To: Parents of the White Station Elementary String Students September 19, 2019
The Strings class at White Station Elementary is off to a good start this year. We have learned how to hold the instrument properly and take care of it. We are currently working on posture, instrument positioning, and playing the open D and A strings. We will start shaping the left hand on the instrument (which is found on page 6) next week. I’ve been assigning instruments and placing fingertapes after class during the last few weeks, so we should be ready to go. Students should be practicing a few times a week, 10-15 minutes each time. At this point in the school year, all strings students need to have an instrument and all of their supplies to fully participate in class. Those who requested a school instrument received the loan application form several weeks ago, and needed to obtain all of the necessary supplies before a school instrument would be issued. The supplies include: Essential Elements- Book I, rosin, a cleaning rag, a pencil, and a shoulder rest (violin & viola) or rock stop (cello & bass). There are still a few instruments available for loan from the school. Of course, you may still rent or buy an instrument from one of the local music stores. It is imperative that students are able to participate in class with an instrument. If you have extenuating circumstances that are keeping your student from participating with an instrument, please contact me. Tuesday, September 24, will be Shoulder Rest Day. Cellists and Bassists will not need to come on Tuesday, September 24. All violinists and violists MUST have their shoulder rest that day. The students will learn how to attach, adjust, and care for their shoulder rest. This only affects September 24. Friday is a regular Strings day for everyone. I will be sending updates throughout the year concerning concerts and programs, schedule updates, and other necessary information. Last minute changes and reminders will be sent through REMIND. Please sign up for this service! Thank you for your support of the strings program at your school. Here is my contact information: 1. My e-mail address is: [email protected]. 2. REMIND at “rmd.at/wsstring19” or text @wsstring19 to 81010 (or 901-881-9447). 3. My website is www.drpalmerstrings.weebly.com . Dr. Palmer, Strings Specialist
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White Station Elementary
September 6, 2019 Hello, White Station Strings Parents! Here is what we have covered in class so far in Strings class: 1. Parts of the instrument (page 2 in the Essential Elements book). The lesson included: which parts to touch and hold (the bouts, the neck); which parts to not operate (the tuning pegs and fine tuners); and how some of the parts are held on by tension and friction, and not by glue, screws, or tape. 2. School Instrument Loan Applications. I distibuted and have started collecting them. If the student turns in the completed application AND has their supplies, I will typically issue them a school instrument at the beginning of the NEXT class. If they did not have their supplies, I kept the form (and I will check again next class). The form can also be found on my website. I do appreciate the students and parents who rent or purchase their own instrument, too! 3. The students who have instruments are learning how to unpack their instrument safely. Violins and violas are learning how to hold the instrument in “guitar position” at a 45 degree angle. Cellos and basses are learning how to operate the end pin and position the instrument correctly. This information is on page 3. We played the open D. Those notes will be taught on page 4, and will start playing together next week. 4. Yes, even without an instrument or supplies, the students should still come to class. I teach something new during every class, and if they miss information early in the year, they will more easily fall behind later. Make sure you come and learn! Here is my contact information: 1. My e-mail address is: [email protected]. 2. REMIND at “rmd.at/wsstring19” or text @wsstring19 to 81010 (or 901-881-9447). 3. My website is www.drpalmerstrings.weebly.com. Rest assured, I will not send this amount of detail in every email, but at the beginning of the year, it’s important that we start on the same page. Sincerely, Dr. Palmer, Strings Specialist |
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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