Sixth 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:  6th Period, 1:38-2:26

                                7th Period, 2:28-3:15

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

Course Description:

Beginning Strings Class is an introductory course in playing the violin, viola, cello, or bass.  The class is designed to address students who have had no previous instruction on a string instrument or any other 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.  

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

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 2/4 and 4/4

Define vocabulary contained in method book and orchestral selections

Identify composers of music being studied

First Quarter Topics

Parts of the Instrument

Proper Playing Position

Open Strings

Bow Hold

Musical Notation (Note Reading, Symbols, Terms)

D Major Scale Tones

Rhythmic Notation and Execution

Rhythmic and Melodic Listening Skills

Tone Production

Second Quarter Topics

Left Hand Skills/Fast Technique

Natural, Sharp, and Flat Notes

Eighth Notes

Bow Distribution

Beethoven and Bach

G String Notes

Dotted Half Notes

Slurs

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

C, G, D 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-Book 1 and Book 2 (Essential Elements 2000, brown and purple); 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.