Summer Practicing and Year End Reflection!
Message about Orchestra Class Placement
Orchestra placement for the start of next school year has been posted at school and online. As students reflect on their best efforts throughout this past year and contemplate their potential for growth, it is very important to remember why orchestra is a great experience no matter what level we find ourselves at. Every class needs wonderful leaders for success. Every class has new music and technique to learn. Every class has at least a few of your friends! Every class has the invaluable and fun experience of performing at concerts together. While I value competitiveness in students as generally a good indicator of motivation and a great way to drive the general level of playing higher throughout the program, it makes me sad if it’s the only thing keeping people in orchestra. My goal is to nurture students who love music and not students who constantly compare themselves to other students. The ideal student is competitive enough to practice and adequately prepare for tests and auditions, but is not so competitive that deep discouragement arises from temporary seating/placement/scoring. It’s a hard balance to achieve, but important for dealing with many aspects of life!
For practicing over the summer:
1. Please practice! Be sure to log your practicing for evidence that you are ready to re-audition at the beginning of the school year if you choose to do so.
2. I recommend purchasing the following books now to be prepared for the requirements of the next school year. The books have lots of songs to practice and to choose from for such events like solo and ensemble. Also, many private teachers teach out of these books.
· Beginners: Essential Elements for Strings Book 1 (be sure to buy specifically for your instrument) and Suzuki Book 1, (1 octave scales)
· Intermediate/Advanced: Essential Elements for Strings Book 2 and Suzuki book 2 and/or 3 (2 octave scales)
· Sinfonia/Chamber: Essential Elements for Strings Book 3 and Suzuki Book 3, 4 and/or 5 (3 Octave scales)
3. Knowing your scales is really important and will be tested periodically throughout the school year. Scales are used to teach shifting and positions, finger patterns, note reading, music theory concepts, bowings and tone production. Online you can google scale sheets for your instrument. Be sure to specify how many octaves (1, 2 or 3 octave scales). There are some scales found in each of the Essential Elements books as well.
Attributes of a successful musician
So many things weigh into the decision to promote students to higher levels (and this is in addition to managing class sizes and ensemble balance – as in each instrument represented). It’s not just about raw talent or how accurately a student can play one particular song at a given moment. In order to be in the top groups that perform often and represent the school at UIL, other behavioral/conduct factors are taken into consideration:
1. Positive Attitude
2. Eagerness to learn
3. Organized enough to keep track of music and instrument
4. Responsible enough to turn forms in on time and to bring all necessary materials to class on time.
5. Focused and quiet during instruction and rehearsal time
6. Kind and helpful towards others (not judgmental)
7. Willingness to give 100 percent of best effort every time
8. Adaptable
9. Good communicator
10. Able to try new things and to “think outside the box” a little.
Every student has at least one attribute that they can be proud of… and at least one attribute that they can work on for next semester! Carefully consider the list and make an individualized growth plan for your next semester.