Sing, recognize and perform with quarter notes, eighth notes, half notes and dotted half notes in 2/4, 3/4 and 4/4 time.
Play melodies and scales using the pitches D, E, F, F#, G, A, B, C# and D.
Appropriately unpack, set up and re-pack instrument. Use correct bow hold, body posture (rest and playing position) and positioning for RH bow arm, LH frame (wrist, fingers), finger patterns within the D major scale and D minor pentatonic scale (low 2), D major scale and arpeggio, and pizzicato.
Play melodies in unison and simple two-part rounds.
Recognize: open strings D and A; treble, alto and bass clefs; 2/4, 3/4 and 4/4 time signatures; variations of mi, re, do; line vs space notes; skipping vs stepping notes; p and f dynamics; repeat sign.
Year 2
Sing, recognize and perform with the syncopated figure ‘syn-co-pa’, dotted quarter notes and single eighth notes, and the corresponding rests.
Play melodies and scales within a one octave major scale adding low ti (C# in D major)
Demonstrate correct bow hold, bow arm, move RH bow thumb to inside stick, perform staccato vs legato, finger pattern with high 3 (violin/viola)/ ext 4 (cello), V bows, fast vs. slow bow, tunnel fingers, independent fingers, “camping” fingers, rocking bow arm and circle bows.
Play melodies in 2 parts with simple rhythmic and harmonic second parts, uniform bowing.
Recognize: all open strings C, G, D, A and E; V and Π bow; variations of full pentatonic scale do, re, mi, fa,so; 1st and 2nd endings; key signatures C, G and D major; pp and ff dynamics, tempo variations eg. Rit.
Year 3
Sing, recognize and perform dotted quarter notes, three eighth note groupings, quarter-eighth groupings, and corresponding rests in 6/8 time; swing eighth notes and tied notes.
Play melodies and scales with chromatic pitches and augmented 2nd interval.
Introduction to shifting, vibrato; perform a 2 octave scale and arpeggio; hook bows and slurs.
Play orchestral arrangements in 3 and 4 parts, learn to follow a conductor.
Sight-read within a one octave D major scale with some scaffolded fingering guides; slurs; rhythmic combinations.
AFTER SCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES
String students have two opportunities for after school string instruction:
El Sistema El Sistema Somerville is a daily afterschool music program that provides ensemble-based music instruction to SPS elementary and middle grades students, grades 3–8. The program offers intensive study on strings, winds and brass instruments through orchestral rehearsals, sectionals, musicianship and technique classes, chamber music, and private lessons. Students play violin, viola, cello, bass, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, and trombone. Students also receive a daily nutritious snack, academic support, recess time, cultural enrichment activities, field trips, and frequent opportunities to perform for the community. The program meets Mondays-Fridays from 2:30-5:30 p.m. at the East Somerville Community School. For more information please visit: https://www.elsistemasomerville.org/
All-City Middle School Orchestra ACMSO, led by Mr. Blickenderfer is a select ensemble representing all schools in Somerville. Students in 6th-8th grade may be selected to participate based on their skill and dedication. ACMSO meets on Thursdays in the SHS Orchestra Room.