Week of 12/9

Hello 3rd graders!  

CONGRATULATIONS on your in-school concerts this week!  You should be so proud of yourselves!

And now we are moving fully into bow-land.  You should be getting comfortable holding your bow at the balance point

Here's a reminder of what we did in class this week: 

- Reviewed how to play C# and high D using some songs on pg. 10 of the book

- Took our bows out, reviewed the parts of the bow and how to tighten and loosen it.  Found the balance point on our bows and practiced holding the bow at the balance point.  Played some bow games on the bow to reinforce great bow hold position

- Attached bow tubes to our instruments with rubber bands (check out the image and video below!!).  These are tubes made out of PVC pipe which help students learn how to use a straight bow.  

- Learned the terms "down bow" and "up bow" and practiced moving our bows in the correct direction

- We played Rosin Rap #37 in our bow tubes while saying the words "down" and "up"

- Took the bow tubes off and played on the open strings a bit 

- Awarded "bow licenses" to those who had earned it by successfully completing their 75 pencil bow holds!

Practice Assignments

Try making your own bow tube at home using an empty toilet paper, paper towel, or wrapping paper roll.  Put a rubber band under the open space and wrap the ends of the rubber band up and around the tube to attach it to the instrument.  You can then play Rosin Raps #37-39 in your bow tube. Click HERE to download the fun MP3 backing tracks to play along with! 

Finish your bow hold learners's permit if you haven't already!  If you have your license, experiment with playing your open strings.  As a BONUS challenge - can you play any of your songs using the bow? 

You can also try #27-36 plucking when you need a bow break to review all of the notes we have learned so far! 

CLICK HERE TO WATCH A VIDEO ON HOW TO PUT ON YOUR BOW TUBE!