Concert/ Next Week: Schedule & Payment / Level 2 planning

 
NEXT WEEK 2 CLASSES ONLY Level 1A and 2 arrive 3:45 start 4pm till 4:45
                                                        Beginning Level- 1B  arrive 4:30 start 4:45 to 5:30
Next week is pay week- Sept 11 start students pay $50. late start students pay $35. all for 12 weeks
Some beginners are still owing for rental fees. Please bring both payments next week.

THIS FRIDAY NIGHT NOV 30 : TOYS for TOTS  CONCERT  6:30 arrival –Concert: 7 to 8pm

·         Please arrive at Canadian Tire Shoppers World Christmas tree area by 6:30 pm

·         Wear black bottoms and MATT  T- shirt -some will receive new shirts that night

                  please bring payment owed for t-shirts

·         If you wish to wear  a long sleeved shirt underneath, please  try to stick with colors on shirt 

·         Bring your instrument, - cellos bring  belts for end pins

·         Those who use music stands please bring them

·         Have music attached in binder or clipped together in program  order see below

·         We start at 7 pm, finish about 8 pm

 BOLD ITEMS ALL STUDENTS PLAY 

                                                                    PROGRAM

ALL students -open string rhythms

ALL-Scale of D in round

ALL -Doh a Deer (slow D scale)

ALL-Twinkle with cello acc.

  all sit down (ADULTS PLAY)

Level 1A & 2: Lightly Row -cello acc.

1A & 2: Jingle Bells 2 parts

all sit down (ADULTS PLAY)

ALL assemble to play

Jolly Old St Nicholas: 1B play open strings

all sit down ( ADULTS PLAY)

1A&2: Joy to the World

1A&2: Pachelbel Canon

ALL ASSEMBLE TO PLAY TWINKLE again

END
 

Program:  Practice everything you know on that list so that you are GOOD  AT  IT,

and then have fun playing the concert!

NB: Parents may have to stand most of the time, but can sit in children’s seats while they are playing.
.

LEVEL 2 PROGRAM ENHANCEMENTS: Private lessons and Theory START JANUARY  10

As planned we will begin Level  2  Additional classes in January. These one hour sessions will take place Thursday evenings in our usual party room space, with solo lessons in the “kitchen area” and theory classes in the large room at tables near the window. For theory class you will be using the All for Strings theory workbook 1, which will cost $10.00 per student, to be paid January 10 Pleasec ontact Ms Currie if you have any questions

Each child will have a ½ hr. private lesson and a theory lesson held one after the other. Scheduling will be arranged in the next few weeks, before Christmas break.

 Cello classes will take place from 5 to 6 pm.

 Violin classes  will take place from 6:00 to 8:00 pm

THURSDAY EVENING ENHANCED CLASSES .

PLEASE NOTE:  Except for the first 2 dates  JANUARY 10 and 17 , these classes take place on alternate Thursdays. We are hiring  teachers for your additional learning benefit. Therefore you are expected to attend all of these classes and must call Ms Currie if there is any urgent need to be absent. Since you are being given more than a month advance notice there should be no need to miss any of them. The teacher will be assigning practice homework, which is very important to your progress and which will enhance your orchestra class lessons . Your effort and progress in theory and private lessons will be tracked by Ms. Currie to support your musical development. 

ENHANCED PROGRAM DATES: please record and reserve these dates:

January 10, 17, 31^st  / Feb 14 , 28/   March 21/  April 4, 18^th/ May 2, 16 , 30/ June 13 ,27

 

COME TO A LIVE ORCHESTRA CONCERT

The Rose Orchestra of Brampton which I play in, and the Rosebud Youth Orchestra are offering   a "KID  SEAT  FREE"  with one adult ticket purchased for our next concert.

               Saturday November 17  at 8 pm

           at the Rose Theatre (Queen at Main)- just a few blocks away from us.
There is nothing so inspiring for young players than to see and hear a live symphony orchestra right in front of their eyes. The Rosebud Orchestra, made up of  children between the ages of 8 and 18, plays a few pieces right after intermission. Your child could play in this group some day-with practice of course!
SO I am hoping that one (or more) adult for each "Music At The Towers" child will purchase a ticket and take your young violinist or cellist to the concert FREE. I will send you via e-mail the poster and bring a copy to class.

This week Homework-  .
LEVEL 2 - Aim for 5 practice days per week!
please see last week's homework - continue to practice all items.
NEW this week:

• All for Strings Book from # 86 to #94- slurs (2 notes in one bow)
• Joy to the World - remember the scale of D notes downwards from the top- and you've got it, violins! up to line 2 bar 2. Bowing for the first bar, practice on open string:  DOWN -UP- UP- DOWN, then add fingers.

LEVEL 1 - Aim for 4 practice days per week!

• Continue checking for correct bow and instrument  hold positions
• Continue     bowing the 3 different rhythms -see last week's blog
• Open string cycle -clear sound, straight bow
• Open-1 String Cycle-  listen for correct tuning (doh- ray sound)   
• Review Twinkle line 1: D D A A/ B B A_  

NEW this week: 1. Jolly Old St Nick

open strings-long bows:

//: G_G_/D_D_/G_G_ /G___/

E_E_/G_G_/D_D_/ (1st time )D___://

                                                                   (2nd time) G___ //

Note: we are learning more terms in the language of MUSIC! 

                                       /  to / is a "bar" or "measure" -4 counts

 //:     ://means repeat this section

// means the end

2. The D SCALE: sounds like : do ray mi fah so lah ti doh

                          Start on the D string: D_E_   F#_  G_

                                                             0_ 1_   2(3)_3(4)_ (brackets)-for cello

                                     then  A string  A_B_  C#_   D_

                                                             0_ 1_  2(3)_3(4)  

                                     Have FUN! Keep up the good work!

November Concert Date and ABSENT CHILDREN!!

REMINDER: PARENTS  all signed an application in which you were asked to do four very important things:

• SUPERVISE DAILY PRACTICE between classes
• CALL AHEAD WHEN YOU ARE GOING TO BE ABSENT
• PLEASE DO NOT MISS CLASSES OR CONCERTS,
•  OR SCHEDULE APPOINTMENTS DURING CLASS TIME unless absolutely urgent

The success of your child depends on these three factors along with your careful attention at class.

November performance:
We have been invited to share in helping other children with the Toys for Tots drive shared between Canadian Tire and Salvation Army.
Canadian Tire 's Manager, Mike Kenopic, loves our program and is now a sponsor of Music at the Towers. SO we can show our gratitude by playing a concert at his Canadian Tire Store- Shopper's World 
DATE: Friday night November 30 - arrive 6:15 pm concert is 7pm-8pm.
All children are asked to attend. Attire will be discussed, but please wear a black skirt or pants.

Home work this week.
Level 1- please review your perfect bow grip, holding postion lots of times each day.
           - do 3 rhythms (eg run pony) using elbow at upper half of bow -see last week blog for details
           - open string cycle across all strings
           - 0-1 string cycle listen for perfect tuning
Twinkle- line 1: D D A A /B   B     A
                          0 0-  0  0  /A1 A1   0

Practise at least 4 times each week!

Level 2
For November Concert:
Twinkle with cello acc.
Long Long Ago with cello acc.
Canon-
Jingle bells -NEW violins: DF#A- /  play 4 x , DGB-/ DF#A-/ DEE/   //1st X A A/  2nd X- DAD//
Concert Song #75
Duet # 84
NEW O Come little children:work on bowing open strings first LH/ WB. short short,etc  
Jolly Old St Nicholas
NEW Joy to the World -line 1
Practise at least 5 times each week- or more!

Moving forward!! Check later this week for photos.

Level 1A and 1B Homework.:    

• PRACTICE at least 4 times per week
• Your daily practice may take 10 to15 minutes .

Use the chart to remind yourself what to work on:
bring Practice chart to class for checking at beginning of class

Continue to check BOW GRIP and instr. HOLD POSITION , standing/sitting position              

Practice 3 rhythms on all strings : Mrs.sippi hot dog,
                                Mrs.sippi, Mrs sippi ELBOW does the work

and RUN PONY, RUN PONY
that is, long-short,short bows
 

Remember: FOR GOOD SOUND:- straight bow- stays parallel to bridge

- solid bow grip

- all of arm weight rests on hand and therefore the string

- pull up and down using wrist to keep bow straight

REVIEW: PLACEMENT OF LEFT HAND FINGERS

fingers are little hammers- stay in curved shape

slide left hand towards end of string (nut) till knuckle and "happy face" are  in place

finger tip presses firmly onto string

should sound like doh- ray-listen for correct sound 

 pluck string 0-1 ie., open (no fingers)-then one finger down

then draw bow for same notes

 

practise on every string-"0-1 string cycle"

YOU ARE MAKING GREAT PROGRESS- KEEP AT IT!

 

LEVEL 2

PRACTICE 5 times per week- BRING CHART TO CLASS

Daily Practice Assignments:

• Listen for perfect tuning ALWAYS
• Scale of D and G -after one time, play in slurs, 2 notes per bow

• Finger exercise -very quick 0-1 on each string
• Duet # 79
• Jolly Old St Nicholas- cellos practice "check-marked" bars especially
• Lightly Row (cello ensemble-3rd part) and Twinkle -review only

NEW- O Come Little Children-#89  watch full and half bows, eg. UH-upper half

                                                                   LH- lower half,and WB whole bow.

Be ready to play this through correctly next week!

 

Looking forward to making music with you TUESDAY

CHECK BACK FOR PICTURES LATER THIS WEEK!

New times and PHOTOS this week!

As mentioned we will be separating older from younger beginners starting this week.
Students 11-17 will come at 4:30 to 5:30
Students 6 to 9 will come  at  5:15 to 6:15
Be ready ALL with your beautiful positions and your smiles!! for pictures. We will post some of them on this blog in the following weeks.

Level 1 Homework.:

• PRACTICE at least 4 times per week
•  bring Practice chart to class for checking at beginning of class.
• Your daily practice may take 10 to15 minutes at this point.

USe the chart to remind yourself what to work on:

       Check BOW GRIP and instr. HOLD POSITION , standing/sitting  position OFTEN                  

     soon it will be absolutely natural and comfortable for you!

3 rhythms: Mrs.sippi hot dog, Mrs.sippi,Mrs sippi
NEW- RUN PONY, RUN PONY
use short-long bows as needed for correct rhythm
on ALL open strings (no fingers)-"string cycle"

FOR GOOD SOUND:- straight bow- stays parallel to bridge

                                                                       - solid bow grip

                                     - all of arm weight rests on hand and therefore the string

                                     - pull up and down using wrist to keep bow straight

 

NEW: PLACEMENT OF LEFT HAND FINGERS

fingers are little hammers- stay in curved shape

slide left hand towards end of string (nut) till knuckle is in place

finger tip presses firmly onto string

should sound like doh- ray-listen for correct sound when you

1.pluck string -open (no fingers)-then one finger down

then draw bow for same notes

practise on every string-"0-1 string cycle"

listen carefully that

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

 

 

LEVEL 2: PRACTICE FIVE TIMES EACH WEEK.

                 Bring practice chart to class-hand in at beginning.

Assignments:

D scale , G scale smoothly and in tune

Finger exercise 0-1 very quickly on all strings-aim for very clear sound

Songs: Cellos: Lightly Row  and Doh a Deer accompaniments

Violins: Lightly Row and all other songs-review

ALL: Book: #64-learn to play quickly, then review 75

#79. Learn both parts of #79- Duets to be played in class.

JOLLY OLD ST NICHOLAS- learn to play perfectly in tune and at singing speed

If all is good, we will start a new Carol -Joy to the World

 

TO BECOME VERY COMFORTABLE AND GOOD AT IT-

PRACTICE OFTEN and PRACTICE CAREFULLY!

 

 

 

 

 

 

RECENT STUDENTS- SPECIAL: CLASS

As we add new students , (which is very important for our program to do!), we can see that the first few are having to wait for others to catch up during class, which is not the best way to go for sure!
Nayan, Joanna, and Cesar, who are the newest students, will be called to set up a special class before Tuesday. If you would like to join into this class for extra help, please call Ms. Currie: 905-459-9606.

SO although the newer students will continue to attend with us, and we may even add a couple more, we will be planning a special catch up class or two for the last entrants in the program.
This week there are 2 more recruitment sessions at the Towers - we will then close enrolment, and work to ensure all are moving forward together.

Meanwhile, here is what we are working on at home for this week:
LEVEL 1 Beginners:
DON"T FORGET TO FILL IN THE PRACTICE CHART every time you review your lesson, at least 4 times per week- dates in left column, check marks across the page.
Level 1:bow hold-: "bunny" -flexing of fingers, bent thumb-firm hold with middle 2 fingers (ears up)
                                  wrist exercise with eraser- elbow and shoulder relaxed
                                 " wind shield wiper" for finger strengthening
              String Cycle - long bows-start on lowest string, weight of arm
                                      (C)GDA(E) cello starts with lowest string- C, violin has highest- E
              bowing - middle of bow- rhythms on each string
                                                        "mississippi hot dog" short short short short long long
                                                        "misissippi mississippi" all short bows

To make a STRONG, clear sound- make sure you have:

• a firm bow grip
•  the bow is staying on one spot on the string
•  the bow is moving parallel to the bridge

VIOLINS: Remember to hold the violin using the weight of the head on the chin rest.

LEVEL 2:
DON"T FORGET TO FILL IN AND BRING PRACTICE CHART TO CLASS
 LOTS of review from last year: suggestion- work on two each day for 5 practice days
Twinkle- cellos  learning the accompaniment
Lightly Row-  cellos learning the accompaniment- pizzicato
Concert Song: #75
Rosa Lee
Doh a Deer- violins- it is a very slow D scale  cellos learn accompaniment line
Pachelbel Canon- don't forget this one- it's a crowd pleaser!
NEW: work on these every practice session- JINGLE BELLS #64
                          homework:  All for Strings book #78 and #79
                                              Jolly Old St. Nicholas- cellos have this music- violins, next week.

 Have a very good week!
                                                  

Happy Thanksgiving!

Everybody gets an extra day off this week-end to appreciate all the good things! Music is one of the best things you can be involved in- it brings lifelong joy, in many different ways. 
SO where are we going with this?
Keep on with your daily review sessions at home- you are giving yourself a magnificent gift, which 90% of children don't have a chance to receive!

Level 1: Your simple beginning exercises are setting you up for very comfortable ease with your instrument, so you can move on and learn more.

Do careful repetitions of :

• bow grip review- all fingers rounded 
• (remember the bunny!) elevator(with coin or eraser for wrist)
• instrument holding, standing position
• rest position
• string naming  C G D A E
• bowing-short bows at middle: mississippi hotdog  (shortshortshortshort long long)

Level 2: This week we review all songs , reverse #75 duet parts and Rosa Lee.
Work on Jingle Bells- learn it from memory!
We will be performing for an audience at Christmas time.

Enjoy some quality family time this week-end! Play your songs for your family- they'll love it!
Happy Thanksgiving!