and We Gather Together on pages 6 & 7 of Strings Extraordinaire. We will also continue working on an Irish jig by ear--I know it is a frustrating experience for some students (if they could just see the notes), but as a group they are doing well, and I think they will be well rewarded once their minds and fingers can retain the song. I intend that students will play familiar music such as Largo, Tumba, and Country Gardens as students and parents enter for the November assembly. They will also play new material if it is ready.
We may be joined by the 7th & 8th graders for these songs.
Ms. White asked me about the possibility of some strings students playing Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" with the choir at our Christmas Festival. I will play the melody for students tomorrow and pass out parts to students who want. The first violin part (and parts of the 2nd violin part) will likely challenge even our most proficient students. The viola and cello parts have their challenges, too, but they are free from the extended runs of triplets. As a first step, I'll ask interested students to take their parts (the violin parts have 1st and 2nd on front and back) to their private teacher to assess whether the challenge is a healthy one or too frustrating. If a small ensemble emerges, I will be glad to rehearse with them after school a time or two to prepare for our concert. I'm also willing to play along on first violin if that helps instill confidence in our students.
For students who like to or need to look ahead, know that we will play all of the Christmas music in Strings Extraordinaire when we return from Thanksgiving.
Grades 7 & 8
Hoping to inspire students to improvise on their guitars, I introduced vocal improvisation and scat singing, which a number of the students took too with great (and perhaps sometimes too much) enthusiasm as we provided festive and sacred music at the Day of the Dead altar.
As an experiment, I will provide chord charts for the classical and folk songs grades 5 & 6 will be playing at the November assembly. The guitars and violins, violas, and cellos blended well at Michaelmas, and I would like to see how they harmonize with other styles of music.
All students have received Rise Up Singing. Please send in cash or a check for $12. This book is your child's to keep. We will work on songs requested by students in this book, as well as working on other requests such as "Hey Jude," and, of course, more and varied children's songs for the nursery class.
For now, students should also keep the Backpacker's Songbook. It has a decent collection of Christmas music, which we will dive into after Thanksgiving.
Students continue to enjoy working with Twinkle Twinkle. Because a parent made me aware that it can be difficult to support students at home when we are playing folk songs by ear, I think it prudent to return our focus to Smart Violin so that we are all working on the same material. This week I will introduce "Woke Up Early" on page 7. Students should practice this in addition to Green Light, Exercise in A Major, and the first 6 steps on pages 4 and 5 as appropriate (that is, if a child has mastered an exercise, she or he should not feel compelled to repeat it; she or he is welcome if motivated, and a child can also make challenges, trying to play it faster, coming up with new rhythms and the like).
We are still playing almost exclusively on the A and E strings in class (Twinkle, Twinkle, for example).
Students are working on note reading with Ms. Kenney in choir and some with their teachers outside of school. In January, we will have music stands in class. Students will bring Smart Violin to class. We will reprise the material we have learned thus far (giving some students another chance for mastery), moving fairly quickly to get to new material. At present, I draw the songs on the blackboard, using a story of a cat and a rooster and their journey. My goal is to help students become comfortable reading the shape of a melodic phrase so that when we take up note reading they avoid becoming stuck in reading note for note (much as we don't want students reading prose to become stuck sounding out every letter).
Grades 5 & 6
The ensemble sounded strong when we played without music for the Day of the Dead and when we performed for 4th grade. We will work on some of the songs we have less experience with--German dance and We Gather Together on pages 6 & 7 of Strings Extraordinaire. We will also continue working on an Irish jig by ear--I know it is a frustrating experience for some students (if they could just see the notes), but as a group they are doing well, and I think they will be well rewarded once their minds and fingers can retain the song. I intend that students will play familiar music such as Largo, Tumba, and Country Gardens as students and parents enter for the November assembly. They will also play new material if it is ready.
We may be joined by the 7th & 8th graders for these songs.
Ms. White asked me about the possibility of some strings students playing Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" with the choir at our Christmas Festival. I will play the melody for students tomorrow and pass out parts to students who want. The first violin part (and parts of the 2nd violin part) will likely challenge even our most proficient students. The viola and cello parts have their challenges, too, but they are free from the extended runs of triplets. As a first step, I'll ask interested students to take their parts (the violin parts have 1st and 2nd on front and back) to their private teacher to assess whether the challenge is a healthy one or too frustrating. If a small ensemble emerges, I will be glad to rehearse with them after school a time or two to prepare for our concert. I'm also willing to play along on first violin if that helps instill confidence in our students.
For students who like to or need to look ahead, know that we will play all of the Christmas music in Strings Extraordinaire when we return from Thanksgiving.
Grades 7 & 8
Hoping to inspire students to improvise on their guitars, I introduced vocal improvisation and scat singing, which a number of the students took too with great (and perhaps sometimes too much) enthusiasm as we provided festive and sacred music at the Day of the Dead altar.
As an experiment, I will provide chord charts for the classical and folk songs grades 5 & 6 will be playing at the November assembly. The guitars and violins, violas, and cellos blended well at Michaelmas, and I would like to see how they harmonize with other styles of music.
All students have received Rise Up Singing. Please send in cash or a check for $12. This book is your child's to keep. We will work on songs requested by students in this book, as well as working on other requests such as "Hey Jude," and, of course, more and varied children's songs for the nursery class.
For now, students should also keep the Backpacker's Songbook. It has a decent collection of Christmas music, which we will dive into after Thanksgiving.
Friday, October 23, 2009
What We Are Working On
4th Grade
We continue to work on Exercise in A and Green Light from Smart Violin. Some children have learned Twinkle Twinkle Little Star outside of class, and I have introduced this popular song to all children (I observed a beginning band class at the high school on the outservice day and saw 5th grade trumpet and trombone players cheer when they got to play Twinkle Twinkle; it helped me realize how beloved and pedagogically useful this song can be), and we will do some rhythmic variations on it as a Suzuki class might.
Students have various private teachers. Teachers have various techniques to help students become comfortable and fluid as they hold the violin and use the bow. Most notably the approach to holding the bow differs. I have told students that their teachers are all helping them get to the same place and to follow their teacher's plan. I used the metaphor of learning to ride a bike: some of us learn through using training wheels; others of us do not. We all eventually learn to ride without training wheels. I want the students to consider me their ensemble teacher, guiding them in playing together (and they had fun and did well taking turns playing lines of "Twinkle, Twinkle").
That being said, I know not every student is taking lessons, and I will give what coaching I can to help students find comfortable playing positions. I have begun offering Friday lunch recess as an optional time for students to come in for coaching. Every aspect of the student's day seems so important that it has been hard to find an appropriate time to pull a student out of class for extra violin work.
5th & 6th grade
Wow. We are going to play in the lobby during class time next Thursday in celebration for Day of the Dead. I brought students to the lobby to play "Tumba" from memory. They then asked to play "Largo" and "Country Gardens" from memory. Although some students thought there was no way they could play from memory, the ensemble as a whole sounded very strong. I was thrilled to see how well they could play fairly long songs with no music in front of them. We will play this program at the altar on Thursday and then reprise parts of it as well as providing a brief play of "Goblin Walk" for 4th grade.
After these performances, we will work on "German Dance," which is a little more challenging. This would be a good one for students to work on at home; we have played it in class a couple of times and are aware of the challenges.
I will offer Thursday snack recess as a time for any 5th or 6th graders to come to the Butterfly Room for extra coaching if they wish. I will tell students this on Tuesday.
7th & 8th grade
Your students will be on a field trip next Wednesday, so we will take a break from children's music. In a week from Monday, we will play songs at the altar for the Day of the Dead. This coming Monday I will give all students Rise Up Singing whether families have paid or not so that we can work on celebratory and spiritual songs such as I'll Fly Away; Swing Low, Sweet Chariot; When the Saints Go Marching in; Angels Watching Over Me; and the like. These tend to all have predictable and easy chord progressions, melodies most students will be familiar with, and will allow us opportunity for joy and success for our performance with just 1 rehearsal class. I will ask students to practice the songs at home (with the hope they really enjoy it).
With warmth and light,
William Dolde
We continue to work on Exercise in A and Green Light from Smart Violin. Some children have learned Twinkle Twinkle Little Star outside of class, and I have introduced this popular song to all children (I observed a beginning band class at the high school on the outservice day and saw 5th grade trumpet and trombone players cheer when they got to play Twinkle Twinkle; it helped me realize how beloved and pedagogically useful this song can be), and we will do some rhythmic variations on it as a Suzuki class might.
Students have various private teachers. Teachers have various techniques to help students become comfortable and fluid as they hold the violin and use the bow. Most notably the approach to holding the bow differs. I have told students that their teachers are all helping them get to the same place and to follow their teacher's plan. I used the metaphor of learning to ride a bike: some of us learn through using training wheels; others of us do not. We all eventually learn to ride without training wheels. I want the students to consider me their ensemble teacher, guiding them in playing together (and they had fun and did well taking turns playing lines of "Twinkle, Twinkle").
That being said, I know not every student is taking lessons, and I will give what coaching I can to help students find comfortable playing positions. I have begun offering Friday lunch recess as an optional time for students to come in for coaching. Every aspect of the student's day seems so important that it has been hard to find an appropriate time to pull a student out of class for extra violin work.
5th & 6th grade
Wow. We are going to play in the lobby during class time next Thursday in celebration for Day of the Dead. I brought students to the lobby to play "Tumba" from memory. They then asked to play "Largo" and "Country Gardens" from memory. Although some students thought there was no way they could play from memory, the ensemble as a whole sounded very strong. I was thrilled to see how well they could play fairly long songs with no music in front of them. We will play this program at the altar on Thursday and then reprise parts of it as well as providing a brief play of "Goblin Walk" for 4th grade.
After these performances, we will work on "German Dance," which is a little more challenging. This would be a good one for students to work on at home; we have played it in class a couple of times and are aware of the challenges.
I will offer Thursday snack recess as a time for any 5th or 6th graders to come to the Butterfly Room for extra coaching if they wish. I will tell students this on Tuesday.
7th & 8th grade
Your students will be on a field trip next Wednesday, so we will take a break from children's music. In a week from Monday, we will play songs at the altar for the Day of the Dead. This coming Monday I will give all students Rise Up Singing whether families have paid or not so that we can work on celebratory and spiritual songs such as I'll Fly Away; Swing Low, Sweet Chariot; When the Saints Go Marching in; Angels Watching Over Me; and the like. These tend to all have predictable and easy chord progressions, melodies most students will be familiar with, and will allow us opportunity for joy and success for our performance with just 1 rehearsal class. I will ask students to practice the songs at home (with the hope they really enjoy it).
With warmth and light,
William Dolde
Monday, October 19, 2009
Guitar Specific -- Books Coming In
7th & 8th grade guitar I have issued a Backpacker's Songbook to all students. They do not need to buy this or keep this long term. Some students, however, like this book (particularly because it has a chord chart up front); if your student would like to buy and keep this book, please send $6 (cash or check to WIWS). Otherwise, I will collect these books in a few weeks.
Copies of Rise Up Singing are trickling in. I have 4 available to purchase (more on the way). Please send $12 (cash or check to WIWS) with your student (or put it in my parent folder), and I will give them a copy to keep forever. These are gently used copies (some look brand new); I receive no responses from the publisher about the case discount and worry they may be going out of business (or at least on a long furlough) (and that the cost of the books could go up a lot if they go out of print); Nancy Pfeiffer's cost center is making up the difference so that we can honor the price of $12 I quoted this summer.
So if you send $18, your student gets to keep both books.
Copies of Rise Up Singing are trickling in. I have 4 available to purchase (more on the way). Please send $12 (cash or check to WIWS) with your student (or put it in my parent folder), and I will give them a copy to keep forever. These are gently used copies (some look brand new); I receive no responses from the publisher about the case discount and worry they may be going out of business (or at least on a long furlough) (and that the cost of the books could go up a lot if they go out of print); Nancy Pfeiffer's cost center is making up the difference so that we can honor the price of $12 I quoted this summer.
So if you send $18, your student gets to keep both books.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
New guitar book, practice update for all
4th Grade Green Light (page 7) proves to be more challenging than the Exercise on page 6. We will continue to work on these two songs this Thursday, with the hope of introducing "Woke Up Early" next week. If a student is struggling, continued work on the first 6 steps (4 and 5) will be helpful (but not necessary to practice if a student has mastered them).
On next Friday, any student who wants additional coaching is invited to come to the Butterfly classroom during 2nd recess. I will remind students in class next Thursday.
5th & 6th Grade We are balancing familiar repertoire with new challenges. If a student has mastered something, she or he should seek other material practice. We are still playing from Strings Extraordinaire the following: Harvest Reel, Largo, Tumba, Country Gardens, and Garden Walk. As a challenge, we are beginning German Dance (we played it by sight today). We continue to work on learning a jig by ear in class--this is meant to be challenging and it is; the process is more important than actually learning the jig note by note.
7th & 8th Grade Because of delays in Rise Up Singing shipment, I will be lending each student a copy of Backpacker's Songbook; it has 200 songs and has a page showing dozens of chord shapes. This will be useful in the short term. If a student really likes the book, you may buy it for her or him by sending a check for $6 to WIWS and putting it in my parent or teacher folder (Dolde). Otherwise, I will collect these when Rise Up Singing becomes available (for which we will charge $12). Students are free to explore and practice any song they want. In class we will work on familiar and relatively easy tunes to build up repertoire and confidence: America the Beautiful, Aunt Rhody, Molly Malone, and This Old Man.
We'll continue to work on the 12 bar blues in A.
On next Friday, any student who wants additional coaching is invited to come to the Butterfly classroom during 2nd recess. I will remind students in class next Thursday.
5th & 6th Grade We are balancing familiar repertoire with new challenges. If a student has mastered something, she or he should seek other material practice. We are still playing from Strings Extraordinaire the following: Harvest Reel, Largo, Tumba, Country Gardens, and Garden Walk. As a challenge, we are beginning German Dance (we played it by sight today). We continue to work on learning a jig by ear in class--this is meant to be challenging and it is; the process is more important than actually learning the jig note by note.
7th & 8th Grade Because of delays in Rise Up Singing shipment, I will be lending each student a copy of Backpacker's Songbook; it has 200 songs and has a page showing dozens of chord shapes. This will be useful in the short term. If a student really likes the book, you may buy it for her or him by sending a check for $6 to WIWS and putting it in my parent or teacher folder (Dolde). Otherwise, I will collect these when Rise Up Singing becomes available (for which we will charge $12). Students are free to explore and practice any song they want. In class we will work on familiar and relatively easy tunes to build up repertoire and confidence: America the Beautiful, Aunt Rhody, Molly Malone, and This Old Man.
We'll continue to work on the 12 bar blues in A.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Contra Dance Sunday, what we are working on
On Sunday, October 11, 3 - 6pm, Deer Lagoon Grange, the Swinging Nettles (which includes Kat Fritz and William Dolde as a guest fiddler player, possibly other familiar faces) will play jigs and reels for a family contra dance. There is no admission fee, though Kat is seeking donations to cover the cost of the excellent caller and the hall rental--feel free to bring your student to some or all.
At the summer contra dance, we played a few sets of songs that might be familiar to your students and welcomed students into the band. Here is the set list below; your student should feel free to bring an instrument and sit in when she or he feels comfortable. Some of the guitar chords are relatively easy, too (some are not).
Set List
Here is what we have been working on--what students can be practicing at home.
4th Grade -- From Smart Violin, Exercise in A major. Thursday I introduced "Green Light," and we will spend a good deal of time with this on Tuesday.
5th & 6th Grade -- From Strings Extraordinaire, Harvest Reel, Tumba, Country Gardens, and Goblin Walk. Pairs of students have been portraying goblins as the rest of the orchestra plays; it is both fun and helps us all work on contrasts in dynamics, accents, tremolos, and dramatic playing.
7th & 8th Grade -- Is learning chords quickly; each student now has a sheet of 8 beginning chords, C, A, G, E, D and Am, Em, and Dm. Students should be proficient with all these chords by next Wednesday. We are playing many songs.
For the nursery, students are working on a play of "Three Men in a Tub" with sea songs. "Row Row Row Your Boat" in D and "We Roll the Old Chariot Along" (which alternates between Em and D).
We also played and sang Skip to My Lou, This Land is Your Land, and Yellow Submarine, among others.
More students are comfortable playing rhythm for the 12 bar blues and we have begun working on improvising melodic lines above the rhythm section.
At the summer contra dance, we played a few sets of songs that might be familiar to your students and welcomed students into the band. Here is the set list below; your student should feel free to bring an instrument and sit in when she or he feels comfortable. Some of the guitar chords are relatively easy, too (some are not).
Set List
Jigs
Jump at the Sun (Dm)/Fair Jenny (D)
Morrison’s Jig(Em)/Kesh (G)
Cowboy Jig (G)/Coffee (Am)
Irish Washer Woman (G)/Haste to the Wedding (D)
Tobin's (D)/Old Favorite (G)
Reels:
Flowers of Edinborough (G)/Staten Island (A)
Turkey in the Straw (D)/Arkansas Traveler (D)
Bumble Bee in a Jug (D)/ Girl I left Behind Me (G)
Whiskey Before Breakfast (D)/Red Haired Boy (A)/June Apple (A
Cripple Creek (A)/Old Joe Clark (D)/Boil Them Cabbage Down A
La Bastrainge
Waltz:
Amelia’s (D)
Far Away (Bm)
Tear Drop (D)
Here is what we have been working on--what students can be practicing at home.
4th Grade -- From Smart Violin, Exercise in A major. Thursday I introduced "Green Light," and we will spend a good deal of time with this on Tuesday.
5th & 6th Grade -- From Strings Extraordinaire, Harvest Reel, Tumba, Country Gardens, and Goblin Walk. Pairs of students have been portraying goblins as the rest of the orchestra plays; it is both fun and helps us all work on contrasts in dynamics, accents, tremolos, and dramatic playing.
7th & 8th Grade -- Is learning chords quickly; each student now has a sheet of 8 beginning chords, C, A, G, E, D and Am, Em, and Dm. Students should be proficient with all these chords by next Wednesday. We are playing many songs.
For the nursery, students are working on a play of "Three Men in a Tub" with sea songs. "Row Row Row Your Boat" in D and "We Roll the Old Chariot Along" (which alternates between Em and D).
We also played and sang Skip to My Lou, This Land is Your Land, and Yellow Submarine, among others.
More students are comfortable playing rhythm for the 12 bar blues and we have begun working on improvising melodic lines above the rhythm section.
Friday, October 2, 2009
What we are working on
4th Grade While the Smart Violin Books can stay at home, I have been working on the 6 steps to getting started with children on pages 4 and 5. Next week we will work on the Exercise in A major on page 6 (I have not been using these drier names with the children). Feel free to use the printed music yourself at home to support your child.
If your child tends to get anxious, you or your child's violin teacher could go ahead a little bit in the book (adult playing or singing, child playing out of imitation) so your child feels more comfortable in class. If your child tends to get bored easily, I'd recommend avoiding moving ahead in the book; instead your child could try to figure out other songs by ear or work on other material provided by a private teacher.
It is not so essential that the students play exactly what is written in the 6 steps to getting started. They are typical of call and response games we are playing. I play. Students play back. Eager student volunteers come up to play; other students play back. I have been impressed with how many 4th graders are willing to play alone in front of the class (because it is in the form of a game, of course, this helps make it fun rather than feel like a child is being put on the spot).
I have no problem with you or a teacher working on reading the music notes with your child at home. Learning to play the violin is challenging enough, learning to play in a group can be more challenging (but also very fun as your children have demonstrated), and learning to play the violin and read music in a group setting can be even more challenging. We will start doing the work of note reading (and having students bring books to school) in the new year.
5th & 6th grade
In Strings Extraordinaire, we are working on Harvest Reel, Tumba, and Goblin Walk. Have students pay particular attention to dynamics in Goblin Walk. I have hopes of finding an excuse for us to perform Goblin Walk around Halloween time. Even if we cannot, I have some ideas to make it very interesting in class (and allow our students to really work on expressive playing and dynamics).
Goblin Walk is the first piece we have taken on in which the B parts require left hand fingering rather than just open strings. Students or their teachers are welcome to write fingerings into their books if this helps them; this is why we are having students purchase and keep the books. If a child needs additional help, I would be willing to help during a recess time on Thursday or Friday. Have the child contact me.
We will play every song in the book. It may help some 5th graders and 6th graders to look ahead in the book with a parent or teacher. For some students--especially ones who tend to get bored rather than anxious--this would likely be the wrong thing to do. They would do well to practice other material such as
A) How to improvise over an A 12 bar blues. The blues scale. At some future assembly, we will have a blues jam along with the guitar students, and any students who want to will be allowed to solo. Cellists and violists could also learn to improvise bass lines. (Students will also be allowed to solo on other instruments such as trumpet or baritone at this assembly and could work on this with a teacher).
B) other material provided by their private or group teacher.
In class, we will work on figuring out Irish tunes by ear. This is something that will be hard to practice at home. It is challenging for the students; my intention is to give them a little of this challenge each class. I want them to develop both their note reading skills and their ability to play by ear. I remain convinced that it is possible to do both (though it can take many years to become proficient at both).
7th & 8th grade
We have introduced the C chord. Some students seem ready to learn many chords and are figuring out their own songs (which is wonderful). I will try to balance songs to meet the 7th and 8th graders with songs we are learning as a service to the younger children.
Next Wednesday, we will perform Skip to My Lou (in D) and If You're Happy and You Know it (in G, it uses the C chord we just learned) for the nursery children.
We will also continue to work on the 12 bar blues in A until all students feel solid on playing rhythm. When that occurs (which will be soon), we will work on improvising melodies and bass lines.
Rise Up Singing continues to be hard to acquire (at least at a discount price). I will keep you posted.
If your child tends to get anxious, you or your child's violin teacher could go ahead a little bit in the book (adult playing or singing, child playing out of imitation) so your child feels more comfortable in class. If your child tends to get bored easily, I'd recommend avoiding moving ahead in the book; instead your child could try to figure out other songs by ear or work on other material provided by a private teacher.
It is not so essential that the students play exactly what is written in the 6 steps to getting started. They are typical of call and response games we are playing. I play. Students play back. Eager student volunteers come up to play; other students play back. I have been impressed with how many 4th graders are willing to play alone in front of the class (because it is in the form of a game, of course, this helps make it fun rather than feel like a child is being put on the spot).
I have no problem with you or a teacher working on reading the music notes with your child at home. Learning to play the violin is challenging enough, learning to play in a group can be more challenging (but also very fun as your children have demonstrated), and learning to play the violin and read music in a group setting can be even more challenging. We will start doing the work of note reading (and having students bring books to school) in the new year.
5th & 6th grade
In Strings Extraordinaire, we are working on Harvest Reel, Tumba, and Goblin Walk. Have students pay particular attention to dynamics in Goblin Walk. I have hopes of finding an excuse for us to perform Goblin Walk around Halloween time. Even if we cannot, I have some ideas to make it very interesting in class (and allow our students to really work on expressive playing and dynamics).
Goblin Walk is the first piece we have taken on in which the B parts require left hand fingering rather than just open strings. Students or their teachers are welcome to write fingerings into their books if this helps them; this is why we are having students purchase and keep the books. If a child needs additional help, I would be willing to help during a recess time on Thursday or Friday. Have the child contact me.
We will play every song in the book. It may help some 5th graders and 6th graders to look ahead in the book with a parent or teacher. For some students--especially ones who tend to get bored rather than anxious--this would likely be the wrong thing to do. They would do well to practice other material such as
A) How to improvise over an A 12 bar blues. The blues scale. At some future assembly, we will have a blues jam along with the guitar students, and any students who want to will be allowed to solo. Cellists and violists could also learn to improvise bass lines. (Students will also be allowed to solo on other instruments such as trumpet or baritone at this assembly and could work on this with a teacher).
B) other material provided by their private or group teacher.
In class, we will work on figuring out Irish tunes by ear. This is something that will be hard to practice at home. It is challenging for the students; my intention is to give them a little of this challenge each class. I want them to develop both their note reading skills and their ability to play by ear. I remain convinced that it is possible to do both (though it can take many years to become proficient at both).
7th & 8th grade
We have introduced the C chord. Some students seem ready to learn many chords and are figuring out their own songs (which is wonderful). I will try to balance songs to meet the 7th and 8th graders with songs we are learning as a service to the younger children.
Next Wednesday, we will perform Skip to My Lou (in D) and If You're Happy and You Know it (in G, it uses the C chord we just learned) for the nursery children.
We will also continue to work on the 12 bar blues in A until all students feel solid on playing rhythm. When that occurs (which will be soon), we will work on improvising melodies and bass lines.
Rise Up Singing continues to be hard to acquire (at least at a discount price). I will keep you posted.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Inexpensive Violin Lessons for 4th graders
To all Thank you for supporting your child and the school in preparation for our Michaelmas festival. The students rose to the challenge of providing music well.
For 4th grade families Several parents have expressed interest in making violin lessons possible for as many 4th graders as possible. Just this past weekend I learned that through South Whidbey Parks and Rec, Linda Good--who has been teaching violin lessons for 35+ years on Whidbey Island--is offering an 8 week block of very affordable group lessons (parents attend as well to support the child at home). Although the initial advertisement indicated that the class was for 5 to 8 year olds, Linda has welcomed an 11 year old, a 15 year old, and one of our 4th graders into the class. She will be glad to welcome more 4th graders, but she did say she can't offer a discount for the 3 classes new students would have missed. Because the cost of the entire 8 week session is $20, to have to pay $20 for the five remaining lessons (or $4 per lesson) still seems like a bargain. If you are interested, please read Linda's information below.
Beginning next Friday, I intend to volunteer some time to work with small groups of 4th graders who may need extra support (because they are not getting outside lessons or for other reasons) during the painting clean-up time on Friday.
From Linda:
For 4th grade families Several parents have expressed interest in making violin lessons possible for as many 4th graders as possible. Just this past weekend I learned that through South Whidbey Parks and Rec, Linda Good--who has been teaching violin lessons for 35+ years on Whidbey Island--is offering an 8 week block of very affordable group lessons (parents attend as well to support the child at home). Although the initial advertisement indicated that the class was for 5 to 8 year olds, Linda has welcomed an 11 year old, a 15 year old, and one of our 4th graders into the class. She will be glad to welcome more 4th graders, but she did say she can't offer a discount for the 3 classes new students would have missed. Because the cost of the entire 8 week session is $20, to have to pay $20 for the five remaining lessons (or $4 per lesson) still seems like a bargain. If you are interested, please read Linda's information below.
Beginning next Friday, I intend to volunteer some time to work with small groups of 4th graders who may need extra support (because they are not getting outside lessons or for other reasons) during the painting clean-up time on Friday.
From Linda:
Beginning Violin Lessons: Ages 5–8 (but she now accepts older students) You can learn to play this extraordinary and beautiful instrument! Due to budget cuts, strings are not going to be offered in [public] school this year, so this class will give students an opportunity to try violin and possibly the viola and cello. Instructor Linda Good has 40 years experience teaching strings, and many of her former students have been soloists with the Saratoga Chamber Orchestra. She has her MA in Ethnomusicology and has extensive Suzuki training on violin, viola, cello, guitar, piano and recorder. Island Strings is now celebrating its 35th year on South Whidbey, and the Suzuki program is well respected in the community. Linda will make learning the violin fun and enjoyable for your child. Violins may be rented for $10, paid directly to instructor – please notify us in advance if needed. A parent should attend the class to give the student the best opportunity to practice effectively at home. Saturdays, 9/12 – 10/31 (8 lessons), 10 – 10:45AM, $20. Contact South Whidbey Parks & Recreation District for more information or to register: Call 221-5484 or visit www.swparks.org “If a child hears fine music from the day of his birth and learns to play it himself, he develops sensitivity, discipline and endurance. He gets a beautiful heart.” —Shin’ichi Suzuki | |
Linda Good
Friday, September 25, 2009
Michaelmas, tape for 4th graders
4th Grade
Children were enthusiastic in class on Thursday, and I've been impressed with how many students are willing to lead the group (e.g., come play a rhythm for the rest of the class to play). I notice that the lack of fingering tape makes playing more than open strings very challenging for a number of students. I know some teachers are putting on tape (and ran out at the first lesson); I will be prepared to put fingering tape on all violins that need it during lunch time on Thursday before class. Please let me know if it is not all right to put tape on your student's violin.
We probably will be unable to have strings class Tuesday because of a Michaelmas rehearsal during that time (if rain or some other event cancels rehearsal, we will have class, so please have students bring violins if not terribly inconvenient).
For practicing: if a student does not have fingering tape, practicing call and response type rhythms on the open A and E string will be great. Also bowing through a tube to help develop a smooth tune.
For students with tape, or students without tape who are motivated, they can work on Steps 1 to 6 in Smart Violin (which we have been doing in class in a group format out of imitation).
5th & 6th grade We received positive feedback about the sound of the strings from today's rehearsal. Students should bring instruments on Monday and Tuesday for Michaelmas rehearsal.
For practicing: polishing Oats and Beans and Jolly is the Miller Boy. From Strings Extraordinaire, begin looking at "Harvest Reel," the first song in the book. Students playing the A part should take note of the accidentals and key changes.
Also practice Tumba. Students particularly like this song, and we may play it in an assembly. Students and I will work on intonation of the interval from f natural to G# that comes in the A part. Students should also practice this at home.
7th & 8th grade As with 5th & 6th, audience members thought the guitars sounded solid in today's rehearsal. We will not have class on Monday, but students will need guitars for the Michaelmas rehearsal at that time.
It is wonderful that students are working to figure out songs. They are welcome to do this. They also gracefully played and sang children's songs for the nursery and are continuing to do so. I encourage them to try to figure some of these songs out (like Wheels on the Bus, This Old Man). Many can be played with 2 chords, D and A.
We have introduced the 12 bar blues, and after Michaelmas will try to solidify the rhythm section on this.
We will be ready to look at Rise Up Singing soon. Please have your student let me know if she or he needs one--again, the case of books at a discount price are on back order, but I will do my best to find a few reasonably priced copies for students who need them.
Practice Michaelmas songs and the 12 bar blues. Students have purple guitar books we are creating that they are welcome to take home.
Children were enthusiastic in class on Thursday, and I've been impressed with how many students are willing to lead the group (e.g., come play a rhythm for the rest of the class to play). I notice that the lack of fingering tape makes playing more than open strings very challenging for a number of students. I know some teachers are putting on tape (and ran out at the first lesson); I will be prepared to put fingering tape on all violins that need it during lunch time on Thursday before class. Please let me know if it is not all right to put tape on your student's violin.
We probably will be unable to have strings class Tuesday because of a Michaelmas rehearsal during that time (if rain or some other event cancels rehearsal, we will have class, so please have students bring violins if not terribly inconvenient).
For practicing: if a student does not have fingering tape, practicing call and response type rhythms on the open A and E string will be great. Also bowing through a tube to help develop a smooth tune.
For students with tape, or students without tape who are motivated, they can work on Steps 1 to 6 in Smart Violin (which we have been doing in class in a group format out of imitation).
5th & 6th grade We received positive feedback about the sound of the strings from today's rehearsal. Students should bring instruments on Monday and Tuesday for Michaelmas rehearsal.
For practicing: polishing Oats and Beans and Jolly is the Miller Boy. From Strings Extraordinaire, begin looking at "Harvest Reel," the first song in the book. Students playing the A part should take note of the accidentals and key changes.
Also practice Tumba. Students particularly like this song, and we may play it in an assembly. Students and I will work on intonation of the interval from f natural to G# that comes in the A part. Students should also practice this at home.
7th & 8th grade As with 5th & 6th, audience members thought the guitars sounded solid in today's rehearsal. We will not have class on Monday, but students will need guitars for the Michaelmas rehearsal at that time.
It is wonderful that students are working to figure out songs. They are welcome to do this. They also gracefully played and sang children's songs for the nursery and are continuing to do so. I encourage them to try to figure some of these songs out (like Wheels on the Bus, This Old Man). Many can be played with 2 chords, D and A.
We have introduced the 12 bar blues, and after Michaelmas will try to solidify the rhythm section on this.
We will be ready to look at Rise Up Singing soon. Please have your student let me know if she or he needs one--again, the case of books at a discount price are on back order, but I will do my best to find a few reasonably priced copies for students who need them.
Practice Michaelmas songs and the 12 bar blues. Students have purple guitar books we are creating that they are welcome to take home.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
More teacher Recommendations, Practicing
Dear 4th through 8th grade families,
I have received 3 more recommendations for teachers from current families:
1. Quinn Fitzpatrick for guitar
2. Kimmer Morris for violin
3. Randal Bays for Irish fiddle
I include more information about these 3 teachers at the end of this entry. In addition to these teachers, remember that Kat Fritz (who has a new studio on Maxwelton Road), James Hinkley (cello, viola, violin), Levi Burkle (guitar), Elizabeth Lovelace, and Teo Benson have been recommended in the past by families at our school.
On Practicing I read a great deal about violins, guitars, history, and theories of practicing this summer. Different sources offer conflicting advice. Here are some statements to sink our teeth into (I don't necessarily support or denounce them).
1. No practice is better than poor practice or practice done without joy. One teacher claims that students who do not feel motivated may progress more by playing only with the strings teacher in school (and/or with a private teacher) than they would practicing without attention and intention.
2. Paganini's father had him practice 10 hours a day; that was probably too much. Ivan Galamian, Itzak Perlman's teacher, was able to simplify practice for his students so that they only needed 4 hours of practice a day; this practice was so intense (and rewarding) that more than 4 hours would be too much.
3. A standard recommendation is for students to NEVER practice material beyond what their teacher has assigned.
4. That being said, as a student I almost always practiced ahead in the book and learned more challenging material, so I would have a hard time enforcing point 3. It is also true that when I went to advanced music camps, I had to go through a lot of remedial technique work--whether this is because I had rushed before or because it was in the nature of my particular Julliard teachers to get me to use their exact technique, I don't know.
5. The benefit of playing a challenging instrument is that it causes hand, heart, and head to work together. Galamian was a successful teacher because he avoided having students focus on rote drills, but rather had them challenge their minds and fingers together (thousands of ways to make any scale more and more challenging, in a playful manner). Galamian has inspired me to pick back up my etudes and scales; an hour or two spent with them does not feel like work--though it is intense.
4th Grade We have begun playing. Some students note how scratchy their tone is. Here are techniques I am working on to help them develop a good tone and bow technique.
A. Isolate the bowing and left hand fingering.
B. Bow through a tube (toilet paper, paper towel) while singing to get a sense of a straight bow arm.
C. Bow open strings, concentrating on the A and E strings (highest pitch).
D. Use short strokes in the middle of the bow at first; longer, slower bow strokes are more challenging at first.
For left hand fingering, the following helps.
A. For the first couple of weeks, allow the banjo position; this lets the student see her or his left hand placement.
B. Play pizzicato (plucking the strings) while fingering with the left hand.
C. Wait to bow the strings while fingering with the left hand.
In class, working out of imitation, I am introducing the students to the 6 getting started exercises in Smart Violin. You have all received this book (please write a check for $8 to WIWS if you have not done so yet). Please keep this book at home for now; this is for you (or a private teacher) to use to support your child. In class we will be working out of imitation at least until the new year.
5th & 6th grade Continue much as before as we prepare for Michaelmas
1. G major scale (challenge yourself with new rhythms like we do in class)
2. Jolly is the Miller Boy
3. Largo (Strings Extraordinaire)
4. Tumba (Strings Extraordinaire)
5. D major scale.
6. Oats and Beans and Barley Grow
7th & 8th grade Wednesday I will introduce the A chord and the progression for Oats and Beans and Barley grow. Students have purple main lesson books they can and should bring home to practice.
Practice the G, D, and A chords, particularly switching amongst them.
Practice playing and singing (or humming or thinking about) Jolly is the Miller Boy and Oats and Beans.
We will work on strumming muted chords. Michaelmas is coming soon. I intend for the students to perform, and muted chords are away to bolster the rhythm section if the left hand is not quite ready to finger all the notes.
Michaelmas Band meets for 2 more Mondays and then will perform for dancers after the Michaelmas play. We are performing 2 waltzes and 1 polka. I encourage parents to join us as well. I will provide sheet music.
More about the teachers
Guitar teacher Quinn Fitzpatrick has a website www.quinnfitzpatrick.com His
phone number is 579-3052. At least one Waldorf student takes lessons with Quinn and another will start taking lessons from Quinn next week. A parent tells me that he is an amazing teacher.
Kimmer Morris has taught violin to a number of Waldorf students in the past, and parents and students have been pleased with the experience. As a public school music teacher, she helped created the great garden at the middle school which donates food to Food Bank. You can contact Kimmer at kimmerlyzimmer@yahoo.com or 360-221-6932.
Randal Bays sent the following.
Greetings all,
I have received 3 more recommendations for teachers from current families:
1. Quinn Fitzpatrick for guitar
2. Kimmer Morris for violin
3. Randal Bays for Irish fiddle
I include more information about these 3 teachers at the end of this entry. In addition to these teachers, remember that Kat Fritz (who has a new studio on Maxwelton Road), James Hinkley (cello, viola, violin), Levi Burkle (guitar), Elizabeth Lovelace, and Teo Benson have been recommended in the past by families at our school.
On Practicing I read a great deal about violins, guitars, history, and theories of practicing this summer. Different sources offer conflicting advice. Here are some statements to sink our teeth into (I don't necessarily support or denounce them).
1. No practice is better than poor practice or practice done without joy. One teacher claims that students who do not feel motivated may progress more by playing only with the strings teacher in school (and/or with a private teacher) than they would practicing without attention and intention.
2. Paganini's father had him practice 10 hours a day; that was probably too much. Ivan Galamian, Itzak Perlman's teacher, was able to simplify practice for his students so that they only needed 4 hours of practice a day; this practice was so intense (and rewarding) that more than 4 hours would be too much.
3. A standard recommendation is for students to NEVER practice material beyond what their teacher has assigned.
4. That being said, as a student I almost always practiced ahead in the book and learned more challenging material, so I would have a hard time enforcing point 3. It is also true that when I went to advanced music camps, I had to go through a lot of remedial technique work--whether this is because I had rushed before or because it was in the nature of my particular Julliard teachers to get me to use their exact technique, I don't know.
5. The benefit of playing a challenging instrument is that it causes hand, heart, and head to work together. Galamian was a successful teacher because he avoided having students focus on rote drills, but rather had them challenge their minds and fingers together (thousands of ways to make any scale more and more challenging, in a playful manner). Galamian has inspired me to pick back up my etudes and scales; an hour or two spent with them does not feel like work--though it is intense.
4th Grade We have begun playing. Some students note how scratchy their tone is. Here are techniques I am working on to help them develop a good tone and bow technique.
A. Isolate the bowing and left hand fingering.
B. Bow through a tube (toilet paper, paper towel) while singing to get a sense of a straight bow arm.
C. Bow open strings, concentrating on the A and E strings (highest pitch).
D. Use short strokes in the middle of the bow at first; longer, slower bow strokes are more challenging at first.
For left hand fingering, the following helps.
A. For the first couple of weeks, allow the banjo position; this lets the student see her or his left hand placement.
B. Play pizzicato (plucking the strings) while fingering with the left hand.
C. Wait to bow the strings while fingering with the left hand.
In class, working out of imitation, I am introducing the students to the 6 getting started exercises in Smart Violin. You have all received this book (please write a check for $8 to WIWS if you have not done so yet). Please keep this book at home for now; this is for you (or a private teacher) to use to support your child. In class we will be working out of imitation at least until the new year.
5th & 6th grade Continue much as before as we prepare for Michaelmas
1. G major scale (challenge yourself with new rhythms like we do in class)
2. Jolly is the Miller Boy
3. Largo (Strings Extraordinaire)
4. Tumba (Strings Extraordinaire)
5. D major scale.
6. Oats and Beans and Barley Grow
7th & 8th grade Wednesday I will introduce the A chord and the progression for Oats and Beans and Barley grow. Students have purple main lesson books they can and should bring home to practice.
Practice the G, D, and A chords, particularly switching amongst them.
Practice playing and singing (or humming or thinking about) Jolly is the Miller Boy and Oats and Beans.
We will work on strumming muted chords. Michaelmas is coming soon. I intend for the students to perform, and muted chords are away to bolster the rhythm section if the left hand is not quite ready to finger all the notes.
Michaelmas Band meets for 2 more Mondays and then will perform for dancers after the Michaelmas play. We are performing 2 waltzes and 1 polka. I encourage parents to join us as well. I will provide sheet music.
More about the teachers
Guitar teacher Quinn Fitzpatrick has a website www.quinnfitzpatrick.com His
phone number is 579-3052. At least one Waldorf student takes lessons with Quinn and another will start taking lessons from Quinn next week. A parent tells me that he is an amazing teacher.
Kimmer Morris has taught violin to a number of Waldorf students in the past, and parents and students have been pleased with the experience. As a public school music teacher, she helped created the great garden at the middle school which donates food to Food Bank. You can contact Kimmer at kimmerlyzimmer@yahoo.com or 360-221-6932.
Randal Bays sent the following.
Greetings all,
Fall is settling in here on the island, a beautiful time of year and a good time for making music. I'm writing to let you
know that I'm available for private lessons and small classes. My specialty is Irish fiddle, but I enjoy helping people learn
music and I'm happy to teach all styles and all levels of fiddling. I also teach guitar, specializing in solo fingerstyle playing.
PRIVATE LESSONS are taught at my home studio near Maxwelton Beach; half hour, $25; one hour, $45. Beginning
to advanced, all ages. [I'm open to bartering; if you really want to study with me, I don't want the cost to be an obstacle.]
KIDS FIDDLE CLASS I'll be teaching a kids' fiddle class on Saturday mornings in October. There will be five sessions of forty-five minutes
each and the cost is $75. This class would be good for any child who has an instrument and has made a start on learning to play.
The focus will be on learning some easy standard fiddle tunes and having fun playing them together.
IRISH TUNE CLASS There are thousands of Irish fiddle tunes and it's hard to know which ones to spend time on learning.
Starting in October I'll teach a weekly tune learning class, drawing from the many great tunes I've collected in thirty years of
fiddling. Tunes will be taught in the traditional way, by ear, and music handed out at the end of each class.
Randal Bays: 579-1066 randalbays@whidbey.com
Randal Bays has been playing and teaching Irish fiddle for over thirty years and has performed and taught at festivals and
music camps throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe. For more information visit www.randalbays.com
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Instruments, What to Practice
Dear Families,
With Michaelmas rehearsals coming up, some students will need to bring instruments on extra days in the coming weeks. Please see your child's grade below.
I also list recommended material to practice in the coming weeks. If your child is taking lessons outside of school, that teacher may of course choose to give additional material for your child to practice.
4th grade We will need our violins on Tuesday, September 15, and all Tuesdays and Thursdays after that. Ms. Lindstrom may have additional practice days and will let you know what those days are. After Michaelmas, I may be able to offer some additional help on Fridays to students not receiving lessons outside of school.
I will give specific practice recommendations after our first on-instrument class next week. Be prepared that I will recommend children practice left hand fingering and right hand bowing separately at first. I encourage you and your child to be patient.
5th & 6th grades
This Friday, I will have sectional rehearsals with 5th graders in the afternoon. Please have them bring their instruments then as well.
In coming weeks, with Michaelmas rehearsals, 5th & 6th graders will need to bring instruments to school on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays--and on Monday, September 28 as well.
To Practice
1. G major scale
2. Improvising with the G major scale
3. Jolly is the Miller Boy (in G), by ear if possible. I'll give support in school to students who need it.
4. Largo (Dvorak) from Strings Extraordinaire.
5. D major scale.
6. Oats, Peas, Beans, and Barley Grow (in D), by ear if possible.
While reading music is a valuable school, learning to play be ear--especially for an outdoor festival in which stands and music can distract from the experience--is also very important. It is a good challenge, and with a large ensemble of strings and guitar, if all students do their best (some playing the melody, some playing open strings), we will sound great.
7th & 8th grade guitar
No guitars, Monday, September 14 (field trip).
Do bring guitars on Wednesday the 16th , Thursday the 17th , and Friday the 18th,
And Monday, Wednesday, and Friday of the following week.
Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of Michaelmas week.
Students have a purple guitar book they are writing themselves to help them practice.
Practice:
1. Fingering and strumming the G major chord.
2. Fingering and strumming the D major chord.
3. Switching back and forth between the two chords.
4. Playing the chord progression for Jolly is the Miller Boy.
Next Wednesday we will work on Oats, Peas, Beans, and Barley Grow.
In these two folk songs for Michaelmas, the chords change more quickly than I would choose for beginning guitar students, but I want students to stretch themselves and do their best; even if not every note rings out in their chord, the rhythm of their strumming will support the dancers.
With warmth and light,
William Geoffrey Dolde
With Michaelmas rehearsals coming up, some students will need to bring instruments on extra days in the coming weeks. Please see your child's grade below.
I also list recommended material to practice in the coming weeks. If your child is taking lessons outside of school, that teacher may of course choose to give additional material for your child to practice.
4th grade We will need our violins on Tuesday, September 15, and all Tuesdays and Thursdays after that. Ms. Lindstrom may have additional practice days and will let you know what those days are. After Michaelmas, I may be able to offer some additional help on Fridays to students not receiving lessons outside of school.
I will give specific practice recommendations after our first on-instrument class next week. Be prepared that I will recommend children practice left hand fingering and right hand bowing separately at first. I encourage you and your child to be patient.
5th & 6th grades
This Friday, I will have sectional rehearsals with 5th graders in the afternoon. Please have them bring their instruments then as well.
In coming weeks, with Michaelmas rehearsals, 5th & 6th graders will need to bring instruments to school on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays--and on Monday, September 28 as well.
To Practice
1. G major scale
2. Improvising with the G major scale
3. Jolly is the Miller Boy (in G), by ear if possible. I'll give support in school to students who need it.
4. Largo (Dvorak) from Strings Extraordinaire.
5. D major scale.
6. Oats, Peas, Beans, and Barley Grow (in D), by ear if possible.
While reading music is a valuable school, learning to play be ear--especially for an outdoor festival in which stands and music can distract from the experience--is also very important. It is a good challenge, and with a large ensemble of strings and guitar, if all students do their best (some playing the melody, some playing open strings), we will sound great.
7th & 8th grade guitar
No guitars, Monday, September 14 (field trip).
Do bring guitars on Wednesday the 16th , Thursday the 17th , and Friday the 18th,
And Monday, Wednesday, and Friday of the following week.
Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of Michaelmas week.
Students have a purple guitar book they are writing themselves to help them practice.
Practice:
1. Fingering and strumming the G major chord.
2. Fingering and strumming the D major chord.
3. Switching back and forth between the two chords.
4. Playing the chord progression for Jolly is the Miller Boy.
Next Wednesday we will work on Oats, Peas, Beans, and Barley Grow.
In these two folk songs for Michaelmas, the chords change more quickly than I would choose for beginning guitar students, but I want students to stretch themselves and do their best; even if not every note rings out in their chord, the rhythm of their strumming will support the dancers.
With warmth and light,
William Geoffrey Dolde
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