Syllabus, Strings Chamber Music

Course Syllabus 2025-26

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

• No Pain, All Gain and Ultimate Etude Guide, Professor Hal Grossman

• Teaching Body Mapping to Children, Jennifer Johnson

• Habits of a Successful String Musician, Selby, Rush, Moon

• 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 after school by appointment. 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.

Afternoon Honors Classes Prerequisite: (1:25 and 2:25)

To move up from the morning classes to the afternoon classes after the first year of study at the FAC requires students to audition. Audition material will be handed out before the end of the first semester.  Auditions will be held during school hours assessed by Ms. John and professional musicians from the community. 

Students must be earning a grade of 90 and above to participate in the afternoon classes and assignments including practice logs must be submitted on time. 

Students that have auditioned and been accepted into All-State Orchestra are exempt as long as they are meeting the requirements of the morning classes and have a grade of 90 and above. 

Categories of Assignments

Weekly Preparation-Participation 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 Concerts: (minor grade)

• Students are required to attend at least two concerts presented by the FAC, or community outside of the strings chamber music art area per quarter. Community concerts may include Greenville Symphony, Furman University, Sigal Music Museum, etc.

• Students in Mr. Young and Mr. Hunter’s classes may log concerts that they attend for those classes as long as it is not in the same art area as strings. 

• Write a 100 word synopsis of the event, take a picture of the program. 

• Please see Ms. John if you need help in deciding if a concert is appropriate to receive credit. 

• Students must stay for the entire program to receive credit. (honor code)

Rubric: 

25% Concert 1

25% Concert 2

25% 75 word synopsis of your thoughts about each piece and composer.  

25%  Upload concert program, or pictures if a program is not available

Your name: [your answer here] (Same as Mr. Hunter)

Title of the Show: [your answer here]

Location of the Show: [your answer here]

Date of the Show: [your answer here]

Reflection (75+ words of your impressions of the show. This can be informal but should still have proper spelling/grammar)

[your reflection here]

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 and ensemble music.

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.

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:  Region and SC All-State Orchestra Participation

Region and SC All-State Orchestra events are considered extracurricular activities hosted by the South Carolina Music Educators Association (SCMEA) and Greenville County Schools.

Region 2 auditions and participation are required of all string students if accepted. Students who are accepted into Region 2 are eligible to audition for the SCMEA All-State Orchestra. While participation in All-State is not required, attendance is strongly encouraged for students who qualify.

Parents: Parents will be expected to escort their children to Region and All-State events. No transportation will be provided.  Parents are also responsible for all hotel fees and transportation costs. Please contact Jennifer John if this is an issue for anyone. Parents must stay with the children at any overnight event.  

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

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)

2025-26 Concerts, Residencies, and Events: Required**

Students must stay for the entire length of the concert to receive credit.

In-School Concerts & Residencies

• Andy and Friends #1 (in-school masterclasses)
  September 30 | 7:00 PM

• Hal Grossman Masterclasses & Recital
  October 23 | 7:00 PM **

• Andy Armstrong and Friends #2 (in-school masterclasses)
  December 2 | 7:00 PM

• Cavani String Quartet Residency
  January 12-16 (masterclasses during class time)
  Concert: January 15 | 7:00 PM **

• Andy Armstrong and Friends #3 (in-school masterclasses)
  January 27 | 7:00 PM

• Jasper String Quartet Residency
  February 9-13 (masterclasses during class time)
  Concert: February 12 | 7:00 PM **

• Next Generation Concert
  February 23 | 7:00 PM

FAC Strings Concerts & Special Events

• Fall Strings Chamber Concert
  November 20 | 7:00 PM **

• Honors Strings Chamber Concert (2:20 class only)
  March 10 | 7:00 PM **

• Parker String Quartet Competition (USC) (Required for PM classes; AM may attend)
  March 28 | All Day

• Strings Final Spring Concert
  April 8 | 7:00 PM ** (schedule change)

• Elevate Showcase (PM Students)
  April 10 | Run-through #1 | FAC

• Elevate Dress Rehearsals (PM Students)
  April 17-18 | Run-through & Dress Rehearsals | FAC

• Elevate Showcase Performance
  April 18 | Peace Center/Gunter Theater | 7:00 PM

• Andy and Friends #4 (in-school masterclasses)
  May 19 | 7:00 PM

SCMEA Events

• Region 2 Audition
  September 27 | League Academy

• Region 2 Orchestra Event **
  November 14-15 | FAC & Wade Hampton

• Annual FAC All-State Audition Workshop **
  December 13 | FAC

• All-State Auditions
  January 10 | Irmo High School, Lexington, SC

• All-State Event
  February 20-22 | Furman University

Other Possible Performance Opportunities

• Artisphere
  May | TBA | Downtown Greenville

• FAC Summer Intensive
  June | TBA | FAC

• Music Club of Greenville
  May 5 | 7:00 PM

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: @facstr

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.