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.