Aug 27 2010
Hi all,
I have made some updates to individual pages. Please check…and have a great weekend.
Mr. C
PS. 1 please remember your envelopes with orders for Sam’s strings accessories.
PS. 2 please get a tutor if you don’t have one yet – check the Help Me! page on this blog
Aug 16 2010
Hi All,
Firstly: Welcome! I am happy to see so many familiar faces and the new ones.
Learning to play an instrument and belonging to the school orchestra opens up a whole new world of friendship and fun. I am very excited about another exiting year at Shanghai American School and participating in SAS Pudong Middle School students’ experience in the world of music!
Orchestra provides a great foundation for you in all aspects of your life. In addition to music, one learns self-discipline, group cooperation, problem-solving, goal-setting, self-expression, memory skills, concentration, poise, enhanced physical coordination, high self-esteem, and the importance of teamwork – skills in great demand in almost every aspect of life. Like all the arts, it’s scientifically proven that music has a profound effect on the academic success of students.
In Grade 6 – 8 specific attention will be given to developing a good playing position and correct posture, as this is the basis of a good playing technique. Initial skills that will be worked on include left hand development, bowing skills (fundamental bowings, detaché, martelé and spiccato), reading music and some basic music theory. As the student progresses, we will work on increasing the proficiency on the chosen instrument; for instance wrist flexibility in the bow hand, the playing of different dynamics, double stops, vibrato, position changes, producing harmonics etc.
Herewith some of the things we discussed in class as an introduction to the year:
“I will be good on the bus”
· Bus Ayis – respect them, but handle your own instrument.
· At School:
o Pigeon holes on every floor – use the first floor most if possible.
o Tag you instrument by next week Friday.
o Who’s the boss? YOU! Don’t let any of your friends experiment with your instrument!
· Grading this year – check the page for this:
o Preparedness
o Performance
o Class participation, behavior and effort
· In class:
o Packing out – Where: Violins/Violas vs. Cellos/Basses
o Tuning? YOU…I’ll teach you how to!
o Problems? Broken strings etc…come to me!
o Tuners, Pencils and erasers.
o Music Stand markers on the floor – please make sure the stand is where it should be at the end of each lesson.
o Clean instrument at the end of class!!!
· At home:
o Your own little space 
o SmartMusic
§ to practice
§ to record tests
§ to tune
§ to use the metronome
§ to have fun!
o Comfortable chair
o Music Stand
o Cello rock stop
o Cleaning cloth
o Rosin
o Extra set of Strings
· Practice records?
· Elective: PD Symphony Orchestra
· AMIS
I am in the process of assessing who needs instruments and after Mrs. Hu in the ES gets first pick on how many instruments she needs for the ES beginners, we’ll know what I have and what will be available for rent. Our school policy has always been that all students are expected to purchase their own instrument for music performance classes at S.A.S. The school does own a few of the larger and more expensive instruments that are available for rent but choice and availability can be limited. The prices for rental instrument are the following:
The time in orchestra rehearsal is limited, and therefore new concepts learned at school need daily practice time. I would strongly advise for all students to have private lessons/tutoring, as this will help develop the student’s unique maximum potential as a player and member of our orchestra. All of the world’s greatest composers have written masterpieces for each of the string instruments, and private lessons give the students the opportunity to explore and experience these solo works. I would gladly assist you in finding a suitable violin/viola/cello/bass teacher. Also see the Help Me! page
If you or any of the parents have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me here, or at hanrich.claassen@saschina.org or at school at extension 5329.
I am ready and excited about the new year and I am sure it will be an awesome one!
Good luck and happy practicing!
Mr. Claassen