There's MUSIC IN THE AIR!

PARENT REMINDERS
Thank you for you patience with the renovation disruptions. I am glad they are keeping the place in good repair, but it does cause us some inconvenience from time to time!

FEES for the last (longer session -15 weeks) were due THIS WEEK.
Most level 2 Parents submitted payment Tiesday the 26th, but many Level 1 did not.
ONCE AGAIN, here are the options: pay for the rest of the year till end of  June $65.00
                                                             pay for the next 2 months till end of April $35.00
                                                             and May 7 pay $30.00 for remainder till end of June

NB Next payment opportunity: Thursday March 7 or Tuesday March12th - please have it ready!

LEVEL 2 Individual Lessons Thursday Feb 28  postponed from this week till next week- May 7th

PRACTICE CHARTS ARE IMPORTANT  . Keep this check going and please bring them to
                                                                          class every week for checking. Look around the class-
                                                           the confident children are the ones who review lots each week!

 

 

Homework Level 2: 
                    
1. SCALES: D Major, C Major- NO #'(sharps)
                 G Major- find instructions in last weeks' Blog ie:practice moving the WHOLE HAND up till your 1st finger is exactly on the 3rd finger spot (whole tone above 4th finger spot for cello)Repeat the shift alone MANY TIMES till you have memorized the movt accurately

2.Make sure you are comfortable reading in AFS BOOK# 129-quick tempo, and 133,134, 137.
RE #133 GO TO YOU TUBE! Find Beethoven violin concerto and listen to/watch a performance of the ANDANTE movement. Better still, watch the whole Cnncerto!!!

3. Work carefully on Songs:
Start by repeating more difficult spots till they are neat and clean and in tune :
Then play through and find more spots that need careful work, etc.

There's Music in the Air AFS # 126

Rosa Lee,

Pizzicato Magic

Celtic Dance- needs lots of work!

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Homework Level 1

1. Eraser exercise : then open strings using wrist to keep bow straight
2. 0-1 string cycle- for 1st finger tuning
3. Scale of D, Scale of G
4. Twinkle- long bows,
then try a rhythm throughout eg. Mrssippi hot dog, etc.
5. NEW RHYTHM  first on open strings-"I stop and you stop"
6. All for Strings Book: Review up to #11
                                              

 

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ENJOY YOUR MUSIC MAKING,
YOUNG MUSICIANS! 

Making Music: in Harmony Together

It is SO gratifying to see all of our students moving forward week by week, and it is clear to see the effects of the  practice going on at home. Some of our students -and their parents! clearly are putting in the time to review a little each day. This brings such confidence for your child when she or he comes to class with the improved understanding and  skills that your time together at home brings.

PARENT REMINDERS for next week:
1. Some still owe $20 for music stands.
2. Session fees are due next Tuesday: Please bring cash payment to class next week. Total for the last session of 15 weeks till the end of June: $65.00 This can be paid in one instalment or two:
For two instalments : Feb 26- $35.00 and April 30- $30.
3. THURSDAY LESSONS for  Feb 28, next week are changed to March 7th. Please mark you calendars.

Also ADVANCE PLANNING: The Tuesday class MAY 7th will be held on Thursday  MAY 9th instead. Please do what you can do make this switch, and let me know if there is any problem with this- your co-operation is greatly appreciated! By then we will be preparing for our year-end concert. The concert date is not yet decided.

HOMEWORK THIS WEEK:
LEVEL 2
1.TWO OCTAVE G Scale with "Shifting" for all instruments.
1st octave G to G is same as normal all students shift up on the A string as follows:
Viola and Violin: second octave:G-(3 on D) A(open) B-1 C-2 shift up to play D(normally 3) with 1, then  continue on same string E-2 F#-3 G-4 .
Cello : G-(4 on D) A(open) B-1 C-2 D- 4 , shift up to play E with 1 (thumb is at neck )
NEW #129- let's be ready to play this "up tp speed" next week.
NEW SONG: CELTIC DANCE
Review Concert Trio, Rosa Lee, Pizzicato Magic

LEVEL 1:
Review D scale, G scale with proper position of bow (tilted away from nose) and wrist pulling up on up bow strokes.
Twinkle with rhythms: Mississippi mississppi and Run Pony. Each rhythm is repeated 2 x on each note of song
Review: Long. Long Ago- use hand out if needed to remember notes
NEW: AFS Book #7, 8 .
ADD # 9 and 10

Have a very good week! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

MAKING MUSIC in HARMONY!

LEVEL 2
1.Yesterday's class was QUITE disrupted by repairs in our class area. But a warm THANK YOU goes out to our parents and students who persevered, and helped in every way possible! As the workman said- this is for YOU! So we have no more broken floor areas anyway.
2. Please be reminded that we DO have private/theory lessons on Valentine's Day-tomorrow as scheduled
3. CHANGE in LESSON/THEORY schedule: February 28th class has been changed to MARCH 7th-please mark your calendars. We do not plan to change any of the other dates.

4. HARMONY: Level 2 students have almost arrived! What I mean is, that we are now reading and playing in HARMONY- three parts in the Concert Trio started yesterday. The top part is usually the melody and often has more notes than the lower parts. However,  the middle and lower parts require just as much effort and even MORE listening, as they provide both the foundation and the beauty of the music, through enriching the harmonies! So whichever part we play, we have to begin to LISTEN a lot more CAREFULLY- learn your part well so you can focus on listening to the whole group to make beautiful music!!
 Once we finish the book, we will be moving into more advanced sheet music and then into Baroque Masterpieces!

LEVEL 1
We have reached a milestone in our classes now- reading music opens the door to A WHOLE NEW WORLD! Some of you are practising EVERY DAY- guess who is most confident in class?
PARENTS: Below is a suggested practice routine. Each part can be done each day, but vary the time spent on each part, so that practice is no more than 20-25 min., unless they insist on continuing. NEVER force the child to practise more( if they have a sad or mad face)- make games out of each part and laugh lots. Hve a little concert , where the child chooses to play for you, without you saying anything at all- you are the audience- clap and praise often!
Change up which part comes first each day. 1. STRAIGHT BOWS-string cycles- 4-5 minutes:
Work on correct posture and flexible wrist exercise (with eraser)- keep wood of bow tilted slightly away from you and always hold the bow correctly.
                                                       2. RHYTHMS- open strings: in MIDDLE of BOW use elbow 4min
                                                       3. SCALES of D and G last Blog has all the notes- 5 min.
                                                       4. Long, Long Ago- review each part, then whole song-5-10 min
                                                       5. BOOK READING : review up to # 7- 5 min.
                                                       6. Twinkle :Play through for enjoyment 2 min.- good tuning
                                                       
                                                                   

NOTE READING AND MUSIC STANDS

LEVEL 1 PARENTS
MUSIC STAND RETURN: Parents whose child received a brown-boxed music stand are asked to hold on to the box and return the whole package TWO WEEKS FROM TODAY,  February 12TH.
I will exchange it for the one with a black carry bag. I was told they were all the same, but some came without the bag.. Take good care of it till then, please!
If you haven't paid for it, please do so at that time: $20.

LEVEL 1 HOMEWORK:
1.PRACTICE SCALES:    listen carefully for correct tuning of notes
                                          start on D scale :DEF#GABC#D and back
                                             AND G scale: GABC#DEF#G and back down
2.TWINKLE with long bows and smooth sound , add rhythms "misissppi hotdog", etc.
3.A NEW PHASE HAS BEGUN!! Note reading:A) REVIEW:Study the front pages and pictures in "All for Strings" method book received today.  P 4 & 5-good position pictures and info!
                                                                 B) PAGE 14 -top : Memorize your staff lines and spaces
                                                                 C)  Review and play everything from page 14 # 1 to #4.
REVIEW :Long, long ago:
TOP line 1: 4/4 //: D_ D E / F#_F# G / A__ B A /F#___/
                              (d0_ d0 d1/d2_ d2 d3/ a0_ a1 a0 / d2___/) fingering for line 1

line 2A 1st time only:A_ G F# / E___ / G_ F# E /D____://
                                   ( a0_ d3 d2 / d1__/ d3_d2 d1/ d0___):// repeat from beginning

line 2B 2nd time A_ G F# /E__ F#E /D____/D_____ FINE
                            (a0_ d3 2 / 1__2 1 / 0____/0______) (END)
line 3 -play 2 times //:A__ G F# /E_A A / G__ F#E /D_____://Da Capo (BACK TO TOP)-
                                (//: 0__ d3, 2 / 1_ g1,g1/ d3_ 2 1/ d0____://) al FINE ( to END)

LEVEL 2 HOMEWORKScales: G two octaves and D
Method Book All for Strings: REVIEW: #84 O Come Little Children- with correct bowings
                                                                  #105,106,108-prepare for slurs, 110 to 113
                                                NEW: 114,115,116, 117
NEW SONG: Pizzicato Magic practice slowly, counting eighth notes: 1+2+3+4+
CHECK previous week's blog for ideas about how to practice with purpose.

Books and music stands !

ALL PARENTS:
February 9 "demo"  is now off. We will hope to be able to do this sometime in the future, when we have $2 million worth of liability insurance for the event!
LEVEL 1 PARENTS
Next week we will start to read music!
Your child will sign out a Method book called "All for Strings" so that he/she will begin to learn to read music on their instrument.This book is free to borrow.
HOWEVER: They will need to have a music stand for home and class. It will cost $20.00 and will be yours to keep. Please call NOW to place your order-905-459-9606 and bring your $20 to class if you are ordering one. If no answer, please leave name and information on voice mail .
We will pick them up for you so that next week you can have your stands and books.

LEVEL 1 HOMEWORK THIS WEEK
Review all scales, rhythms and TWINKLE . Keep practice chart updated.
Be careful to always  keep the bow stick leaning slightly away from your nose

SONG to COMPLETE FOR NEXT WEEK:
Long, long ago:
           TOP   line 1:   4/4 //: D_   D E / F#_F# G / A__   B   A /F#___/
                                              d0_ d0 d1/d2_ d2 d3/ a0_   a1 a0 / d2___/

          line 2A 1st time only:A_ G F# / E___ / G_ F# E  /D____://
                                              a0_ d3 d2 / d1__/ d3_d2 d1/ d0___:// repeat from beginning

          line 2B 2nd time                 A_ G F# /E__ F#E /D____/D_____ FINE
                                                       a0_ d3 2  / 1__2   1  / 0____/0______ (END)
 line 3 -play 2 times //:A__ G  F# /E_A  A  / G__ F#E /D_____://Da Capo (BACK TO TOP)-
                                  //: 0__ d3, 2 / 1_ g1,g1/ d3_  2   1/  d0____:// al FINE      ( to END)


LEVEL 2 HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT
 All for Strings: do 4 to 6 new exercises each day, playing them 2 or 3 times for perfection!, then review again later in week.
1. review: #102
NEW: 103,105-mark in finger #'s (IN PENCIL ONLY) if needed, for any exercise.
            106, 107, 108
NEWER!:   G STRING READING: 110, 111, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117-120.
                       HAVE FUN!!!  YOU GUYS ARE GOOD!!!

PHASE TWO IS UNDERWAY!

We are very pleased and excited to report that our long-awaited phase 2 has now begun.
This part of the program offers enhanced learning opportunies to those who have reached Level 2 and/or have been in the program for a year or more.
We have two teachers giving private instruction and a Parent volunteer, Shelley Lanktree, coaching theory, to the Level 2 children on alternate Thursdays.
Both teachers, Marilyn Mckay and Cecilia Lee, are energetic members of Brampton's Rose Orchestra, and have already provided a boost to their students! Each child will be free now to move ahead at his or her own pace-as quickly as they can. As always, their progress depends on their own efforts to practise carefully and often!
We wish all Level 2 students great success-they will be able to provide support and leadership to the Level 1 children also, as we play together in class and in concerts.

Level 1 students are about to begin the reading segment of their training, so that they can join into Phase 2 next year with the enhanced program.

ALL PARENTS- Please check your calendar for Saturday Feb 9th-time -TBA demonstration at Shoppers World Recreation and Leisure Show- to be discussed next Tuesday

Homework this week:  Bring Practice charts filled in thoroughly
Level 2- 1. Several new parts of the All for Strings Method book are to be studied and learned at home as well as the ones already covered in class. All of the below items are to be thoroughly learned.
                                               #95, 96,[97,98A-review],98B, [100 and 101 review]
Please be sure to be able to play all of these well so we can move quickly through the book and begin sheet music for the May Concert.

               2. Practice carefully all items noted in your private lesson notes so that you are ready to move forward tomorrow with your teacher.

Level 1- Bring Practice charts filled in thoroughly.
 Daily practice should include:String cycle, 0-1 string cycle, checking position of bow and instrument
                                                 Scale of D, scale of G, check for perfect tuning
                                   all rhythms -check correct part of bow for each:upper half, except for Run Pony
                                                 Twinkle-smooth playing
                                          Long, Long Ago- 2 lines, to be played individually in class
LEVEL 1 PARENTS- Next week please bring $20.00 for the purchase of music stands, unless you already have one which your child can bring to class. We will be handing out All for Strings Method books and begin reading notes in class the following week. Students will need stands for class and for home practice.

A Musical Sign-post: ATTENDING a LIVE CONCERT

It was a great pleasure to see so many of you in attendance last night at the Rose Orchestra Concert!
Hearing and seeing live concerts, although not intended specifically to entertain children, is a very important part of musical education, and goes hand in hand with learning an instrument .

It is not always easy for families to attend concerts, for many reasons, and the first experience will have varying effects on children. Just know that this is part of required learning of young musicians.The more times they experience live performances of their instruments, the more familiar they are with the purpose and rewards which accompany this endeavour. And the more they understand the art of music making.

Our program is designed to echo a world-wide movement: to uplift the life experience, to enhance the capacity to think and feel, and to work  with others in harmony-through music.

Google "el Systema"

Children may not understand the importance of developing  this talent-they can become discouraged at times.
But parents hold the key to their success-

• Always make sure you pay attention to what is being learned in class. Check BLOG weekly.
• Praise them for what they do well!
• Show them their progress-they know and can do lots of things they couldn't do 2 -3 months ago.
• make their practice a part of daily routine- make sure to choose a time when they are not tired, but keep the same time every day.
• Let them help choose the regular practice time, and what to work on first.
• Be persistent and methodical in practice time, but always kind. Have a sense of humour.
• Keep the time limit promise: 20-30 min. unless THEY choose to do more -careful practice
• Praise more than correct!

 Think of this project as something they do till they graduate from high school- think how well they'll play by then!!!!

 It's a special gift YOU ARE GIVING THEM- for their WHOLE LIFE!

Quick homework review for Tuesday:

LEVEL 1: BRING PRACTICE CHART -hand in at tuning time. 4x 20 min practice times per week
Continue scales , rhythms, Twinkle every day

Long, Long Ago Learn line 1 and 2 -given in previous Blog :
4/4 //: D_ D E /F#_F# G / A_ B A /F#___/
d0 d0 d1/d 2 d2 d3/ a0 a1 a0/ d2

A_ G F# / E___ / G_ F# E /D____://
a0 d3 d2 / d1___ / d3_d2 d1/ d0 :// repeat from beginning to end of line 1


LEVEL 2: BRING PRACTICE CHART -hand in at tuning time. 5x 30 min practice times per week
Homework-: 1. Continue note -reading practice: Complete All for Strings up to #95. careful reading. from easy lines to more difficult ones- 10-15 minutes per day .
2. Practise for Lesson 2 this Thursday Jan 17. -10 -20 min per day bring Suzuki Book 1, teachers notes in dictation book and  theory book, with work completed.