FIRST, A SPECIAL VIDEO MESSAGE FROM MR. WILLARD TO KEEP THE INSTRUMENTAL ROOM GOING DURING THE STATE OF QUARANTINE: https://youtu.be/7PTYm3kospY
Please start by simply clicking on your instrument’s tab to find resources just for you, including links to instructional videos to be viewed at home. These are lessons linked to the Band Karate system.
RESOURCES FOR DISTANCE LEARNING:
“Zoom” is a platform that enables us to have instrumental lessons in real time remotely. Please contact me through remind.com or at fwillard@scsd.us if you are interested in this option. https://zoom.us/signup
Apps for Download: Staff Wars, Staff Wars Live (“Star Wars” based games to help build fluency in reading music). An online version of Staff Wars may be found at http://www.themusicinteractive.com/kbe/Chromebook/index.html Adobe Flash Player is required.
Clean and sanitize your instrument: Please watch https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0mGGPGeweBfX1xIPNw5etkqaGVWJhSAW&fbclid=IwAR3b6AcDGE1fFqWTiv84aDqefKRN98GPR6boLzIfchHr49eKmbPrbVEmt6s
Play along audio tracks for the Essential Elements Method Book https://www.halleonard.com/ee2000Band.jsp
If you ever hear “I don’t know what to practice,” please direct your child to this document. It essentially answers that question for the first three years of instrumental study, guiding a student through a progressive curriculum using the Karate Belt system (White, Yellow, Orange, etc.). It consists of three parts: 1) A selection from their Essential Elements (EE) Method book 2) A set of exercises (Rubank Scales/Arpeggios) found on pages 40-41 of the same book and 3) A selection from “Sight Reading Factory” (see below) to build skills in reading music they have not seen before.
SRF invitation “Sight Reading Factory” is the website we use to practice reading music we have never seen before. This powerful web site generates eight-measure examples tied to whatever variables we choose. This is a part of every new “Belt Level” and also serves as great practice for the NYSSMA solo festival. It is available on whatever device you have available. Go to https://www.sightreadingfactory.com/student/cq5r8y to download the app to whatever device you choose.
OTHER IMPORTANT LINKS:
Expectations for Parents and Students
HOW TO SUPPORT YOUR INSTRUMENTAL STUDENT
How Instruments Are Assigned Policies and procedures
Violin-Viola Basics includes Cello Basics and Orchestra “Karate Belt” system
Strategies for Learning Music (Strings)
Strategies for Learning Music (Winds & Mallet Percussion)
Guidelines for NYSSMA Solo Festival A terrific opportunity for second and third year instrumental students to meet young musicians from all over the area and gain feedback from expert judges on their playing. Participation in this festival exempts the student from the district-wide end of year instrumental assessment.
Practice log Each instrumental student should be tracking their daily practice using this form. Parents or Guardians are asked to initial each week to confirm the student’s markings.
SCSD CURRICULUM DOCUMENTS:
Music-Instrumental-3Intermediate