Mrs. Shawna Howard

Thursday 5/09-Monday 5/13

Please register for Orchestra Next Year Here:  https://bit.ly/LLSorch2425

Intermediate Orchestra

• Practice all Concert Songs:

  • Spartacus, Jupiter, Night Shift, Breakbeat

  • Practice along with the recordings!  

• Be ready for your TEST:

  • All- One Octave Major Scales

• Practice at least 1 hour every week and turn in a practice record every Monday.  

5th Grade Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Red Book:  Karate Book Songs (#174, 194, 205, 209)

  • Exhilaration:  work on getting it faster!!!

  • Gaelic Castle:  Focus on Tuning and landing notes on the tape.

  • A Pirates Dream- focus on the ending section and counting appropriately. 

• Practice at least 1 hour every week and turn in a practice record every Monday. 

4th Grade Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Red Book: 

    • #120-130: Learning to read G string Notes! 

  • New World Symphony

    • Make sure your fingers land on the tapes

    • Try playing this with a good bow tone and stop in rests

  • Beethoven's Ninth

    • Practice counting 3 full beats for dotted half notes

    • Continue to get better at making a good bow tone (focus on it being straight)

  • Power Rock- Figure out your notes! Listen to the recording several times. 

  • Practice at least 1 hour every week and turn in a practice record every Monday.  

Thursday 4/25-Monday 4/29

Please register for Orchestra Next Year Here:  https://bit.ly/LLSorch2425

Intermediate Orchestra

• Practice all Concert Songs:

  • Spartacus, Jupiter, Night Shift, Breakbeat

  • Practice along with the recordings!  

• Be ready for your tests:

  • All- One Octave Major Scales

  • Night Shift Main Themes Page (Shifting Exercises)

  • Jupiter- 1st/2nd/Vla/Bass- m55-71, Cello- m35-42

• Practice at least 1 hour every week and turn in a practice record every Monday.  

5th Grade Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Red Book:  Karate Book Songs (#174, 194, 205, 209)

  • Exhilaration:  work on getting it faster!!!

  • Gaelic Castle:  Focus on Tuning and landing notes on the tape.

  • A Pirates Dream- focus on the ending section and counting appropriately. 

  • Breakbeat-  Learn all your notes so I can help you put it together.  Practice with Recording at .75 speed. 

• Practice at least 1 hour every week and turn in a practice record every Monday. 

4th Grade Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Red Book: 

    • #120-130: Learning to read G string Notes! 

    • Test upcoming on #127

  • New World Symphony

    • Make sure your fingers land on the tapes

    • Try playing this with a good bow tone and stop in rests

  • Beethoven's Ninth

    • Practice counting 3 full beats for dotted half notes

    • Continue to get better at making a good bow tone (focus on it being straight)

  • Power Rock- Figure out your notes! Listen to the recording several times. 

  • Practice at least 1 hour every week and turn in a practice record every Monday.  

Thursday 4/18-Monday 4/22

Please register for Orchestra Next Year Here:  https://bit.ly/LLSorch2425

Intermediate Orchestra

• Practice all Concert Songs:

  • Spartacus, Jupiter, Night Shift, Breakbeat

  • Practice along with the recordings!  

• Be ready for your tests:

  • All- One Octave Major Scales

  • Night Shift Main Themes Page (Shifting Exercises)

  • Jupiter- 1st/2nd/Vla/Bass- m55-71, Cello- m35-42

• Practice at least 1 hour every week and turn in a practice record every Monday.  

5th Grade Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Red Book:  Karate Book Songs (#174, 194, 205, 209)

  • Exhilaration:  work on getting it faster!!!

  • Gaelic Castle:  Focus on Tuning and landing notes on the tape.

  • A Pirates Dream- focus on the ending section and counting appropriately. 

  • Breakbeat-  Learn all your notes so I can help you put it together.  Practice with Recording at .75 speed. 

• Practice at least 1 hour every week and turn in a practice record every Monday. 

4th Grade Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Red Book: 

    • #120-130: Learning to read G string Notes! 

    • Test upcoming on #127

  • New World Symphony

    • Make sure your fingers land on the tapes

    • Try playing this with a good bow tone and stop in rests

  • Beethoven's Ninth

    • Practice counting 3 full beats for dotted half notes

    • Continue to get better at making a good bow tone (focus on it being straight)

  • Breakbeat- 

    • Try to figure out the notes for the whole song.  Practice with Recording at .75 speed. 

• Practice at least 1 hour every week and turn in a practice record every Monday.  

Thursday 4/11-Monday 4/15

Please register for Orchestra Next Year Here:  https://bit.ly/LLSorch2425

Intermediate Orchestra-- SECTIONAL DAY MONDAY! 

• Practice all Concert Songs:

  • Spartacus, Jupiter, Night Shift, Breakbeat

  • You should know how to play all your notes by Monday.  

  • Practice along with the recordings!  

• Turn in any older practice records and this week's log (Monday starting date:  4/8)

• Tests Begin on Thursday:

  • All- One Octave Major Scales

  • Night Shift Main Themes Page (Shifting Exercises)

  • Jupiter- 1st/2nd/Vla/Bass- m55-71, Cello- m35-42

5th Grade Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Red Book:  Spend good time practicing this!  This unlocks the next level of music for us!

    • Review for Warm-up #170-175:  Mixed Patterns

    • Test on #174 likely on Thursday 

  • Exhilaration:  work on getting it faster!!!

  • Gaelic Castle:  Focus on Tuning and landing notes on the tape.

  • A Pirates Dream- focus on the ending section and counting appropriately 

  • Breakbeat-  Learn all your notes so I can help you put it together. 

• Turn in any older practice records and this week's log (Monday starting date:  4/8)

4th Grade Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Red Book: 

    • #120-130: Learning to read G string Notes! 

  • New World Symphony

    • Make sure your fingers land on the tapes

    • Try playing this with a good bow tone and stop in rests

  • Beethoven's Ninth

    • Practice counting 3 full beats for dotted half notes

    • Continue to get better at making a good bow tone (focus on it being straight)

  • Breakbeat- 

    • Try to figure out the notes for the whole song.  

• Turn in any older practice records and this week's log (Monday starting date:  4/8)

Spring Break:  3/29-4/11

No Class on Monday 4/8

Intermediate Orchestra

• Practice all Concert Songs:

  • Spartacus, Jupiter, Night Shift, Breakbeat

  • You should know how to play all your notes by the time you come back so we can put it together. 

  • Practice along with the recordings!  

• You will turn in two practice records after break: 

  • #1:  3/25-4/1 (Graded)

  • #2:  4/1-4/8 (Bonus)- Please practice though! We need it.  

• Tests Right After Spring Break:

  • All- One Octave Major Scales

  • Night Shift Main Themes Page (Shifting Exercises)

  • Jupiter- 1st/2nd/Vla/Bass- m55-71, Cello- m35-42

5th Grade Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Red Book:  Spend good time practicing this!  This unlocks the next level of music for us!

    • Review for Warm-up #167-175:  Mixed Patterns

    • Test on #174 after break

  • Exhilaration:  work on getting it faster!!!

  • Gaelic Castle:  Focus on Tuning and landing notes on the tape.

  • A Pirates Dream- focus on the ending section and counting appropriately 

  • Breakbeat-  Learn all your notes so I can help you put it together. 

• You will turn in two practice records after break: 

  • #1:  3/25-4/1 (Graded)

  • #2:  4/1-4/8 (Bonus)- Please practice though! We need it.  

4th Grade Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Red Book: 

    • #120-130: Learning to read G string Notes! 

  • New World Symphony

    • Try playing this with a good bow tone and stop in rests

  • Beethoven's Ninth

    • Practice counting 3 full beats for dotted half notes

    • Continue to get better at making a good bow tone (focus on it being straight)

  • Breakbeat- 

    • Try to figure out the notes for the whole song.  

• You will turn in two practice records after break: 

  • #1:  3/25-4/1 (Graded)

  • #2:  4/1-4/8 (Bonus)- Please practice though! We need it.  

Week 24:  3/22-3/25

Intermediate Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Nearer my God to Thee- focus on DYNAMICS and RITS!  Focus on STRAIGHT BOWS. 

  • Jupiter- Practice the second half to know the notes before Monday. 

  • Night Shift- Continue work on the shifting page exercises!  Work on m1-22 for Monday.  

  • Spartacus- Keep working with your recordings (scroll down for individual parts)

    • Focus on more dramatic dynamics.  

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

  • Turn in practice record every Monday

• Tests After Spring Break:

  • All- One Octave Major Scales

  • Night Shift Main Themes Page (Shifting Exercises)

  • Jupiter- 1st/2nd/Vla/Bass- m55-71, Cello- m35-42

5th Grade Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Red Book:  Spend good time practicing this!  This unlocks the next level of music for us!

    • Review for Warm-up #167-175:  Mixed Patterns

    • Test on #174 coming soon 

  • Exhilaration:  work on getting it faster!!!

  • Gaelic Castle:  know notes all notes

    • Focus on Tuning and landing notes on the tape.

  • A Pirates Dream- focus on the ending section and counting appropriately 

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

  • Turn in practice record every Monday

4th Grade Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Red Book: 

    • #110-114:  D scale notes with Bow

      • Violins/Violas- continue pinky push-ups

    • #120-130: Learning to read G string Notes! 

  • New World Symphony

    • Try playing this with a good bow tone and stop in rests

  • Beethoven's Ninth

    • Practice counting 3 full beats for dotted half notes

    • Continue to get better at making a good bow tone (focus on it being straight)

  • Breakbeat- 

    • Try to figure out the notes for the first few lines!

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

• Turn in practice record every Monday

Week 23:  3/7-3/11

Intermediate Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Nearer my God to Thee- focus on DYNAMICS and RITS!  Long, beautiful tone even in piano sections.  

  • Jupiter- Work on learning all notes.  Play along with the recording above.  

  • Night Shift- Work on the shifting page exercises!  Follow the dashes to MOVE on the shifts.  

  • Spartacus- Practice with the videos here for your part!

    • Really focus on getting the right bowings and slurs. 

    • Violin 1 Video

    • Violin 2 Video

    • Viola Video

    • Cello Video

    • Bass Video 1  &  Bass Video 2

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

  • Turn in practice record every Monday

5th Grade Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Red Book:  Spend good time practicing this!  This unlocks the next level of music for us!

    • Review for Warm-up #167-175:  Mixed Patterns

    • Test on #174 coming soon 

  • Exhilaration:  work on getting it faster!!!

  • Gaelic Castle:  know notes all notes

    • Focus on Tuning and landing notes on the tape.

  • A Pirates Dream- work on learning the notes

    • Test on m25-43 next week

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

  • Turn in practice record every Monday

4th Grade Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Red Book: 

    • #110-114:  D scale notes with Bow

      • Violins/Violas- learn 4th finger

      • Work Pinky push-ups (GGAA- GAGA- F#GAA- F#F#AA)

  • New World Symphony- make sure you know all notes

    • Try playing this with a good bow tone. 

  • Beethoven's Ninth- Start learning notes with Bow!

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

• Turn in practice record every Monday

Week 22:  2/29-3/4

Malibu Jacks Field Trip Friday. 

Please get caught up on any late work. 

Intermediate Orchestra

• HONORS ORCHESTRA YOUTUBE PLAYLIST

• Practice:  

  • Nearer my God to Thee- focus musicality.  Long, beautiful bows.  

  • Spartacus- Practice with the videos here for your part!

    • Spartacus FLIP Test due (2/26)-- NOW LATE. 

      • 1st- m34-50; 2nds- m42-50; Viola/Cello/Bass- m50-58

    • Really focus on getting the right bowings and slurs. 

    • Violin 1 Video

    • Violin 2 Video

    • Viola Video

    • Cello Video

    • Bass Video 1  &  Bass Video 2

  • Keep working on other concert pieces.  We will get on them more next week.  

  • We will really focus on Jupiter on Monday. 

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

  • Turn in practice record every Monday

5th Grade Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Red Book:  Spend good time practicing this!  This unlocks the next level of music for us!

    • Review for Warm-up #164-175:  Mixed Patterns

    • Test on #174 coming soon 

  • Exhilaration:  work on getting it faster

  • Gaelic Castle:  know notes all notes

    • Focus on Tuning and landing notes on the tape.

  • A Pirates Dream- work on learning the notes

    • Test on m25-41 coming soon

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

  • Turn in practice record every Monday

4th Grade Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Red Book: 

    • #108-114:  D scale notes with Bow

      • Violins/Violas- learn 4th finger

      • Work Pinky push-ups (GGAA- GAGA- F#GAA- F#F#AA)

      • We will finish tests on Monday for #107

  • New World Symphony- make sure you know all notes

    • Try playing this with a good bow tone. 

  • Beethoven's Ninth-  Start learning notes with Bow!

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

• Turn in practice record every Monday

Week 22:  2/22-2/26

Parents- Complete Malibu Jacks Form Online

Altered Class Time Monday:  Intermediate 12:30-2:00pm.  4th: 2:00-3:00pm.  5th: normal time. 

Intermediate Orchestra

• HONORS ORCHESTRA YOUTUBE PLAYLIST

• Practice:  

  • Nearer my God to Thee- focus musicality.  Long, beautiful bows.  

  • Spartacus- Practice with the videos here for your part!

    • Spartacus FLIP Test due next Monday (2/26):  Change from Original Test Sheet

      • 1st- m34-50; 2nds- m42-50; Viola/Cello/Bass- m50-58

    • Really focus on getting the right bowings and slurs. 

    • Violin 1 Video

    • Violin 2 Video

    • Viola Video

    • Cello Video

    • Bass Video 1  &  Bass Video 2

  • Keep working on other concert pieces.  We will get on them more after March 1st. 

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

  • Turn in practice record every Monday

5th Grade Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Red Book:  Spend good time practicing this!  This unlocks the next level of music for us!

    • Review for Warm-up #164-175:  Mixed Patterns

    • Test on #174 coming soon 

  • Exhilaration:  work on getting it faster

  • Gaelic Castle:  know notes all notes

    • Focus on Tuning and landing notes on the tape.

  • A Pirates Dream- work on learning the notes

    • Test on m25-41 coming soon

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

  • Turn in practice record every Monday

4th Grade Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Red Book: 

    • #105-108 & Beyond:  D scale notes with Bow

      • Violins/Violas- learn 4th finger

      • Work Pinky push-ups (GGAA- GAGA- F#GAA- F#F#AA)

      • Test coming up on Monday for #107

  • New World Symphony- make sure you know all notes

    • Try playing this with a good bow tone. 

  • Beethoven's Ninth-  Start learning notes plucking 

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

• Turn in practice record every Monday

Week 21:  2/15-2/19

Intermediate Orchestra

• HONORS ORCHESTRA YOUTUBE PLAYLIST

• Practice:  

  • Nearer my God to Thee- focus on the ending m37-end with counting 

  • Spartacus- Practice with the videos here for your part!

    • Spartacus FLIP Test due next Monday (2/26):  Change from Original Test Sheet

      • 1st- m34-50; 2nds- m42-50; Viola/Cello/Bass- m50-58

    • Really focus on getting the right bowings and slurs. 

    • Violin 1 Video

    • Violin 2 Video

    • Viola Video

    • Cello Video

    • Bass Video 1  &  Bass Video 2

  • Jupiter- know notes for measures 1-43

    • Listen to the recording above and pluck along.

  • Book- #43-52:  C major Practice

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

  • Turn in practice record every Monday

5th Grade Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Red Book

    • Review for Warm-up #158-169:  Natural Patterns and Mixed Patterns

    • FLIP Test on #157 in Book late

    • Test on #174 coming soon 

  • Exhilaration:  know all notes 

    • Focus on 8th notes being shorter and in lower half of the bow 

  • Gaelic Castle:  know notes all notes

    • Focus on Tuning and landing notes on the tape.

    • Live Test pushed to next Thursday 2/22

      • 1st/end/vla: m23-35

      • Clo/Bas:  m35-43

  • A Pirates Dream- Begin learning notes-- these are naturals

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

  • Turn in practice record every Monday

4th Grade Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Red Book: 

    • #105-108:  D scale notes with Bow

      • Violins/Violas- learn 4th finger

      • Work Pinky push-ups (GGAA- GAGA- F#GAA- F#F#AA)

      • Test coming up for #107

  • New World Symphony- make sure you know all notes

    • Try playing this with a good bow tone. 

  • Beethoven's Ninth-  Start learning notes plucking 

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

• Turn in practice record every Monday

Week 20:  2/8-2/12

Intermediate Orchestra

• Test on Night Shift moved to later date.  

• Practice:  

  • Nearer my God to Thee- focus on the ending m37-end with counting 

  • Spartacus- work on learning notes for the entire song 

  • Jupiter-  know notes for measures 1-43

    • Listen to the recording above and pluck along

  • Book- #43-52:  C major Practice

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

  • Turn in practice record every Monday

5th Grade Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Red Book

    • Review for Warm-up #1152-157:  Natural Patterns

    • FLIP Test on #157 in Book due February 8th (change from February 1)

  • Exhilaration:  know all notes 

    • Focus on 8th notes being shorter and in lower half of the bow 

  • Gaelic Castle:  know notes all notes

  • A Pirates Dream- Begin learning notes-- these are naturals

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

  • Turn in practice record every Monday

4th Grade Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Red Book: 

    • #92-104:  D scale notes with Bow

      • TEST:  #98 on Monday

  • New World Symphony- try to learn notes for the whole song

    • We will actually really start working on this Monday!

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

  • Turn in practice record every Monday

Week 19:  2/1-2/5

Intermediate Orchestra

• Test on Night Shift moved to later date.  

• Practice:  

  • Nearer my God to Thee- focus on the ending m37-end with counting 

  • Spartacus- work on learning notes for the entire song 

    • We will likely start working backwards from the end next week 

  • Jupiter-  know notes for measures 1-43

    • Listen to the recording above and pluck along

  • Book- #43-52:  C major Practice

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

  • Turn in practice record every Monday

5th Grade Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Red Book

    • Review for Warm-up #1152-157:  Natural Patterns

    • FLIP Test on #157 in Book due February 8th (change from February 1)

  • Exhilaration:  know all notes 

    • Focus on 8th notes being shorter and in lower half of the bow 

  • Gaelic Castle:  know notes all notes

  • A Pirates Dream- Begin learning notes-- these are naturals

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

  • Turn in practice record every Monday

4th Grade Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Red Book: 

    • #92-104:  D scale notes with Bow

      • TEST:  #98 on Monday

  • New World Symphony- try to learn notes for the whole song

    • We will actually really start working on this Monday!

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

  • Turn in practice record every Monday

Week 18:  1/25-1/29

SCHEDULE CHANGE FOR MONDAY- SEE EMAIL NEWSLETTER

Intermediate Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Nearer my God to Thee- focus on the ending m37-end with counting 

  • Spartacus- know notes for measures m1-30 

    • TEST ON FLIP- m11-18

  • Jupiter-  know notes for measures 1-35

    • Listen to the recording above and pluck along

  • Book- #58-62 Dotted Quarter Notes

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

  • Turn in practice record every Monday

5th Grade Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Red Book

    • Review for Warm-up #149-151:  Counting 8th Notes

      • LATE:  Test due on Can-Can 

  • Exhilaration:  know all notes 

    • Focus on the rhythm in m37-43 (listen to the recording for help!)

    • Focus on 8th notes being shorter and in lower half of the bow 

  • Gaelic Castle:  know notes for m1-27

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

  • Turn in practice record every Monday

4th Grade Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Red Book: 

    • #92-98:  D scale notes with Bow

      • TEST:  #92 due on Flip

        • Easiest method- Take a video on a phone.  Scan the QR code I gave them to go to the Flip page.  

        • Find the Right Book Number.  Click Camera.  Upload the video.  

        • Click Pink Arrow.  Click "Post to Topic"

      • Test on #98 soon.

  • New World Symphony- try to learn notes for the whole song

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

• Turn in practice record every Monday

Week 17:  1/18-1/22

Intermediate Orchestra

• Students need an at least an extra 30 minutes on their practice record this week for snow-day makeup (1.5 hours total)

• Practice:  SECTIONAL ON MONDAY- Be Ready to ask questions

  • Nearer my God to Thee- know all notes

    • Test due on Flip m17-28 before class on Monday

  • Spartacus- know notes for measures m1-30 

    • Look ahead at rest of piece and bring questions for Monday

  • Jupiter-  know notes for  measures 1-32

  • Book- #58-62 Dotted Quarter Notes

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

  • Turn in practice record every Monday

5th Grade Orchestra

• Students need at least an extra 30 minutes on their practice record this week for snow-day makeup (1.5 hours total)

• Practice:  

  • Red Book

    • #149-151:  Counting 8th Notes

      • LATE:  Test due on Can-Can 

  • Exhilaration:  know all notes 

    • Focus on 8th notes being shorter and in lower half of the bow 

  • Gaelic Castle:  know notes for m1-10

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

  • Turn in practice record every Monday

4th Grade Orchestra

• Students need at least an extra 30 minutes on their practice record this week for snow-day makeup (1.5 hours total)

• Practice:  

  • Red Book: 

    • #87-92:  D scale notes with Bow

      • Tests coming up on #92, #98

  • New World Symphony- try to learn notes for the whole song

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

  • Turn in practice record every Monday

Week 16:  1/11-1/15

Intermediate Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Nearer my God to Thee- know notes for 1-32

  • Spartacus- know notes for measures 1-18 at least, try to get all the way to 30

  • Book- #58-62 Dotted Quarter Notes

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

  • Turn in practice record every Monday

5th Grade Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Red Book

    • #149-151:  Counting 8th Notes

      • Test due on Can Can next Thursday 1/18

  • Exhilaration:  know notes 

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

  • Turn in practice record every Monday

4th Grade Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Red Book: 

    • #82-92:  D scale notes with Bow

      • Tests coming up on #92, #98

  • New World Symphony- learn the notes for m1-12

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

  • Turn in practice record every Monday

Week 15:  Christmas Break 

Intermediate Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Christmas tunes for fun!

  • Spartacus- we will work on this after break

  • Book- #33-52 (WORK THROUGH THESE PAGES OVER BREAK!) 

• No Practice records over break- but please try to get an hour of practice in over break each week. 

5th Grade Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Your old Christmas tunes for fun!

  • Red Book

    • #142-175 (WORK THROUGH THESE PAGES OVER BREAK!) 

      • You have all the skills needed to play any of these

    • Upcoming test on #150, #157, #174

• No Practice records over break- but please try to get an hour of practice in over break each week. 

4th Grade Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Red Book: 

    • #76- 104 (WORK THROUGH THESE PAGES OVER BREAK!) 

      • You have all the skills needed to play any of these

      • Tests coming up on #92, #98

• No Practice records over break- but please try to get an hour of practice in over break each week. 

Week 14:  12/14-12/18

Intermediate Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Christmas tunes for fun!

  • Spartacus-  we will work on this after break

  • Book- #33-52 (WORK THROUGH THESE PAGES OVER BREAK!) 

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

  • Turn in practice record every Monday

5th Grade Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Bell Carol Tidings- Listen to the recording!

    • Make sure you know all notes.  Carefully count 8th notes. 

    • Practice your runs slowly and get faster

  • Red Book

    • #142-175 (WORK THROUGH THESE PAGES OVER BREAK!) 

      • You have all the skills needed to play any of these

    • Upcoming test on #150, #157, #174

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

  • Turn in practice record every Monday

4th Grade Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Red Book: 

    • Quizzes continue on #75

      • In order to pass, you must have a great bow hold and your bow must move mostly straight.  

      • Practice in front of a mirror, record yourself, and have a family member 'watch' to make sure your bow is straight.  

      • Think about the arm movement needed to achieve a straight bow

        • Violins/Violas- keep the top half of your arm still, pull down from your elbow.  Your wrist must be flexible.  

        • Cellos/basses-  move from the shoulder first, then pull out from the elbow.  Your wrist must be flexible.  

    • #76- 104 (WORK THROUGH THESE PAGES OVER BREAK!) 

      • You have all the skills needed to play any of these

      • Tests coming up on #92, #98

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

• Turn in practice record every Monday

Week 13: 12/8-12/11

Intermediate Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Solos!-  If you did not go to contest, you will be performing for the class this week.  

  • Spartacus-  we will work on this after break

  • Book-  #36-31 with mixed finger patterns

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

  • Turn in practice record every Monday

5th Grade Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Solos!-  If you did not go to contest, you will be performing for the class this week.  

  • Bell Carol Tidings- Listen to the recording!

    • Make sure you know all notes.  Carefully count 8th notes. 

  • Red Book

    • #142-152

    • Upcoming test on #150- Can Can (likely after break as I don't think we will have time to get to it) 

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

  • Turn in practice record every Monday

4th Grade Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Red Book: 

    • Quizzes continue on #75

      • In order to pass, you must have a great bow hold and your bow must move mostly straight.  

      • Practice in front of a mirror, record yourself, and have a family member 'watch' to make sure your bow is straight.  

      • Think about the arm movement needed to achieve a straight bow

        • Violins/Violas- keep the top half of your arm still, pull down from your elbow.  Your wrist must be flexible.  

        • Cellos/basses-  move from the shoulder first, then pull out from the elbow.  Your wrist must be flexible.  

    • #76-80 with bow

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

• Turn in practice record every Monday

Week 12: 11/30-12/4

Intermediate Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Your solo- DUE ON FLIPGRID TODAY if you did not go to contest.  

  • A Christmas Canon- Listen to the recording!

    • Focus on playing with good tone all the way through the 3rd beat- especially on 8th notes.  Try not to let the last note of the slurs "squeak" out. 

    • Focus on the F# and C# on the C and G strings (that means extensions or H3's)

  • Christmas Ensemble 

    • Know you part well.  We will rehearse on Monday with Ms. VanFleet. 

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

  • Turn in practice record every Monday

5th Grade Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Your solo- DUE ON FLIPGRID TODAY if you did not go to contest.  

  • Bell Carol Tidings- Listen to the recording!

    • Make sure you know all notes.  Carefully count 8th notes. 

  • Red Book

    • #142-152

    • Upcoming test on #150- Can Can

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

  • Turn in practice record every Monday

4th Grade Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Red Book: 

    • #55-57 plucking

      • Focus on the arpeggios and getting fingers on the tape

    • #73-81 with bow

      • Test on #75 on Monday

      • In order to pass, you must have a great bow hold and your bow must move mostly straight.  

      • Practice in front of a mirror, record yourself, and have a family member 'watch' to make sure your bow is straight.  

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

  • Turn in practice record every Monday

Week 11: 11/17-11/27

Intermediate Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Your solo:

    • Listen on YouTube to make sure you have the right notes and rhythms

    • Not going to Solo Contest?-  Due on FlipGrid by 11/30

  • A Christmas Canon

    • Make sure you know all notes. Focus on good tone and long slurs. 

    • Focus on the F# and C# on the C and G strings (that means extensions or H3's)

  • Christmas Ensemble 

    • Make sure you know your notes for your part.  We will start putting together more on Monday.  

    • Can you find a time to meet with your friends to practice over break? 

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

  • Turn in practice record every Monday

  • Thanksgiving week is bonus

5th Grade Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Your solo:

    • Listen on YouTube to make sure you have the right notes and rhythms

    • Not going to Solo Contest?-  Due on FlipGrid by 11/30

  • Bell Carol Tidings

    • Make sure you know all notes

  • Red Book

    • #142-152

    • Upcoming test on #150- Can Can

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

  • Turn in practice record every Monday

  • Thanksgiving week is bonus

4th Grade Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Red Book: 

    • We will be resuming working through the book and completing our karate belts

    • We will be working on two book sections at the same time (one plucking, one bow)

    • #53-57 plucking

    • #73-81 with bow

      • Test coming up on #75

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

  • Turn in practice record every Monday

  • Thanksgiving week is bonus

Week 10: 11/9-11/13

Intermediate Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Your solo:

    • Work through 2 measures at a time slowly to make sure you know all the notes

    • Going to Solo Contest? -  Be prepared for 11/18

    • Not going to Solo Contest?-  Due on FlipGrid by 11/30

  • A Christmas Canon

    • Try to figure out notes m1-25

    • Focus on the F# and C# on the C and G strings (that means extensions or H3's)

  • Christmas Ensemble 

    • Make sure you know your notes for your part.  We will start putting together more on Monday.  

    • Can you find a time to meet with your friends to practice? 

• Online Flash Card Assignment for those who need it. 

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

  • Turn in practice record every Monday

5th Grade Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Your solo:

    • Work through 2 measures at a time slowly to make sure you know all the notes

    • Going to Solo Contest? -  Be prepared for 11/18

    • Not going to Solo Contest?-  Due on FlipGrid by 11/30

  • Bell Carol Tidings

    • Try to figure out notes m1-25

  • Red Book

    • We will be working to finish this book soon and complete our karate belts

    • #135-143 SLURS

    • Test due on #141 on FlipGrid for Monday

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

  • Turn in practice record every Monday

4th Grade Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Red Book: 

    • We will be resuming working through the book and completing our karate belts

    • We will be working on two book sections at the same time (one plucking, one bow)

    • #45-52 plucking

      • Test coming up on #52

    • #54-75 with bow

      • Test coming up on #75

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

  • Turn in practice record every Monday

Week 9: 11/3-11/6

Intermediate Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Your solo:

    • Work through 2 measures at a time slowly to make sure you know the notes

  • A Christmas Canon

    • Try to figure out notes m1-25

  • Christmas Ensemble 

    • Look through your parts and be ready to ask questions if needed. 

• Online Flash Card Assignment for those who need it. 

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

  • BONUS POINTS WEEK FOR EXTRA PRACTICE

  • Turn in practice record every Monday

5th Grade Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Your solo:

    • Work through 2 measures at a time slowly to make sure you know the notes

  • Bell Carol Tidings

    • Try to figure out notes m1-25

  • Red Book

    • We will be working to finish this book soon and complete our karate belts

    • #130, 135-143

    • Test coming up on #141

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

  • BONUS POINTS WEEK FOR EXTRA PRACTICE

  • Turn in practice record every Monday

4th Grade Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Red Book: 

    • We will be resuming working through the book and completing our karate belts

    • We will be working on two book sections at the same time (one plucking, one bow)

    • #41-52 plucking

      • Test coming up on #52

    • #58-69 with bow

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

  • BONUS POINTS WEEK FOR EXTRA PRACTICE

  • Turn in practice record every Monday

Week 8: 10/26-10/30

Intermediate Orchestra

• Pick out your solo piece and begin practicing.

• Practice:  

  • Burst- full piece 

    • Add dynamic builds and intensity. 

  • A Shaker Hymn- full piece

    • Focus on releases and landings for good tone.  Always checking pitch.  

  • Pieces of Eight 

    • Work on getting a crisp note.  Pulse on the big beats.  

    • Dynamics!!!

• Online Flash Card Assignment for those who need it. 

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!- BONUS POINTS FOR EXTRA PRACTICE

  • Turn in practice record every Monday

5th Grade Orchestra

• Pick out your solo piece and begin practicing.

• Practice:  

  • Burst -- If you want to play with the older class.  

    • Keep working to figure out the notes!

    • Play with the recording at .5 slow motion. 

    • Violin 1-  Burst! 1st Violin - YouTube 

    • Violin 2- Burst! 2nd Violin - YouTube 

    • Viola- Burst! Viola - YouTube 

    • Cello- Burst! Cello - YouTube 

    • Bass- Burst! Bass - YouTube 

    • Full- Burst! All 5 Parts - YouTube 

  • Appalachian Hymn All 

    • Focus on making it sound beautiful like a hymn

  • Dragonhunter

    • Focus on good tone and precise counting.  

      • Practice with this Video! Dragonhunter, All 5 Parts - YouTube 

      • YouTube 1st Violin Practice along: https://youtu.be/4aj1LGan55U?si=Ip_r6w_mFecuR9ah

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more! BONUS POINTS FOR EXTRA PRACTICE

  • Turn in practice record every Monday.

4th Grade Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • 4th Grade Concert Songs

    • French Folk Song Parts

      • Violins-  1st part

      • Violas- 2nd part

      • Boy Cellos- 3rd part

      • Girl Cellos- 4th part

  • Bow Work- Practice forming bow hold on real bow

    • Pepperoni Pizza Twinkle 

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more! BONUS POINTS FOR EXTRA PRACTICE

• Turn in practice record every Monday

Week 7: 10/20-10/23

Intermediate Orchestra

• Pick out your solo piece and begin practicing.

• Practice:  

  • Burst- full piece 

    • Add the dynamic builds.

  • A Shaker Hymn- full piece

    • Focus on making it sound hymn like

  • Pieces of Eight 

    • Time to make sure you know ALL your notes

    • Song should be played mostly in lower half of bow

• Online Flash Card Assignment 

  • See email newsletter

  • If you haven't turned this in yet, practice at least 5 minutes every day until you can do 100 notes in about 5 minutes with 90+% accuracy.  

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

  • Turn in practice record every Monday

5th Grade Orchestra

• Pick out your solo piece and begin practicing.

• Practice:  

  • Book Songs- Slur Practice- #131-137

    • Play in slow motion making sure your bows move the correct direction.

  • Burst -- If you want to play with the older class.  

    • Keep working to figure out the notes!

    • Play with the recording at .5 slow motion. 

    • Violin 1-  Burst! 1st Violin - YouTube 

    • Violin 2- Burst! 2nd Violin - YouTube 

    • Viola- Burst! Viola - YouTube 

    • Cello- Burst! Cello - YouTube 

    • Bass- Burst! Bass - YouTube 

    • Full- Burst! All 5 Parts - YouTube 

  • Appalachian Hymn All 

    • Focus on making it sound beautiful like a hymn

  • Dragonhunter

    • Time to know all of your notes!  

      • Practice with this Video! Dragonhunter, All 5 Parts - YouTube 

      • YouTube 1st Violin Practice along: https://youtu.be/4aj1LGan55U?si=Ip_r6w_mFecuR9ah

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

  • Turn in practice record every Monday.

4th Grade Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • 4th Grade Concert Songs

  • #35-47in the Book (pages 10-11)

    • Work through a few lines every day. 

    • Say Note names out loud before you play.  

    • When you get to hard measure, stop and do it 5 times. 

  • Bow Work- Practice forming bow hold on real bow

    • Pepperoni Pizza Twinkle 

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

• Turn in practice record every Monday

Week 5: 10/13-16

Intermediate Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Burst- full piece (focus on 33-end)

    • Cellos-  Focus on the REST at 33!  

    • Add the dynamic builds.

  • A Shaker Hymn- full piece

    • Focus on making it sound hymn like

  • Pieces of Eight 

    • Time to make sure you know ALL your notes

    • Song should be played mostly in lower half of bow

• Online Flash Card Assignment 

  • See email newsletter

  • If you haven't turned this in yet, practice at least 5 minutes every day until you can do 100 notes in about 5 minutes with 90+% accuracy.  

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

  • Turn in practice record every Monday

5th Grade Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Book Songs- Slur Practice- #131-137

    • Play in slow motion making sure your bows move the correct direction.

  • Burst -- If you want to play with the older class.  

    • Keep working to figure out the notes!

    • Play with the recording at .5 slow motion. 

    • Violin 1-  Burst! 1st Violin - YouTube 

    • Violin 2- Burst! 2nd Violin - YouTube 

    • Viola- Burst! Viola - YouTube 

    • Cello- Burst! Cello - YouTube 

    • Bass- Burst! Bass - YouTube 

    • Full- Burst! All 5 Parts - YouTube 

  • Appalachian Hymn All 

    • Focus on making it sound beautiful like a hymn

  • Dragonhunter

    • Time to know all of your notes!  

      • Practice with this Video! Dragonhunter, All 5 Parts - YouTube 

      • YouTube 1st Violin Practice along: https://youtu.be/4aj1LGan55U?si=Ip_r6w_mFecuR9ah

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

  • Turn in practice record every Monday.

4th Grade Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • #35-47in the Book (pages 10-11)

    • Work through a few lines every day. 

    • Say Note names out loud before you play.  

    • When you get to hard measure, stop and do it 5 times. 

  • Bow Work- Practice forming bow hold on real bow

    • Pepperoni Pizza Twinkle 

  • Countryside Sunrise #38 for Concert

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

  • Turn in practice record every Monday

Week 5: 10/5-9

Intermediate Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Book Songs #22-31 (page 8-9)

    • Violins/Violas- keep #18-19 as warm-up everyday.  Good 4th finger workout!

  • Burst- full piece (focus on 33-end)

    • Remember to play legato style at 33

    • Add the dynamic builds.

  • A Shaker Hymn- full piece

    • Test Monday with Ms. VanFleet on m30-end.

  • Pieces of Eight 

    • Think about your bow placement and speed to accomplish 6/8 pattern

    • Song should be played mostly in lower half of bow

• Online Flash Card Assignment 

  • See email newsletter

  • If you haven't turned this in yet, practice at least 5 minutes every day until you can do 100 notes in about 5 minutes with 90+% accuracy.  

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

  • Turn in practice record every Monday

5th Grade Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Book Songs- Slur Practice- #131-137

    • Play in slow motion making sure your bows move the correct direction.

  • Burst m1-33

    • Keep working to figure out the notes

  • Appalachian Hymn All (focus on 41-57)

    • Know your notes for Monday at m41- 57.

  • Dragonhunter m1-38

    • Tests are late on m28-38 on Flipgrid if not done

    • 1st violins- try to figure out your notes for the pizzicato section before Monday

      • YouTube 1st Violin Practice along: https://youtu.be/4aj1LGan55U?si=Ip_r6w_mFecuR9ah

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

  • Turn in practice record every Monday.

4th Grade Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • #35-47in the Book (pages 10-11)

    • Work through a few lines every day. 

    • Say Note names out loud before you play.  

    • When you get to hard measure, stop and do it 5 times. 

  • Bow Work- Practice forming bow hold on real bow

    • Pepperoni Pizza Twinkle 

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

  • Turn in practice record every Monday

Week 4: 9/28-10/2

Intermediate Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Book Songs #12-25 (page 6-7)

    • Test on #20 on Flipgrid due Monday

    • Violins/Violas- add #18-19 to your warm-ups every practice.  Good 4th finger workout!

  • Burst- full piece (focus on 33-47)

    • Nail down notes so we can focus on ensemble

  • A Shaker Hymn- full piece

    • Test coming soon on second half of song.

    • Keep working on the difficult bowing.

  • Pieces of Eight m1-50

    • Practice in slow motion to get the bowing precise with 6/8 time

• Online Flash Card Assignment 

  • See email newsletter

  • If you haven't turned this in yet, practice at least 5 minutes every day until you can do 100 notes in about 5 minutes with 90+% accuracy.  

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

  • Turn in practice record every Monday

5th Grade Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Book Songs- #127-130

    • Complete #127 on Flipgrid if you have not completed yet

  • Burst m1-16

    • We will practice this Monday.  Try to figure out your notes. 

  • Appalachian Hymn All (focus on 41-57)

    • Know your notes so we can put the rhythm together.

  • Dragonhunter m1-38

    • Test on m28-38 on Flipgrid due Monday

    • 1st violins- look ahead and practice your notes for m38 section. It's tricky but fun!

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

  • Turn in practice record every Monday.

4th Grade Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • #26-47in the Book (pages 8-10)

    • Work through a few lines every day. 

    • Say Note names out loud before you play.  

    • When you get to hard measure, stop and do it 5 times. 

    • #33 Tests for those who haven't completed. 

      • We will do in class, or you can do it on Flipgrid. 

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

  • Turn in practice record every Monday

Week 3: 9/21-25

Intermediate Orchestra

• Show Mrs. Howard Signed Syllabus

• Practice:  

  • Book Songs #12-21 (page 6-7)

  • Burst- full piece (focus on 33-47)

  • A Shaker Hymn m1-30 (nail down so we can move on)

    • Test coming soon on second half of song

  • Pieces of Eight m1-37

  • Spartacus m1-10

• Online Flash Card Assignment 

  • See email newsletter

  • If you haven't turned this in yet, practice at least 5 minutes every day until you can do 100 notes in about 5 minutes with 90+% accuracy.  

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

  • Turn in practice record every Monday

5th Grade Orchestra

• Show Mrs. Howard Signed Syllabus

• Practice:  

  • Book Songs- #127-130

    • Practice #127 if you needed to re-test

  • Burst m1-16

  • Appalachian Hymn m1-57 (focus on 41-57)

  • Dragonhunter m1-22, m28-38

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

  • Turn in practice record every Monday

4th Grade Orchestra

• Show Mrs. Howard Signed Syllabus

• Practice:  

  • #26-41in the Book (pages 8-10)

    • #33 playing test on Monday

  • Review your Camp Songs

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

  • Turn in practice record every Monday

Week 2: 9/14-18

Intermediate Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Burst m1-33

  • A Shaker Hymn m1-30

  • Pieces of Eight m1-37

  • Spartacus m1-10

• Online Flash Card Assignment 

  • See email newsletter

  • If you haven't turned this in yet, practice at least 5 minutes every day until you can do 100 notes in about 5 minutes with 90+% accuracy.  

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

  • Turn in practice record every Monday

5th Grade Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Burst m1-16

  • Appalachian Hymn m1-33

  • Dragonhunter m1-22

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

  • Turn in practice record every Monday

4th Grade Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • #26-34 in the Book (pages 8-9)

    • #33 will be an upcoming test

  • Review your Camp Songs

• Practice at least 1 hour each week but you can practice more!

  • Turn in practice record every Monday

Week 1: 9/8-11

Intermediate Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Burst m1-16

  • A Shaker Hymn m1-16

  • Pieces of Eight m1-20

  • Spartacus m1-10

• Online Flash Card Assignment 

  • See email newsletter

• Practice at least 1 hour each week

  • Turn in practice record every Monday

5th Grade Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • Burst m1-16

  • Appalachian Hymn m1-16

  • Dragonhunter m1-12

• Practice at least 1 hour each week

  • Turn in practice record every Monday

4th Grade Orchestra

• Practice:  

  • #23-33 in the Book

  • Review your Camp Songs

• Practice at least 1 hour each week

  • Turn in practice record every Monday