Advanced 6th Grade Orchestra Syllabus

 Advanced Sixth Grade Orchestra Class Syllabus

League Academy


Teacher:  Matthew Lipinski

Email:  mlipinski@greenvilleschools.sc.us;

 Google Site:  https://sites.google.com/greenvilleschools.us/leagueacademyorchestra

Class Phone Number:  864-355-8126

Class Schedule:  6th Period, 1:38-2:26

    

Method Books: Essential Elements 2000 Book 1 and Book 2, Suzuki Book 1


Course Description:

The Advanced Strings Class is a course continuing the exploration and instruction on playing the violin, viola, cello, or bass. This class is designed to facilitate the growth of students who have had previous 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. 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 student applies 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.


Objectives:  

The first year string student should be able to demonstrate the following:

Correct bow hold and instrument position

Good tone with proper contact point of the bow

Even bow speed

Correct finger patterns in the keys of D, G, and C Major

Shifting up to 3rd/4th position

Rhythms containing eighth, quarter, half, dotted half, and whole notes and rests

Legato bowing, bow lifts, slurs up to four notes, pizzicato

Ability to identify half and whole steps aurally

Imitate simple rhythmic patterns

Imitate simple melodic patterns

Name parts of the instrument and bow

Sightread simple examples in simple meters and simple compound meters

Define vocabulary contained in method book and orchestral selections

Identify composers of music being studied





First Quarter Topics


Parts of the Instrument

Refining Playing Position

Open Strings

Refining Bow Hold

Musical Notation 

Tetrachords

D, G, C Major Scales and Key Signatures

Rhythmic Notation and Execution

Rhythmic and Melodic Listening Skills

Tone Production

Harmonics

Second Quarter Topics


Left Hand Skills/Fast Technique

Natural, Sharp, and Flat Notes

Tetrachords

C Major Scale and Key signature

Eighth Notes

Bow Distribution

Beethoven and Bach

C/E string notes

Dotted Half Notes

Slurs

Introduction to 3rd Position/Shifting

Third Quarter Topics


Slurs and String Crossing

Pick-up Notes

Ties

Half Steps and Whole Steps

F Natural and C Natural

Key Signatures

E String and C String Notes

Brahms


Fourth Quarter Topics


Major Scales and Key Signature

Staccato and Hooked Bowings

Dotted Quarter Notes

Vibrato

Dynamics

Haydn

Tchaikovsky

Tuning the Instrument

Musical Terms and Symbols Review


Materials Needed for Class: 


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: