7th Grade Orchestra Syllabus
Seventh Grade Orchestra Class Syllabus
League Academy
Teacher: Rebecca Leonard
Email: rleonard@greenvilleschools.us;
Google Site: https://sites.google.com/greenvilleschools.us/leagueacademyorchestra
Class Phone Number: 864-355-8126
Class Schedule: 4th Period, 10:57-11:48
5th Period, 11:51-12:43
Method Books: Essential Elements 2000 Book 2 and Book 3, Suzuki Book 2
Course Description:
Intermediate Strings Class is a course in playing the violin, viola, cello, or bass. The class is designed to address students who have had at least one year of prior instruction on a string instrument. In addition to addressing performance skills on the instrument the string orchestra classes at League Academy are designed to promote a full understanding of music theory. It should be understood that this syllabus contains a sequential list of topics in the order in which they are presented. However, the study of each musical concept continues throughout the year as the students apply these skills to exercises and performance selections. Classroom assignments address all of the National and State Standards on a regular basis. Included is a brief listing of the National Standards.
National Core Arts Standards: pages 276-371
Artistic Processes: Creating-I can use the elements of music to communicate new musical ideas and works.
Artistic Processes: Performing-I can perform a variety of music with fluency and expression
Artistic Processes: Responding-I can respond to musical ideas as a performer and listener
Artistic Processes: Connecting-I can relate musical ideas to personal experiences, cultures, history, and other disciplines.
Class Objectives:
The intermediate string student should be able to demonstrate the following:
Good tone production with proper contact point of the bow
Correct Bow Hold and Instrument Position
Ability to identify half and whole steps aurally and visually
Correct vibrato
Basic shifting to third position
First, third, and Fourth finger extensions
Two Octave Junior All State Scales
Rhythms which contain quarter, eighth, sixteenth and dotted notes
The ability to count and perform in 6/8
Imitate more complex rhythm patterns
Staccato Bowing, Slurring more than four notes
Identify major key signatures of music being studied
Identify half steps and whole steps in first and third position
Tune instruments using fine tuners
Define vocabulary contained in method book and orchestra selections
Identify and discuss facts relating to most famous composers
Topics of Study
First Quarter
G, D, and C Major Review
Identifying Half Steps and Whole Steps
Rhythmic and Melodic Listening skills
Guided Listening from the standard orchestral literature
Independent Tuning of the Instrument
Establishing good shifting technique
Establishing and Refining Third Position
Two Octave Scales
Altered Notes
Backward Extensions
Forward Extensions
Counting Review in 2/4, 3/4 and 4/4
Staccato, Legato, Spiccato, and Hooked Bowing
Sixteenth Notes
Second Quarter
Bow Distribution and Refining Tone Production
Mixed/Changing Meters
Sightreading Skills
Shifting to Natural Harmonics
A Major Finger Patterns and Exercises
Third Position Finger Patterns
Refining the Bow Hold
Improving and Relaxing Vibrato
Third Quarter
Syncopation
Mixed/Changing Meters Bb Major/g minor Finger Patterns and Exercises
Cut Time
Counting and Note Values in 6/8
Triplets
Major and Minor Key Signatures
Writing Major Scales
Fourth Quarter
Major Scales and Intervals
Natural Harmonics
Keys and Scales (EE Book 3)
Refining Shifting Technique
Music Terms and Theory Review
Materials Needed for Class:
Instrument of appropriate size and quality and a spare set of strings
Folding music stand (to be kept at home for practicing)
Shoulder rest (for violin or viola) or rock stop (for cello or bass)
Rosin, cloth, paper, and a pencil
½-1 inch binder for orchestra music
Pencil Pouch for binder
Essential Elements for Strings Book:
7th grade-Book 2 and Book 3 (Essential Elements 2000, purple/ green); Suzuki Book 2
Classroom Expectations:
Expectations are a great way for us to set up our school year for success. Orchestra students are asked/ expected to do the following:
Be Respectful: Listen to the teacher and classmates, wait your turn to talk
Be Responsible: Come to class prepared and on time, ready to learn. Bring your instrument, binder, and accessories to each class.
Be Honest: If you don’t understand something, let your teacher know. We need to understand all of the material before moving on.
Be Polite: Treat people the way you want to be treated.
Grading Policy/ Practices:
Orchestra students earn their grade by the following:
In-Class Performance (Playing Tests/ Check)—Students will demonstrate their mastery of the skills and concert music taught in class by playing individually or in small groups as requested by the teacher. They will be evaluated on their pitch accuracy, rhythmic accuracy, tone quality, bowing/ articulation, tempo, consistency, posture, hand position, and musical preparation.
Homework —Students are expected to practice 20 minutes a day (100 minutes a week). Students who have a regular time and place to practice everyday will be better prepared for class and for tests.
Music Theory (Written Tests/ Quizzes)—Students will be given in-class and/ or homework assignments to be completed. All information on these sheets will be seen on a written test.
Concerts—Students are expected to attend all school concerts. Students will be graded on punctuality, behavior, and performance. If a student must be absent, a note must be given to the teacher explaining why the student was absent. Absences are only excused for severe illness or emergency. An alternate assignment will be required as Concerts are a major assessment. Transportation problems, sporting events, or homework are not viable excuses. Please plan ahead.
Ensemble Skills and Participation
Bring the appropriate materials to class
Hold the instrument with the correct posture and hand position
Rehearse and perform responsibly without creating distraction
Students can retake any playing test within a 9 weeks period for a higher grade. Check with teacher for morning time to retest.
Grading Scale:
A 90-100
B 80-89
C 70-79
D 60-69
F 59 and below