Orchestra families,
As we roll into fall, the school year has gained some predictability as well. Classroom procedures are clear and no longer being re-taught. Bringing instruments to school each day has become a habit. Roll at 8:56. Sit with better posture. Tune each string, one section at a time. Sit with better posture. Scales, warm-ups, or google classroom. Sit with better posture. Rehearse some music. Sit with better posture. Pack up, repeat tomorrow. (I’m assuming that in the practice room you might need to “sit with better posture.”)
As an ensemble our focus has been mostly on rhythm and intonation, the basic building blocks of a good ensemble. Our assessments have all included some form of scale. Our playing check also included some rhythm work. As we move forward, playing with correct finger patterns will be emphasized in more and more challenging situations. We have already completed three district learning objectives this school year. That puts us well ahead of pace. I have seen success on these fronts from everyone in the classroom. It may come at varying levels, but success none the less. More to follow on this topic.
After our Major/minor assessment this week in class, we will be addressing posture with a greater focus. Holding a cello slouched to the side is the musical equivalent of playing soccer with your knees locked at all times. A collapsed wrist is to violin playing as an ice rink is to tap dancing. Our lazy approach to how we hold ourselves and our instrument while playing is holding us back from our potential as a group. Something you can do for your child’s posture is to check their practice arrangement. Here is what they should have:
- If they plan to sit while they play, a flat chair with minimal padding and no armrests. Armrests inhibit the bow movement and cause creativity in posture. Posture is the one aspect of playing an instrument that should not be creative. A flat chair allows the student to only use the front edge of the chair. If the chair heavily invites the person sitting in it to slide to the back rest, it is probably not the right chair for orchestra.
- A music stand. I have seen very creative takes on this. There is always, of course, the trusty folding wire music stand. They are adjustable and fold down to store in small places. I used to practice on a stand my parents and I made out of wood that sat on my desk in my room. I have also seen kids tape string to the wall in their room and use clothes line pins to attach their music up to it. The key is, the top of the music should be roughly at nose height when the student is standing or sitting tall.
- Quiet environment. Definitely no tv or radio in the practice room. I even outlaw my cell phone in my practice room. The only technology I like to use are a metronome, an alarm clock (if I have to end at a certain time), and occasionally a recording device. If at all possible, please find a place without siblings or others passing through the space during practice.
- Support. Please please please give support to your student for both the practice time and their sound. If you have negative thoughts about their sound quality, rephrase it before telling them your thoughts. Way to keep working on that sound quality Johnny, it is improving. I love that you aren’t giving up. When you do notice improvement in the sound, make a big deal out of it. If your student practices without you having to force them, thank them!
Strangely enough, even the support goes a long way in posture. A positive attitude towards the instrument in general leads to a more confident posture.
Our other issue in class has been getting assignments turned in on time, completely. Students, please take the time to complete all instructions on assignments and use all class time given. If there is an obstacle in your way, that does not mean give up. Find a way around the obstacle. Ask me for help, I am glad to help you find a solution. Likelihood is, someone else has had the same obstacle, or a very similar one, in the past. I’m going to keep this short, as it is pretty simple. Completion grades are given to complete assignments. 100 minutes practice, 2 complete sentences on your journal question, flipgrid recorded and submitted by the due date, are all easy expectations to follow up on. You have to let me know if there are complications, otherwise I will assume you just skipped the work.
Overall, I am very optimistic of where this group will end up. If you have any questions or concerns, give me a call or leave me an email. I appreciate open lines of communication with parents. If I have concerns on my end, I will do my best to contact you! I’ll see you all on Oct. 29th for the concert!
Mr. Hegert