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:
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 (provided by teacher with orchestra fees)
Pencil Pouch for binder (provided by teacher with orchestra fees)
Essential Elements for Strings Book:
6th grade-Essential Elements 2000 Book 1 and 2, Suzuki Book 1
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.