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Prerequisites:
- At least two years previous orchestra/ensemble experience (or discretion of director)
- Proficiency of all 12 major scales
- A 3-minute solo demonstrating technique and musicianship
- Sight-reading will be provided
- Private lessons highly recommended
- Grade level: 6 - 8
SmartMusic and Google Classroom Assignments
Refer to this chart to stay current with our SmartMusic and Google Classroom Assignments.
To log in to Google Classroom, click HERE.
To log in to Google Classroom, click HERE.
Date Assigned |
Date Due |
SmartMusic |
Google Classroom |
Sept. 19 |
Sept. 26 |
N/A |
Proper Playing Posture Photo |
Sept. 26 |
Oct. 3 |
N/A |
Listening Analysis #1 (Dance of the Tumblers) |
Oct. 3 |
Oct. 10 |
N/A |
Rhythm Sheet C #31-36 |
Oct. 17 |
Oct. 24 |
N/A |
Listening Analysis #2 (Celtic Overture) |
Oct. 18 - 25
It is hard to believe...but our fall concert is only one month away! Let's continue the good, focused work we have been doing in our rehearsals!
For this coming week:
REMINDER: What can YOU do to help strengthen your section or the overall group? (Metronome practice would be a good suggestion!) Remember that your ensemble benefits from 100% effort from you!
For this coming week:
- Check your posture, hand position and set-up - this is key to reinforcing good tone and intonation
- Circle of Fifths - we are at 110bpm...accuracy over speed!
- Rhythm Sheet K - can you clap each line accurately AND line up your pulse to the metronome?
- Celtic Fanfare - remember to use middle/lower half distribution for the up-down pattern (not as much control in the upper half)
- Dance of the Tumblers - the second half continues to need more attention...metronome!!!
- Fables - continue to practice slowly in isolated sections so all the notes and rhythms are clean
REMINDER: What can YOU do to help strengthen your section or the overall group? (Metronome practice would be a good suggestion!) Remember that your ensemble benefits from 100% effort from you!
Oct. 11 - 18
We are proud of everyone for doing a fantastic job with our Yearbook group photos! You all looked so professional, and represented JAMS in the best way. Thank you for being so responsive and adapting to last-minute directions.
For this coming week:
REMINDER: Stay current with all of your assignments! Do not procrastinate if you are able to complete and/or submit before the due date - especially if you are uploading a video file (Google Classroom). The WiFi gods might not be in your favor!
For this coming week:
- Circle of Fifths - if you earned a 1 or 2 on Pass-Off #1, focus on the area that needs attention with slow, targeted practice
- Rhythm Sheet K - always subdivide out loud when clapping to reinforce rhythmic accuracy
- Fables - isolate small sections for "jigsaw puzzle" work
- Dance of the Tumblers - we'll be focusing on Letter P to the end...metronome practice!
- Celtic Overture - the 3/4 middle section provides amble opportunity for dynamic contrasts
REMINDER: Stay current with all of your assignments! Do not procrastinate if you are able to complete and/or submit before the due date - especially if you are uploading a video file (Google Classroom). The WiFi gods might not be in your favor!
Oct. 4 - 11
Thank you for your focus and hard work this week. Remember to strive to be "always" musicians (instead of "usually") and be well-prepared for every rehearsal!
For this coming week:
REMINDER: We have a school holiday next Wednesday, Oct. 9. And, Yearbook Photo Day is next Friday, Oct. 11! Click HERE to review what is needed for your concert uniform!
For this coming week:
- Circle of Fifths - slowly increase the tempo by one bpm at a time - this strategy is hardly noticeable as you aim for 120 bpm
- Rhythm Sheet K - write out the subdivision under each measure to help with rhythmic precision
- Dance of the Tumblers - from our observations of the recent Listening Analysis, how can we address balance and blend? Articulation?
- Fables - be patient as you learn this new piece! Isolate small sections at a time...you don't want to "unlearn" needless mistakes!
- Celtic Overture - we will be focusing on the transition from the 6/8 to the 3/4 section
REMINDER: We have a school holiday next Wednesday, Oct. 9. And, Yearbook Photo Day is next Friday, Oct. 11! Click HERE to review what is needed for your concert uniform!
Sept. 27 - Oct. 4
We have come to the end of the first grading period - what a great start to our year! Thank you for demonstrating your hard work, focus, and team-building skills on behalf of our ensemble!
For this coming week:
REMINDER: During our rehearsals, make a note to yourself if you are struggling with a specific item...write "GOTW" to represent a future "Goal of the Week!"
For this coming week:
- Circle of 5ths - continue to isolate the scales that are "rough around the edges" with slow, purposeful practice
- Rhythm Sheet D - a new sheet, focusing on dotted quarter notes
- Celtic Overture - focus on the 3/4 section...use a long, smooth bow stroke for a lyrical and fluid style
- Dance of the Tumblers - what can we conclude based on the "data" from our Listening Analysis assignment?
REMINDER: During our rehearsals, make a note to yourself if you are struggling with a specific item...write "GOTW" to represent a future "Goal of the Week!"