First of all, thanks for coming to my blog to check out Silver Strings. I have lots of information for you on what kinds of instruments you can play, what they sound like, and what you might be able to do with them once you learn to play them very well. Be sure to check out the "String Technique" link at the top of the page.
This video is intended for high school students, and it covers some of the science behind the sound. BUT the really cool thing is the way this guy rocks out on his modified electric instrument, called "The Viper." This is one of the many ways you could play.
In this video, a violinist plays her instrument in a way that is common in Irish music. This is called a "jig," and it may make you feel like you want to dance, so go ahead and tap your feet! When a violinist plays the instrument this way, the instrument is often referred to as a "fiddle."
Of course, most people usually play their instruments in groups. This is an orchestra rehearsing portions of an opera by Mozart called, "Le Nozze di Figaro," or "The Marriage of Figaro."
This is a video made by other elementary school students about their experience in beginning orchestra. They give a fairly good description of the differences between the instruments and class expectations.
Finally, here is a humorous video that reminds us that the arts are important in our children's lives. Feel free to pass it on.
- Classes meet every Tuesday through Friday at 11:30 for thirty minutes.
- Students are required to practice 120 minutes per week, and will be given a weekly check to see that their practice has been efficient.
- Parents are expected to sign the practice sheet, to be kept with the music folder.
- Students are given a sticker for every week that they exhibit good behavior and bring their instruments and materials to class. Students that receive 25 stickers by May 8 will be given an orchestra award at the spring concert.
- Performances are usually the Christmas and spring concerts, 5th grade graduation, and elementary chapel. Dates for this year (chapel and graduation TBA): Christmas concert December 15, spring concert - May 12.
- Concert attire for Christmas is "dressy festive/seasonal," and for spring is "Sunday dress."
- It is recommended that all students take lessons to further their abilities.
- Sign-up will be in the early spring 2009, so don't miss it!
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