It has been a great start to instrumental lessons this winter and spring. We are all still in the very beginning stages of making noises that are “starting” to sound like musical notes, but this is a key time of challenge. We have gotten over the newness of holding the instruments in our hands, and perhaps the sound is not yet where we want it to be. It is really common to feel discouraged a couple of months into having an instrument. Learning an instrument takes a lot of persistence and caring. Here’s a link to a short video I created to encourage kids to hang in there. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ok1oI9JA594&feature=youtu.be with the help of a few other music teachers around the state. I have continued to send home slips of paper that includes a suggested 10-minute practice session for their instruments. It is hoped that students will practice their instruments at least three days per week using these suggestions. Many of our students have reminded me how busy they are with sports and other activities. I gently remind them that it takes patience and practice to get better at something, and they need to try to find those ten minutes if possible. It will make a difference!! We are on our fifth week of those suggestions, and this week we are going to assess how their skills are coming along by way of an individual demonstration this Wednesday, April 18. Here is the criteria I’ll be looking for:
PRACTICE: CHECK IN / INSTRUMENTAL TEST; Week 4
FLUTE: Can I demonstrate:
- A Bb Major Scale (Concert Bb scale) with steady air and consistent tone?
- Hot Crossed Buns without mistakes?
- One other song I have memorized of at least 4 measures?
- Sight reading/ recognizing at least Bb, C, D, E , F notes
PRACTICE : CHECK IN / INSTRUMENTAL TEST; Week 4
TRUMPET: Can I demonstrate:
- A C Major Scale (Concert Bb scale) with steady air and consistent tone?
- Hot Crossed Buns without mistakes?
- Sliding from C to G ?
- One other song I have memorized of at least 4 measures?
- Sight reading/ recognizing at least C, D, E , F , G notes
PRACTICE : CHECK IN / INSTRUMENTAL TEST; Week 4
PERCUSSION: Can I demonstrate:
- A Bb Major Scale (Concert Bb scale) with steady beat on mallets and consistent speed up and down?
- Hot Crossed Buns without mistakes?
- A para diddle with both R and L starting hands
- A bounce roll that I hold for 16 counts
- One other song I have memorized of at least 4 measures?
- Sight reading/ recognizing at least Bb, C, D, E , F notes
We are also working like crazy on our note reading, dynamic markings, bass clef notes , and Cabaret ideas. Don’t forget to have that Act Proposal form into me by Wednesday!
Oh, and one more FUN note reading computer game that is an easy download is called “Staff Wars”. It’s a free download found here: http://www.themusicinteractive.com/downloads.html
Thanks! Kendra
