The Shape Scale
Beginning violin and viola students are now using full bows! As you may know, scales are the best way to learn new techniques. Beginners learn to use their whole bow by studying the D Major shape scale. The math teacher, Mr. Large, confirmed that our arms make the shape of an acute triangle when the bow is at the frog, a square when the bow is placed at the middle, and an obtuse triangle when the bow is at the tip.
The shape scale is actually one of the most difficult concepts that we have learned so far, but it has helped us work on our platforms, stay in the sound spot, and increase our ability to focus.
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There is an eerie whistle that happens when you gently touch the string in-between the bridge and the nut on a string instrument. Now that our sound and bowing techniques have improved, beginning cellists were able to quickly learn a quick piece using harmonics. At the end of the piece, when we circle our bows of the string, we can hear the ring of our open D string for at least 5 seconds.
First Annual Orchestra vs. Band Kickball Game
Yesterday, WI students were dismissed early for parent teacher conferences. The music department used this precious time to prepare for our SPRING CONCERT on Wednesday, April 16th. We also snacked, ate pizza, and played kickball. The band had several amazing kickers, who helped to drive in 4 runs. But their athletes were no match for our scrappy orchestra players. After three innings, the orchestra won 6-4. In the spirt of full disclosure, one of the band players who happens to be an outstanding athlete and an all around upstanding young man, agreed to play for the orchestra. Thank you, D.! You were instrumental in the orchestra’s successful kickball performance.
The orchestra challenges the band to another game. We won’t need the ringers next time!
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