Beginning 6th Grade Orchestra Syllabus
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.