6th Grade Syllabus

Beginning Strings Syllabus

Teacher: Brian Gencarelli

Phone: 355-6897

Email: bgencare@greenville.k12.sc.us

Schedule: 6^th Period

Course Description:

This course is an introductory class in strings. Students will have the opportunity to receive instruction in violin, viola, cello, or bass. There is no prerequisite music background required. A variety of instructional techniques will be used to teach the students to play with skill appropriate for their age and ability. Students will be encouraged to participate in activities involving their instrument outside of class including: solo and ensemble, youth orchestras, and private lessons. Although none of these activities are required they will inspire and motivate the students to achieve.

Course Contents:

This course is aligned with all SC Standards for the Visual and Performing Arts for the Beginning level. Students will be using the New Directions for Strings as the main method book for this class.

Objectives:

By the end of this course the student will be able to

- Name parts of the instrument and bow.

- Form a correct bow hold with proper instrument position.

- Produce a characteristic tone.

- Form correct finger patterns in the major keys of C, G, and D.

- Recognize and reproduce rhythms containing whole notes, half notes, quarter notes, and eighth notes and their corresponding rests.

- Use a variety of bow techniques including: staccato, legato, slurs up to 4 notes, and pizzicato.

- Identify whole and half steps aurally.

- Imitate simple rhythmic and melodic patterns.

- Sight-read simple exercises in 2/4, 3/4, and 4/4 time signatures.

- Define terms contained in the book and in orchestral music.

- Identify orchestral instruments by image and sound.

Required Materials:

-Instrument and bow in proper working condition.

-New Directions Book I for their respective instrument.

-Shoulder rest or sponge. (violin and viola)/ Rock stop for Cello and

Bass

-Music folder (provided)

-Rosin, pencil, and a wiping cloth.

Grading Procedure:

Rehearsal Techniques……………..40% A…100-90…Excellent

Homework Checks…………………..10% B…89-80…..Above Average

Performances or Performance Prep....30% C…79-70…..Average

Playing and Written Tests……….20% D…69-60…..Below Average

F.…59 & Lower Failing

Minor Assesments:

Rehearsal Techniques (40%)

This includes coming to class every day with all necessary equipment. Students whose instruments are in the shop for repairs must have a note from home to be excused. An alternate assignment will be provided for these students. Ten points are possible each day. These points will be averaged at the end of the grading period. Points will be taken away for, but not limited to the following: tardiness, gum or candy, no pencil, no book, no instrument, or no music.

Although we are not professionals we will approach rehearsal with a professional attitude and work ethic.

Rehearsal techniques will go into the grade book as a weekly average.

Homework Checks or Lesson Evaluation Sheets (10%)

Homework Checks are a short scale, piece, or excerpt that the instructor will assign and the student will play for a grade. If a student takes private lessons they may exempt the homework checks by completing a Lesson Evaluation Sheet. An

Evaluation Sheet must be filled out by the private instructor and turned in for a grade.

Major Assesments:

Playing and Written Tests (20%)

Several playing tests will be given each nine weeks in which the students will be expected to play for the director. Students will be required to test individually and in small groups for a grade. Check your child's agenda for test dates.

Performances/Performance Preparation (30%) (The culmination of many hours of individual and group work!)

We can’t duplicate a performance over again for any student who misses it. The moment is gone! All performances are mandatory and are part of their grade. Examples of acceptable excuses for missing a performance include:

Illness or a death in family. Students that miss a concert without prior notice must present a written excuse to Mr. Gencarelli upon returning to school.

Other reasons such as a wedding, family vacation, etc… may be excused if a written notice is given at least 15 school days IN ADVANCE .

Missed Work/Make-up Policy:

It is the responsibility of the student to ask for missed assignments after an absence. All work will be made up in a timely manner and all missed tests will be made up as scheduled.