Curriculum

  Course Curriculum 

School Name: Greenville Fine Arts Center

Course Name: Honors Strings Chamber Music 

Jennifer John, Director of Strings Chamber Music

Office Room Number: Room 213

Phone number: 355-2566

E-mail Address: jjohn@greenville.k12.sc.us

Remind App:   Class name, FAC strings Chamber

              Class code: @facstr

Strings Chamber Music: Course Syllabus 2023-24

School Name: Greenville Fine Arts Center

Course Name: Honors Strings Chamber Music 

Jennifer John, Director of Strings Chamber Music

Office Room Number: Room 213

Phone number: 355-2566

E-mail Address: jjohn@greenville.k12.sc.us

Remind App:   Class name, FAC strings Chamber

              Class code: @facstr

Course Description:

The Fine Arts Center offers a unique approach to string education in the United States. A daily chamber music class is offered to develop individual technical proficiency, rehearsal technique, performance, communication, advanced musicianship, and musical decision-making skills. Students perform several formal public concerts at the school and in the community, and participate in guest masterclasses.

An advanced technical regimen, solo and chamber music of professional caliber comprise the musical literature of the course. Students participate in a variety of chamber ensembles performing works ranging from the baroque era to premieres of works by contemporary composers.

Course Goal and Outcomes:

At the conclusion of this course the student will:

• Demonstrate correct positioning and posture with their instrument

• Develop correct bowing and left hand techniques and be able to identify and        demonstrate each skill presented

• Demonstrate a variety of characteristic timbres, intonation, and phrasing;

• Perform as a soloist and ensemble member

• Correctly interpret rhythms, pitches, and other notational symbols and terms;

• Interact with ensemble members and audience

• Perform the literature assigned to the expected level of competency

• Demonstrate improved skill at sight-reading and growth in musicianship

• Perform major and minor scales, arpeggios, broken 3rd and chromatics in 3 octaves (2 for bass) with a variety of bowing styles and patterns.

• Demonstrate knowledge of current and historical performers and stylistic practices

• Demonstrate knowledge of the biographical facts about the composers of music performed

• Write authoritative program notes for works performed

• Discuss the historical and cultural context of works performed

• Analyze the works performed in terms of the fundamental elements of music, structure and character

• Demonstrate proper stage manners and etiquette

Course Outline/Pacing/Scope and Sequence:

This course is cumulative: the majority of these topics are referenced repeatedly after they are introduced.  Thus, this schedule lists the approximate points at which each topic is introduced, but not necessarily the points at which they are finished. 

Projected Course Outline 

Week 1

Introduction to Chamber Music; Ensemble exercises; warm-up routine; Rehearsal and practice techniques, tuning techniques. 

Chapter 1, Norton-String Quartet and Klickstein

Set up your practice space.

Hand out scale accountability worksheet, Music listening game, forms signed.  

Week 2

Solo and sight-reading evaluations; First group assignments/rehearsals; 

String terms/definitions; Physical form/Technical set-up. 

Chapter 2, Norton-Ensemble. Klickstein-Practice Deeply, Practice assessment, 

Scales Assessment.

Which scales do I know already? 

Week 3

Intro to scales with accelerated rhythms series; C Major/ G Major; Second group assignments; Tone production, deteche

Week 4

Review string terms and bow stroke definitions; Terms quiz; Bb Major/D Major; Scale quiz;

Week 5

Sounding point; F Major/a minor; Intro. to concert critiques; Perform/critique first pieces; group study, rework pieces

Week 6

Collé; g minor/d minor; College discussion; Scale quiz; Perform/critique second pieces.

Week 7

Martelé; e minor/C Major; Videotaping; groups rehearse

Week 8

Spiccato; Bb Major/D Major; Double stops; groups rehearse.

Week 9

Bow, speed and weight; F Major/g minor; Dress rehearsals.

Week 10

Scale quiz; a minor/d minor; CONCERT #1

Week 11

Mock auditions; Double stops; e minor/ b minor; Mix & match ensembles (sight-reading)

Week 12

Major and minor scale review, new group assignments.

Week 13

String crossing; Performance practice (period instruments) discussion;. second group assignments

Week 14

Legato; Program notes/Stage remarks; groups rehearse; In-class performances

Week 15

Chords; Ensemble rehearsals, Program notes due; Sight-reading.

Week 16

Etude class; videotape ensemble; review bow strokes; CONCERT #2

Week 17

Solo class; Sight-reading; A Major; Compare recordings. Showcase performance;

Week 18

Eb Major; Vibrato; reading assignment; Reading reports due.

Week 19

Eb Major/f# minor; Sight-reading; ensemble rehearsals.

Week 20

Intro. To research sources; Lecture topics; Rehearsal.

Week 21

B Major/c minor; Warm-up techniques; Rhythmic reading.

Week 22

Student lectures delivered; Rehearsal; Scale quiz.

Week 23

E Major/f minor; Rehearsal; Videotape in-class performances. Dress rehearsals.

Week 24

Shaping consonant and vowel sounds with the bow; Rehearsal.

Week 25

Ab Major/c# minor; Dotted and triplet rhythm exercises.

Week 26

Dress Rehearsals; CONCERT #3

Week 27

A Major; New group assignments; Rehearsal

Week 28

Shifting exercises; Reading assignment

Week 29

Scale review, parallel keys; Rehearsal.

Week 30

Contemporary compositions; Sight-reading.

Week 31

Scale review, parallel keys; Rehearsal

Week 32

Improvisation; Program notes due.

Week 33

Rehearsal; Concert critique due.

Week 34

Scale review, parallel keys; Scale Quiz. CONCERT #4.

Week 35

Rehearsal; SHOWCASE.

Week 36

New scale systems; Solo Bach

(supplemental scales, etudes will be added based on the needs of the students and class)

Course Materials:

Required Supplies:

• Stringed instruments (in good working order), pencils and a notebook. Students may be asked to purchase a methods book.

• Assigned music and materials.

• Metronome and tuner-Required Apps-ClearTune , Pro Metronome

• Mutes-Behind the bridge.  (usually under $7.00) Torte mute or equivalent.

• A quiet place to practice at home away from distractions.  Practice rooms are available at the FAC if this is not possible.  

• A full length mirror.

• Recording equipment such as a smartphone, computer, or tablet. 

• Music stand.

Supplemental texts and instructional materials include:

• The Teaching of Action in String Playing, Paul Rolland

• Skills, Scales and Tunes, By Joanne May

• Teaching Body Mapping to Children, Jennifer Johnson

• The Carl Flesch, Simon Fischer and/or Galamian Scale System for Violin (for Viola transcribed by Olsen, and for Cello adapted by Jensen) Cello Scale Fingerings, Hutton

• Carl Flesch Scale System (arranged for Double Bass by Reinke)

• Rhythmic Training - Starer and Galamain

• Essential Technique for Strings, and Advanced Technique for Strings (Allen, Gillespie, and Tellejohn Hayes)

• Variables (Klotman)

• Region and All-State Orchestra solo and etude literature (optional)

• Standard works of chamber music literature (Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, Bloch, Hunter, etc.)

• Ensemble! (Loft)

• The Art of Quartet Playing, (Norton)

• The Musician’s Way (Klickstein)

• Grove’s Dictionary of Music and Musicians (Sadie)

• Strad, Strings, and Chamber Music America (various contributor articles)

• String Quartet Technique, (Roy)

• Beethoven for a Later Age, (Dusinberre)

• Practice, Basics, (Fischer)

• Heart of Chamber Music (Rogell and the Jupiter String Quartet)

• Bulletproof Musician , Dr Noah Kageyama

Classroom Expectations:

• Students should have their instruments unpacked and tuned at the beginning of each class. 

• All students should bring a pencil metronome, instruments, and chamber music notebook to class every day. 

• As with any arts class emphasizing skill acquisition, regular attendance is vital.  If you are absent, it is expected that you will ask for make-up work.

• The instructor is available on most days for extra help from 8:15 - 9:15 AM, and 3:25-4:00 PM. It is expected that any student requiring extra help will ask for it. Appointments are recommended whenever possible.

• Students must demonstrate mature behavior and be respectful of colleagues and instructors at all times. 

• Please check Power school and emails on a regular basis. 

String players are expected to be in class on time and ready to work. Scheduling other activities during class time is not acceptable. If you are sick and unable to play, please contact Mrs. John within 24 hours of class and please let your ensemble members know in advance of the class in order that we can plan a productive practice. 

Grading Policy/Practices:

Student performance is graded using the mandated South Carolina state grading scale.  

Grading is weighted - 40% Minor Assessments (homework, class work, individual research projects, group projects, evaluation of skill development, written or performed tasks, ensemble cooperation and on task skills) and 60% Major Assessments (performance assessments, juries, quizzes, playing tests).

Students are expected to perform in at least two of the string chamber music recitals per year and two masterclasses with a visiting artist.  Attendance at the recitals/masterclasses is required if a student does not perform in a recital or master class. Students will also participate in performance juries and technique juries. 

District Grading Policy:

Grading Term 1 - 45%

Grading Term 2 - 45%

Final Exam - 10%

Specifics of student evaluation:

Performance skills:  

• Students will perform a minimum of 8 chamber pieces, in addition to solo pieces, etudes, and scales. Three strings chamber music recitals will be held at the Fine Arts Center with additional opportunities for master classes  as well as public and professional engagements. 

• Students will participate in a biweekly technique masterclass with Ms. John in front of  peers in a biweekly master class.  Repertoire performed  may include chamber music, assigned technique, etudes and solo music. Grading will be based on the same criteria listed below under weekly preparation grade. 

Analytical skills: Short research papers may be assigned, lecture-demonstrations, critiques, and written and performing quizzes.

Categories of Assignments

Weekly Preparation Grade   

It is essential that all students learn the fundamentals outside of class time at the beginning of a concert cycle. The weekly preparation will be based on the following:

• Notes/intonation

• Exploration of  fingerings

• Rhythm and pulse

• Incorporating ensemble skills 

• Listening

• Exploration of bowings 

• Articulations

• Dynamics

• Phrasing

• characteristics of the music

• Score study

• Incorporating ideas discussed in class and masterclasses

Musical assessments:

• Performances:  Students will be expected to perform in recitals and masterclasses at least two string chamber music recitals per year and selected master classes with guest artists; however, only prepared groups will be selected to perform.   If an ensemble is not selected to perform on any given recital, this will not influence their performance grade as long as they are able to perform at the next recital. 

Basic criteria for performances at least one month before a recital:

• Rhythm, pulse and ensemble skills

• Technical and musical proficiency

• Correct notes and intonation

• A mature ensemble sound

• Phrasing, dynamics and articulations

Repertoire: Repertoire will be chosen by the instructor and students, however, it is subject to change if the material is not accessible to all members of the ensemble.

• At the beginning of the school year, some music may seem easy to a student because the chamber music skills that they are learning are very difficult.  

• Music will get progressively more difficult throughout the year

• Chamber Music Recitals: Students are required to be at all chamber music performances even if a student is not participating in the concert.  Please

plan accordingly. Dress rehearsals will be the week of the concert held during class time in the recital hall.  Attendance is mandatory.  If a student misses a dress rehearsal for any reason the ensemble may not be allowed to perform. This will be evaluated on a case by case basis. 

• Juries to determine performance readiness (assessed as a Major Grade)

There will be both a recital and technique jury per semester. 

Recital Juries

• Chamber Music Juries will be held one month before a chamber music recital each semester.  

• Chamber Music Juries may be performed privately with the teacher, or in a master class setting. 

• All students planning to perform in the chamber music recitals must participate in a jury which will determine if the group is ready to perform.  

• If it is determined that an ensemble is not ready to perform, students will have the opportunity to try again three weeks prior to a performance. 

• An outside teacher, or administrator may be asked to help determine if a group is ready to perform for the 2nd jury and all juries may be video recorded as a teaching aid and for reference. 

• Not all first year students will be participating in the fall performance based on the technical needs of the student. First year students will participate in a master class instead. 

Technique Jury

• A technique jury will be held at the end of each semester and will include assigned warm ups, any assigned scales, etudes and technical goals discussed in class and master classes.

• Technical jury may also be held individually with the teacher, or in a master class setting. 

Required binders and practice logs: 

• Each student is required to maintain a three ring binder of sheet music, scales, scores, and articles supplied by the Fine Arts Center. This is used every day in class.  Notebooks will also include class notes on technical and musical concepts discussed in class and by any guest artist that presents a master class at the FAC.  

• Students will receive a minor grade at the end of 1st and 3rd quarters and a major grade at the end of each semester for their notebooks. 

• Students will keep a weekly practice log that will be due every Friday.  Practice logs should  be uploaded on Google Classroom by 3:00 each week (minor grade).

• Students should allow at least 45 per day for string chamber music at least six  days per week.

• Students will receive a weekly preparation grade on technique and chamber music. (minor grade).

• Solo music may also be assigned based on the needs of the students.  

Listening to music:

Required Concert outside of the FAC:

All string students are required to attend one concert of their choice in the community per year.  Guidelines for this performance will be included in an assignment that will be uploaded on Google Classroom. 

Listening to professional artists is an essential part of a musician’s success.  It is highly recommended that students listen to all types of music, however, especially to their own instrument. Some listening assignments may be included in a student’s practice routine. 

Violinists playing Viola: 

Violinists will have the opportunity to play viola for one quarter per year along with violin.  It is not required to switch to viola on a permanent basis.  Knowledge of viola helps a violinist to understand the unique harmonic role in the orchestra and the string quartet which is very important to the success of an ensemble and is often shared with the second violin role.  Violinists that are proficient on viola increase their earning potential and can have a better chance of making Region and All-State, or even improve their seating because there are less viola players than violinists. A viola of similar size to a student’s full size violin will be provided and checked out to the student. Violinists will also be required to become proficient in alto clef. 

Missed work/Make up work policy: per FAC Student/Parent handbook

Late Work Late Work Scenarios: 

• Student attended class and failed to submit a required assignment on time

• Student has an unexcused absence as coded in PowerSchool

Major Grades

Minor Grades

Homework

• 
  Accepted up to 3 days late

• 15 point deduction per day

• Grade will become and remain a zero (0) after 3 days

• Accepted up to 1 day late

• 15 point deduction per day

• Grade will become and remain a zero (0) after 1 day

Not accepted late

Make-up Work

Make-up work constitutes any work that is assigned when a student has an excused absence and is unable to complete their assignments at home due to illness, injury, or lack of access to equipment.  Make-up work can also be assigned when a student is out of school on suspension.

Extra Credit: (minor grade)Students may earn extra credit by attending professional performances in the community related to their field of study. Extra credit is available for those that are earning an 85 and above and have turned in their weekly practice logs and all assignments. 

It is the student’s responsibility to request make-up work through the Instructor. Instructors should respond to requests for make-up work within 24 hours to ensure that assignments are completed in a timely manner.  The Instructor will set an appropriate deadline for the submission of work based on the nature of the student’s absence.  Extended illness should be handled on an individual basis with the student’s illness and workload in mind.  

SCMEA Events: All-County, Region, SC All-state and Solo and Ensemble are considered to be extracurricular events and hosted by the SCMEA and Greenville county Schools. (SC Music Educators Association)   These events are not required, however, strongly encouraged.  

All County and Solo and Ensemble: All students are eligible to audition for All-County Orchestra and Solo and Ensemble, however, excellent preparation is expected.

Region Orchestra Preliminary auditions will be held for students wishing to audition for Region Orchestra one week before the registration for in person auditions.  

Students will be asked to perform their audition material behind a screen in order to prepare them for the in person behind the screen  audition, and to ensure fairness.  Students will be selected to have the honor of auditioning at the live Region audition only after they have passed their preliminary audition. If a student is not selected to participate in the Region auditions, it will not have an impact on their grade in any way. 

Only the most prepared students will be selected to participate in Region auditions.  

Audio recordings will be made for each student and will be available for parent and student review after the preliminary auditions. All decisions are final. 

SCMEA All-State Orchestra: Only students who are selected and participate in the Region 2 Orchestra event are eligible to audition for All-State Orchestra auditions. 

Criteria:

1. Beautiful tone

2. Rhythm

3. Intonation

4. Articulation

5. Direction of the music (which includes dynamics, phrasing and observing all details of the composer’s markings)

2023-24 Concerts and events:    Required**

All Events at the FAC unless otherwise indicated;

**Seth Russell and Maria Parrini 9/15/23 During School Hours 

**Aspen String Trio 10/24/23                     7:00 **      

**Strings Chamber Concert 10/26/23                     7:00**       

**SCMEA 2024 All-State Workshop   12/2/23           9:30-11:30**

(SCMEA All-State FAC Workshop Info)

**Strings Chamber Concert 2/13/24                       7:00**         

Jasper String Quartet Concert 3/7/24           7:00**         

(Residency, 03/04-08/24)

Elevate Showcase 4/11/24 7:00, Gunther Theater 

**Strings Chamber Concert 4/18/24                                 7:00**         

SCMEA Events: 

Region Orchestra: 

Region Preliminary Auditions, week of September 10) during class time 

(Region Registration Deadline, September 15)   

Region Auditions: 10/7/23 League Academy

Region Orchestra Event November 3,  4       Anderson University

All County Orchestra:

All County Orchestra                     11/8               All County videos are due

All-County (All County registration, November 28)

All-County Event 1/16         Riverside High School

All Day

SC All State Orchestra:

All-State Orchestra Auditions: 1/6/24                      Irmo H.S., Lexington, SC

Time, TBA

(All State Registration deadline, February 1, 2024)

All-State Orchestra Event             February 23-25 Columbia, SC

(All day)

Solo and Ensemble                         April 26     Riverside High School

(Registration deadline March 15, 2024)

Times, TBA

Other SCMEA Opportunities: 

• SC ASTA Cello Choir 9/16/23 Furman  University

• SC ASTA Bass Conference                 9/23/23 SCGSAH                     

Other: Performance Opportunities: Please ask Ms. John if you would like to audition.

• YoungArts

• Greenville Music Club

• MTNA Competition

Concert Attire:

• Men: Dark Suit, Button-down shirt, tie, black socks, dress shoes; 

Women: Black shirt and skirt, dress pants, or dress.  Skirts and dresses need to be at least knee lengths.  Heels are not recommended because of balance issues while performing. 

Plan for Routine Communication With Parents:

Remind App: All parents and students should join the REMIND app.  Reminders concerning recitals, concert dress, special events and general announcements will be provided through Remind. 

Class name: FAC Strings Chamber

                Code: @facsstr

Communication via email and phone: 

• Parents are contacted promptly in the event of academic or disciplinary problems via email and phone.

• A log of parent phone calls is maintained in the teacher's office.

Cell phones:  The use of smart devices is prohibited during class except when using a metronome, tuner or recording App.