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