1. Mercer 6th Grade Strings
General Information You Need to Know About This Class

2. Required Supplies Violins and Violas: Shoulder Pad:
Takes up extra space between shoulder and instrument, making it possible to play the instrument without tension in the left arm and improper posture. These come in many styles :

3. Shoulder Pads

4. How to Make A Shoulder Pad (YouTube Video)*
Creating a Violin/Viola Shoulder Pad
*Note that the shape and thickness of the sponge is important. If you choose to make a shoulder pad try to purchase the same type of sponge as used in the video.

5. Required Supplies Cello and Bass: Rock Stop:
Used on stages which have surfaces with less friction (Mercer and Champe’s stages for example). Helps prevent the instrument from slipping :

6. Rock Stop

7. Supplies Needed By All Students
Three Ring Binder
Cleaning Cloth
(Bass Only)
Rosin

8. Supplies Needed By All Students
Music Stand (for home practice)
Extra Set of Strings
Essential Elements for Strings 2000 Book 1 or Essential Elements for Strings “Interactive” Book 1 (the book is the same)
Books are instrument specific so be sure to purchase the book for your child’s instrument choice.

9. Supplies Needed By All Students
Vibration Tuner
Case Name Tag
Metronome

10. Useful Online Metronome Metronome
Additionally there are many useful metronome apps on the various smartphone websites. There is even a metronome app to be found on the Nintendo DS store.

11. Music Stores Day Violins A&A Music Store http://www.aamusiconline.com/
A&A Music Store
Melodee Music
Chantilly Music
Minton’s Music
Music and Arts Centers

12. What is Expected of Students
Students are expected to have their instruments and music in class each strings class. Violin and viola students will transport their instruments to school and leave them on the racks in the room at the beginning of the school day. Cello and bass players will use the instruments provided in class* but are still expected to bring their music to class each strings class.
Students are expected to take their instruments home the same day that they bring them in. This makes it possible for students to practice their instruments as well as opening up space for instruments for the next days classes.
Students are expected to practice each night that they have strings class for a minimum of 20 minutes. If students miss a night of practice it should be made up the next day. Students are welcome to practice more than this time requirement but not less.**
Students are expected to attend posted before or after school rehearsals prior to our concerts in order to facilitate the entire group rehearsing together. Parents are encouraged to make every effort to have students at these rehearsals on time.
*Depending on instrument availability **Please see separate slide on practicing.

13. What is Expected of Students (cont.)
Students are expected to attend all posted concerts and to follow the arrival and set up instructions provided for each concert.
Students will be learning to tune their instruments and will be expected to tune their instruments at home. Parents will be provided with information and resources to help their child tune their instruments and may need to assist the student in this process. This is important because an instrument that is not in tune will only produce negative results when practiced.
Students are expected to read music. Time and attention will be spent in class to prepare all students to be able to do this. Past experience has shown that students who do not develop the ability to read music do poorly in class and become frustrated with their participation in strings class.
Students are expected to be on their best behavior while in school and this is true within the strings classroom as well. Rehearsal time is valuable and any time spent correcting misbehaviors robs both the individual student and the class as a whole of rehearsal time.
Students will be expected to perform selected passages of the music being worked on upon request both in small groups as well as individually.
Students are expected to be respectful of others and of the property of others.
Students are expected to come to me with questions or concerns or seeking extra help prior to the point where they are in danger of falling too fall behind or suffering from low grades.

14. Practicing
Practicing of instruments outside of the classroom time is probably one of the most important aspects of playing an instrument. The information and skills learned in school can only be perfected as they are put to use. Students who pay attention in class have only completed half of what is necessary to truly develop the skill of playing a musical instrument. Muscles have to be trained to repeatedly perform the correct tasks necessary to play an instrument. Ears have to be trained to continuously monitor the sounds that are being produced for both correct and incorrect notes and sounds. The eyes have to be trained to see and recognize the written notes with speed and clarity with such recognition being then translated into physical action. Unlike other classes, with the exception of PE, music classes require a physical element to the class beyond just the mental knowledge gained in class. The knowledge they gain has to be put into action and this can only be done through repetitive practice. Practice does not make perfect but lack of practice makes imperfection very likely. It is the students responsibility to practice their instruments and to treat that practice time as they would any other homework assignment. I ask that all parents make a point of monitoring their students commitment to practicing and to encourage them when they do and motivate them when they do not. The success of a child’s musical pursuits and the success of the strings program at Mercer Middle School and in Loudoun County depends upon it. To help encourage practice a system of checks will be put in place, including but not limited to practice records and pop playing assessments.

15. Tips for Successful Practice
Try to establish a set time for practice. It has to be considered a primary activity, like school, homework, eating, and sleeping. It should not be avoided or pushed aside to another day.
Establish a distraction free area for practice. Practicing requires concentration and this cannot happen if you are distracted.
Have set goals for your practice routine. For example, make it a goal to practice a selected section of music rather than attempting to practice the entire thing.
Keep records of what you practiced and for how long. Practice logs, both physical and in “app” form are useful for this. Do not practice what sounds good but rather what needs help.
Always use a metronome to help you keep a steady beat. Do not give up…if you pay attention and make a conscious effort to stay with the beat you can do so. A good metronome is better than gold.
Remember Mr. Gardner’s practicing motto:
“The purpose and method of practicing is to fix problems. Anything else is wasted effort which only serves to rehearse mistakes.”

16. Concert Etiquette – How to Behave: A Rough Guide for Students and Parents
I have discovered over the years that in an alarmingly increasing percentage concert attendees do not know how to behave in a concert such as the ones we will be giving for our 6th grade strings concerts. I mean no disrespect when I say that generally concert behavior for students and parents alike is quite often embarrassingly bad. I believe this is due more to a lack of knowledge on how one should comport themselves in a concert venue such as ours and not from any malice or a desire to be malapert. The following list provides some general guidelines for how one should behave in a “serious” concert. Obviously these guidelines would not apply in all situations. Please read over these and review them just prior to attending a concert. They will help to create an environment where the hard work of you student can really be appreciated as is deserved.

17. Concert Behavior Guidelines
Arrive for the concert early…not late.
If you do arrive late do not barge into the performance. Proper decorum dictates that you would wait until there is a sufficient break in the performance to enter the auditorium so that your entrance does not cause a distraction. A good time to enter would be between pieces or movements of pieces.
Be conscious of your environment. Do not allow doors to slam behind you.
Once seated, do not leave your seat unless it is absolutely necessary. You came to enjoy the concert. Sit…enjoy.
Cell phones should be turned off. They should not ring or vibrate, beep, squawk, chirp, etc.
Younger children sometimes cannot sit quietly through a concert. Please plan accordingly.
It is good form to clap at appropriate times. Such times include the entrance of the conductor onto the stage, between pieces (not between movements), and in acknowledgement of the group at the end of the performance. Please be prepared to clap and continue clapping while the students are bowing.
It is not proper to walk up onto the stage to take pictures. This is especially true while the performance is underway.
Please plan to stay for the entire concert unless instructions have been given otherwise.

18. If you are in the lobby and there is a performance going on in the auditorium, do not enter into any loud conversations as these can be heard in the auditorium. If leaving the building close the doors behind you rather than letting them slam shut.
It is expected that if a child is performing that there will be at least one parent in attendance at the concert. It is not acceptable for a child to be dropped off for the concert with instructions to call a parent once it is over. Please see the previous slide with concert dates so that these can be put on your calendar. Plan in advance so as not to create commitments that would keep you from attendance at your own child’s performance.
Thank you for your understanding of these guidelines and your attempts at putting them into practice during our performances for you.

19. Frequently Asked Questions
How often does the class meet? Every other day for 45 minutes (approximately)
Does my child get graded in this class? Yes
Does my child have to attend concerts? Yes
Does the school provide instruments? Only in extreme circumstances. Instruments should be rented from a local music store. Cello and bass students can use the instruments in school* but still need one for home use.
Will my child need an instrument the first day of school? No, please do not send instruments in the first day.
If my child doesn’t like strings can they switch to something else? Strings is a full year course. It is very rare that the school allows a student to change electives after school has started.
Is there a specific uniform for concerts? Yes, the music department will be providing information about the purchase of a Mercer Music Department shirt to be used for all concert functions. More specific information will be made available at the beginning of the school year.
Can my student leave their instrument at school? No. Instruments should go home the same day they are brought to school.
*Depending upon availablitly

20. Smart Music Making Practicing Fun!
Please visit this website about the Smart Music software. It is a useful music tool that will help your student in their practicing endeavors throughout the year. This is not a required program to have but it is recommended.
Making Practicing Fun!