Dear families of Bowman string players:
Here’s an update on some of the things we’ve been doing, as well as upcoming events.
WHAT WE’VE BEEN DOING
In our string lessons, we’ve been learning a number of songs pizzicato (plucking the string) and we’ve begun playing arco (putting the bow on the string). It takes a lot of coordination to use the left hand – for fingering – and the right hand – for the bow – all while reading music! It is VERY important to be practicing regularly. I would rather see your child practice 10-15 minutes 4-5 times a week than 90 minutes the day before his/her lesson. PLEASE make sure your child is writing down his/her practice time and that you are signing off on the practice chart each week. I do look at practice charts as part of your child’s assessment in string lessons.
This week, we’re working on going through steps for learning a new song:
1. Say note names
2. Pizzicato
3. Air bow (while saying note names)
4. Play the song
If your child is having trouble with note-reading, writing in the note names or fingerings is PERFECTLY FINE!! (even professional string players write in tricky fingerings!)
ROSIN DUST AND HOW TO CLEAN IT
Your child may notice a white dust that appears on the strings after using the bow. This is rosin dust and is perfectly normal, but it does need to be wiped off – if left on the instrument, it can impact how it sounds, and can also cause pits to form in the varnish. I recommend using a bandana, a (clean!) old sock, or using a piece of cut-up t-shirt – anything that won’t leave lint behind. Please do not use terrycloth or paper towels/tissues (especially if they’ve been treated with chemicals/moisturizers)
CONCERT DATES
Please mark the following dates in your family calendar:
Friday January 19, 2018, 9 am @ Bowman – school concert (for Bowman students & faculty only)
Thursday February 1, 2018, 7:30 pm @LHS – Winter Orchestra Concert – 4th grade strings ONLY
Monday February 5, 2018, 7:30 pm @LHS – Winter Orchestra Concert – 5th grade strings ONLY
…and while you have your calendar out…
Friday June 1, 2018, 9 am @ Bowman – school concert (for Bowman students & faculty only)
Friday June 8, 2018, 9 am @ Bowman – concert for families
CONCERT DRESS
Dress is the same for all performances.
Girls: white shirt/blouse. Black (or dark) skirt, pants, socks/stockings, shoes.
Boys: white shirt. Black (or dark) pants, socks, shoes. Ties optional.
No shirts with logos, jeans, sweatpants, or flip-flops.
(This information can also be found at the beginning of your child’s string supplement book.)
As always, please email me with any questions!
Best,
Ms. Chris Brainard