September 19, 2018
To: Parents of the Riverwood Elementary Strings Students Shoulder Rest Day was today. The students were taught several important concepts concerning proper use of the shoulder rest. Here’s a quick list that you should have your student review with you. Have them teach YOU how to do these steps. 1. To prepare to attach the shoulder rest- hold the instrument face down, on their left side, pegs behind them. 2. How to attach one shoulder rest “foot” on the “chin rest lower bout” first, then pivot the shoulder rest and slide the other “foot” until the shoulder rest securely on the lower bouts. 3. When holding the instrument with the pegs toward the sky, the shoulder rest should curve in a “frown.” 4. How to remove the shoulder rest (rubber bands can stay on, but the sponge and shoulder rest must be removed). 5. How to store and carry the shoulder rest. Unless there is a specific compartment for the shoulder rest, it must be carried with the book, and not crammed next to, or on top of, the instrument in the case. Unfortunately, we ran out of time before I could teach the students how to properly place the instrument on their shoulder. Some students were more interested in other things in the room (strumming, talking, a friend’s rosin, etc.). I was frustrated that we did not complete the lesson. If they try to fit the instrument on their shoulder this week, there is a very strong chance that they will do something incorrectly, and then it will take even longer to learn how to properly use the shoulder rest. Have your student practice attaching and removing the shoulder rest, but remind them NOT to place it on their shoulder yet. It is essential that the students now bring their shoulder rest to every class. All students are expected in Strings next week, September 26. That will be the last day to turn in a school instrument loan request form and show their supplies to me. After September 26, only students WITH instruments and materials will be allowed to participate in Strings. Sincerely, Dr. Palmer, Strings Specialist REMIND: “rmd.at/rwstring18” or text @rwstring18 to 81010 (or 901-881-9447). WEBSITE: www.drpalmerstrings.weebly.com/
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To: Parents of the Riverwood Elementary Strings Students
From: Dr. Palmer, Strings Specialist Re: Shoulder Rest (No Cellos) Day Date: September 12, 2018 The Strings class at Riverwood Elementary is going well. Many students now have an instrument and we are getting ready to move past the open string lessons (pages 4 & 5). If you still need a school instrument, please remember to obtain all the supplies necessary for that instrument and complete the instrument loan application. There are just few instruments still available. There are no more cellos, 13' violas, and 4/4 violins. Of course, you can still rent or purchase one from a store. All of the supplies, forms, and a list of local music stores can be found on the website, www.drpalmerstrings.weebly.com . I have been asked to remind you that the bus lane doors open at 7:45. Students are not supposed to be dropped off at the door before 7:45. There is no early adult supervision at the doors. If you arrive after 7:50 a.m., please use the regular carpool lines to let your child into the school. Thank you. During our next class (September 19) I will be teaching the violin and viola students how to attach, adjust, and use their shoulder rest. This lesson usually takes the entire class period (especially with 40 students!). It is essential that your child brings their shoulder rest to class. In the future, students who do not have a shoulder rest will not be allowed to play their instrument with the bow. CELLO students DO NOT need to come to Strings class on September 19. ONLY violin and viola students will meet this week. This adjustment is only for one class, so we will ALL continue in full group lessons on September 26. We will add the left hand to the instruments, which means the students will learn how to play E, F-sharp, and G on the D string (pages 6-7). The students should not practice these pages yet, as poor left hand shape can hinder their progess down the road. Here is my contact information: 1. My e-mail address is: [email protected]. 2. REMIND at “rmd.at/rwstring18” or text @rwstring18 to 81010 (or 901- 881-9447). 3. My website for elementary strings is www.Drpalmerstrings.weebly.com |
AuthorDr. Andrew Palmer teaches Fifth Grade Beginning Strings at four Elementary Schools, directs the Honors Orchestras at White Station High School, and travels throughout the school district as a Double Bass Specialist. Archives
November 2019
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