Make up lessons, Violin Choir & String Ensemble Schedule

String Ensemble & Recitals

Is your child ready for elementary violin choir?

By the time the student can play whole and half notes in time with at least three fingers on two strings ... about one to two months, they can play in a violin choir which consists of beginning violinists playing melody.

What is required to be able to participate in intermediate string ensemble?

if the student has a working knowledge of all the notes in first position and is able to sight read music notes fluently and recognize and count various rhythms. This ensemble is divided into first, second and third violins. First violins play melody lines in first and third position with use of vibrato; second violins play harmony in first position; and third violins play low melody and viola parts in first position.

"Bring your music stand!"

Violin Choir & STRING ENSEMBLE

STRING ENSEMBLES

Playing along with other children in musical groups spurs children on to improve and aspire to higher playing levels. They also appreciate the efforts of students at earlier levels. Music promotes healthy social interactions. Learning to play and work with others in a disciplined environment is a critical skill in becoming a skilled musician; and the earlier it is developed, the easier it is for the student to adapt to orchestra settings. Ensemble participation is not only encouraged but required of string students taking lessons, as it develops the student's ensemble playing ability in a rewarding setting. Students practice under their teacher’s instruction and with friends or siblings weekly and are coached by an instructor several times a month as a group.

Violin Choir
By the time the student can play whole and half notes in time with at least three fingers on two strings (about one to two months) they can play in a violin choir which consists of beginning violinists playing melody. This ensemble is designed for students at beginning to intermediate levels, who have had at least one year of private lessons and are beginning to read music. This group provides a unique opportunity to learn the basics of ensemble playing and sight-reading. Ages 6-12

Junior String Ensemble
This is an ensemble for intermediate and advanced young string players. This group provides a wonderful opportunity for students to explore the string ensemble repertoire and to gain ensemble performance skills. The student must have a working knowledge of all the notes in first position and is able to sight read music notes fluently and recognize and count various rhythms. This ensemble is divided into first, second and third violins. First violins play melody lines in first and third position with use of vibrato; second violins play harmony in first position; and third violins play low melody and viola parts in first position. All violinists have opportunities for promotion and training in orchestral techniques in both second and first violin sections. All pupils may expect to play both first and second violin parts as they progress through the ensembles. All string students welcome as long as they are currently taking private lessons. Ages 8-14

Chamber Music
Upper intermediate and advanced players explore and perform the chamber string repertoire—from Baroque to contemporary—while improving technique, sight-reading and interpretation. Students must be fluent in first through fifth position and able to sight read fluently and count intricate rhythm patterns. All string students welcome as long as they are currently taking private lessons.

"The aim and final end of all music should be none other
than the glory of God, and the refreshment of the soul."
~Johann Sebastian Bach

RECITALS
As a teacher, I do not force students to perform in yearly recitals and prefer not to focus on them since they consume months of valuable time intended for progress rather than performance. As a result, my students are able to concentrate on learning and developing multiple skills and techniques without the burden of concentrating on performing a single solo selection per year. Annual recital performances are not mandatory due to the amount of time consumed in recital preparation which sidetracks and hinders the progress of a young string player. Because I focus on the natural talents of the individual student and tailor a string program to his/her individual interests, this enables them to naturally develop music performance skills elsewhere. In place of a solo recital performance; however, I DO require that each of my students play at least one solo performance a year in practical settings such as nursing homes, talent shows and music contests, fund raisers, church and Sunday school, dinner music, weddings, funerals, and Christmas programs. Their music selection(s) must be approved by their teacher and parent(s) and be thoroughly memorized and performed with an audience other than their immediate family. Students taking lessons through a school or conservatory program must comply with the established guidelines concerning recital participation.

Some years I hold a recital for private students who are advancing and/or are interested in participating. Preparation for this requires three to four months of concentrated practice and memorization of recital compositions. The fee for this is $25 per student which covers the cost of the auditorium, piano accompanist, cassette tape recordings, and two additional rehearsals. I do expect the selections chosen for recitals to be completely memorized. This often will require the involvement of a parent to insure that memorization is taking place during home practice sessions during the months prior to the recital.

I like to provide opportunities for performance which are NOT the usual student recital at which bored parents sit idly watching the kids and waiting for their own kid to perform. There are plenty of opportunities to perform where they can experience a grateful audience and the feeling of happy applause. That does a lot to inspire

Performance Opportunities
solo recitals
small ensemble performance opportunities
Special occasions & events (weddings, holidays, fund raisers, etc.)
community performances (nursing homes, churches, shopping areas, etc.)
studio or large group performance