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String OrchestraMr. Garnreiter, Conductor
Tuesdays/Thursdays 10:26 - 11:58am, Fridays 12:09 - 12:51pm The JAMS String Orchestra offers instruction for students who have one year or less of string instrument experience. This class introduces and reinforces fundamental performance techniques in violin, viola, cello, and double bass as well as basic musicianship and music theory. Students with previous string knowledge who wish to begin instruction on a second string instrument may also enroll. School instruments are provided on a limited basis. Performances include the annual Fall and Spring Concerts. Through the generosity of the Santa Monica-Malibu Education Foundation, weekly coaching sessions (Dream Strings) are held for students in this ensemble to supplement the course curriculum.
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Prerequisites:
- Enrollment by audition or discretion of directors.
- Grade level: 6 - 8
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, bow hold, and set-up - this is very important to reinforcing good tone and intonation
- D Major Scale - spelling each note as you play will strengthen your brain and music "muscles"
- Rhythm Sheet A - can you clap each line accurately AND line up your pulse to the metronome?
- March Heroic - listen to your fingers and adjust their placement quickly for improved intonation
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:
- New scale is on the way!
- D Major - do you have this scale memorized?
- Rhythm Sheet A - we are almost done! Keep subdividing to help maintain a steady pulse
- March Heroic - isolate small sections (8 -12 measures) for targeted practice...have your pencil handy to write notes to yourself (like subdivision)
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:
For this coming week:
- D Major Scale - practice with the 4-2-1 pattern to build your endurance. Make sure you are using long bow strokes and a good bow hold throughout.
- Orchestra Expressions - look ahead to page 20 - 22. Slow accurate practice is key.
- Our first pieces is on the way!
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:
- Practice! A little focused practice every day goes a long way. Always mark your Practice Chart after every time you practice!
- D Major Scale - whole note practice will help build your comfort using a full bow stroke. Always check your bow hold before you start.
- Orchestra Expressions - spelling and fingering and then playing will help you get more comfortable reading the notes!
- Rhythm Sheet A - can you identify all the different types of notes and rest on the page. Being able to identify them by name will help you "speak" music.
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!"