2nd Year Orchestra Lessons
This site provides instructional support and learn at home lessons for the East Penn SD 2nd Year Orchestra students, typically 5th grade students. This program is for 5th grade students who have participated in the strings program in 4th grade and have demonstrated knowledge and progression through the beginning curriculum. 4th graders with prior playing experience on an orchestral string instrument may also qualify for the program based on an audition with Mr. Williams or Mrs. Cooke. Students receive one year of lessons, learning the refining the basic skills of playing their instruments as well as learning higher level musical skills and concepts. All students are also required to participate in the after-school orchestra rehearsals at Shoemaker Elementary, Wednesdays from 3:15-4:30. More information on the after-school orchestra program are located on the Instrumental Music Website.
Below are links to different learning lessons from throughout the school year. As the year progresses, more items will be available. Some lessons are posted as a review. Some lessons students will be asked to view prior to coming to lessons.
Student performances and pictures are shared with families using Seesaw. Families are encouraged to Seesaw Families to connect with Mr. Williams & Mrs. Cooke to see what children are doing in orchestra lessons. Family members are welcome to view and comment on student progress and ask questions of Mr. Williams and Mrs. Cooke through the learning process. Seesaw Family is available via the Web or by downloading the app to any of your devices. Follow these links to connect with your child on Seesaw: Web | iOS | Android | KindleFire | Chromebook
Kjos Interactive Practice Studio (IPS) available as either a download for your Mac or PC, or available as an app for your iOS or Android devices. This is a great support system play-along tracks as well as a complement of videos, music history and theory supplements, and supplemental music downloads. Follow these links to download this program: Mac or PC | iOS | Android
We are using ClassTag as a quick messaging system for all after-school band/orchestra related information this year. ClassTag allows us to quickly communicate messages, reminders, and last minute schedule changes through the App, email, or even text messages. We’ll also utilize the signup portion of the app around concert time for volunteer signups. Look for an email coming with signup information soon. Follow these links to connect with us on ClassTag: Web | iOS | Android
Instructional Units
5th Grade Orchestra / Playing as an Ensemble
Scales
Slurs & Ties
Finger Patterns / Finger Board Geography
Practice Strategies
Advanced Techniques
About Mr. Williams
Mr. Ryan Williams started playing violin in 3rd grade inspired to start playing by his relationship with his Grandfather, Howard Turnbull. Through the careful instruction of David Leithmann, Mr. Williams developed his playing and his passion for teaching. Under Mr. Leithmann's instruction, Mr. Williams started viola in 10th grade and quickly fell in love with the instrument.
Mr. Williams received his BS in Music Ed from Penn State University and MA in Ed from Arcadia University. He is the elementary orchestra and string teacher in East Penn School District, working with 4th & 5th grade students from the 7 elementary schools in the district. Mr. Williams began in East Penn in 2009 and started teaching in 2002. Previously he has taught in Souderton, PA and taught privately in Harleysville, PA, Ephrata, PA and State College, PA.
Outside of his main job, Mr. Williams maintains the Silver Strings Music Studio and is the founder and violist for the Silver Strings Ensemble. Mr. Williams directs the Got Strings? Extreme Youth Orchestra, based out of Souderton, PA. On Sundays he is the violinist for the East Swamp Church praise team. Mr. Williams also serves on the Pennsylvania Delaware String Teachers Association state board as chapter webmaster.
At home Mr. Williams enjoys spending time outside; biking, camping, hiking, and kayaking. He also is the fire police officer for Quakertown Fire Department and Trumbauersville Fire Company. Mr. Williams resides in Trumbauersville with his wife and their 3 children.
About Mrs. Cooke
Mrs. Cooke started teaching in 1999, and came to East Penn SD in 2003. She began as a quiet clarinet player when she started 5th grade, but soon found she had a knack for other instruments as well. She started flute and saxophone in middle school, then trumpet, piano, and violin in high school. Mrs. Cooke earned a Bachelor's Degree at West Chester University and a Masters at Kutztown. She also holds an Administrative Certification from Penn State.
When she's not teaching, Mrs Cooke enjoys camping and gaming of all sorts. She also enjoys traveling to comic and game conventions. At home, she spends time with her husband, son, and 2 cats.