Practice

Students are given assignments in their Essential Elements book to practice at home. Sometimes, there will be supplemental music for students to learn in addition to the book, such as concert music.

How to Practice

Set aside at least 20 minutes to dedicate to practice. Include it in your weekly routine, and ideally try to practice 3 times a week (or more!).
Always start slow and with something familiar. I recommend starting with a scale or anything you feel confident in playing.
Practice the difficult parts. It might not sound great at first, but that is what practicing is for! To make the hard parts eventually become the most impressive parts.
Set an challenging, yet achievable goal for yourself.

Beginning Students

Concert Music

Twinkle (#43)

Hot Cross Buns (#70)

Frere Jacques (#88)

French Folk Song (#106)

Bile 'Em Cabbage Down (#89)

New World Symphony

Advanced Students

Concert pieces

Autumn

Legend Of Dark Mountain

Burst!

Pizzicato Parade

Orchestra Karate

In beginning orchestra, students have the opportunity to earn orchestra "karate belts". These colorful belts show the dedication of the students, and are extremely motivating to try to learn the entire Essential Elements book!

Flipgrid

Students are given the opportunity to submit recordings of the belt requirements to try to earn the next belt color. This is good practice for performing and reflecting on personal practice.

Youtube Resources

Play Alongs

There is a wonderful world of orchestra "play-alongs" on Youtube, where students can learn songs they know really well. I have started a document where they can easily find some songs they may know.

Play Along Links

Mary Had A Little Lamb

Here is a great example of a play-along.

Pizzicato Parade - YouTube Resource!

Pizzicato Parade

Violin 1

Pizzicato Parade

Violin 2/Viola

All parts together!

Pizzicato Parade

Cello

Pizzicato Parade

Bass

Just for Fun

Composition

Advanced orchestra students learned about a musical cryptogram in a fun activity before winter break. Solfa Cipher is a great online resource where students can begin turning sentences into music. Try it out!

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