Hello Parents,
Here are just a few updates about what we are doing in Orchestra and some reminders for each grade level.
8th Grade: All students are now playing two octave scales during their warm ups. The pieces we are currently working on are "Night Shift" by Richard Meyer and "Themes from Edward Scissorhands" by Danny Elfman. Students should be practicing both pieces. Reminder: Forms and the deposit for the Disney field trip are due on Friday, September 13.
7th Grade: Students are playing out of their Essential Elements books up to page 15, working on high 3rd fingers (violin and viola), extensions (cello), and half position (bass). We are also learning the theme from "Jurassic Park" by John Williams. Students should be practicing their piece and the exercises in the book. The students had their first playing test for the year this week and they did very well overall!
6th Grade: 6th Grade is off to a great start! Here are the following things students should be practicing at home:
1. Left hand shape and position, pizzicato (plucking)
2. Right hand shape and position (bow grips)
3. Shoulder position (violins and violas)
4. Proper bow movement
6th Grade students have learned the D Major Scale. Violins and violas have learned shoulder position and all students will be playing open strings with the bow by the end of this week. Left hand shape, posture, and position are all explained with picture diagrams in the beginning of their books on page Students should also be practicing correct bow grips, which is explained in page 11 of their book. Correct posture, position, and bow grips are being emphasized and should be reinforced when they practice.
The year is off to a great start and we are excited to see how the students continue to musically develop throughout the school year! If you have any questions, please contact us at durhamorchestra@gmail.com.
Mr. Schroter and Ms. Parker
