January 30, 2008

Again, I should apologize for the delay in getting this updated.  I had a baptism, funeral, and a migraine yesterday, so it just didn't happen.  Anyway, here we go.

1st Period -- We finished Lightly Row up this week.  Some of the kids still have "uh oh" sections, so if they do, have then practice those sections over and over.  I like giving them the option of playing them 10x perfectly, or 3x perfectly in a row, whichever comes first.  Also, we will be skipping Song of the Wind, and starting Go Tell Aunt Rhody next week.  The more they are listening to Go Tell Aunt Rhody on the CD before class on Friday, the better off they will be.  Incidently, I tell my studio kids that if Dad goes to work humming their new song, then they know they are listening to the CD enough, and I have done my job.    If you don't have the notes for Lightly Row, they are:

E 2 2 - 3 1 1 - A 1 2 3 E E E

E 2 2 2 3 1 1 1 A 2 E E 2 2 2

1 1 1 1 1 2 3 2 2 2 2 2 3 E (there are words for this line . . . see if they remember the words)

E 2 2 2 3 1 1 1 A 2 E E 2 2 2

2nd Period -- We worked really hard on Minuet 2 this week.  Most of the kids now know the whole song, except for lines 5 & 6 which we will work on next time.  Also, since we ran out of time, they don't have a new assignment for Puppet Show.  Their main assignments for this week are to finish polishing Minuet 2, what they know so far, and to finish memorizing the pieces on their Memorization list from last week.

Memorization List

Twinkles

Lightly Row

Go Tell Aunt Rhody

Minuet 1

3rd Period -- I am SO PROUD of this class, as they have caught up with my 1st period class (and they are younger!)  See the 1st Period entry for their assignments.

4th Period -- We learned yet another song this week.  They now know Pepperoni Pizza, Tiny Little Caterpillar (same as Elevator Operator in case you have other children in the earlier classes) and now Strawberry Raspberry.  Have them play each piece 5x per day.  They can break up the practice session if they get too tired with the number of repetitions.

ALL CLASSES!  We all need to work on our endurance and be able to keep violins in playing position for all the Twinkle Variations.  I will bring a treat next week for those who can do this.

PARENTS:  Please let me know if you have any objections, of there are any diet restrictions for your students ASAP so I can honor your wishes and also reward their hard work.

One final note -- I can tell that the vast majority of you are making sure your kids are practicing really well, and it's showing.  I'm really impressed with the progress they've made since Christmas.  In all honesty, after a 3 week break for the holidays, I was expecting the words, and have been impressed week after week!  Thank you so much!!