Check on this page for 6th grade specific information.
If you need to contact Mrs. Bowers, email at:
bowersdr@pwcs.edu or call 703.393.7608.
TOMORROW, Friday, November 16, 2018 WILL BE A MAROON DAY!!
Please plan accordingly.
Flipgrid
All of the orchestra classes have been introduced to a new program called FLIPGRID. This program will be used mainly for playing quizzes. Students will have the ability to record themselves from home for the quiz and only the student and myself will be able to see the quiz.
A direction sheet was passed out along with their class code to each student. But, many students have already lost their codes. So, I will post their class codes below. When they get to the website and enter their class code, then all they will need if their student ID number.
To start, click on Flipgrid
Class Code
7th Period Maroon - 1rc9ero
8th Period Maroon - 96zm5pc
7th Period Blue - m2ubegw
8th Period Blue - lviixap
Note Reading Games Weblinks
The students have been working hard at really learning to read their notes on the staff. They will be having a quiz on notes on the D & A strings (bass on the D & G string). So, if they would like to practice before their quiz, they may visit the webpages below and play some games which will be fun and help at the same time.
Violin, Cello & Bass - www.musictechteacher.com - click on quizzes and choose a game according to what notes you need to read (violin - treble clef, cello/bass - bass clef).
Viola - www.purposegames.com/gam/36dfecct
Orchestra Supplies
We are now past the first interim (which goes home on October 11) and are working very hard to try to get everyone on the same page in class. We have been working on a lot of technique and a lot of note reading. But, this is becoming increasingly difficult with students that do not have their proper materials. I have been doing random supply checks and find many students that still do not have the book needed for class.
Each student is supposed to have their instrument, folder, pencil, and book (Artistry in Strings - book 1). The orders have now all come in and been handed out. Any student who did not purchase a book from me will now need to order one from the internet or from a local music store.
Thank you for your attention to this message and have a great week,
Mrs. Bowers
Book for Orchestra this year: Artistry in Strings - Book 1 (green cover)
Hello 6th Grade Families.
What a crazy beginning of the year we have had. We are finally starting to get somewhere as we have been taking our first playing assessment on #34 in our book. And as some of you know, not everyone has books yet, so I have given out copies of the page this song comes from.
The first order of supplies have been passed out the last couple of classes But, the books have been backordered. So, the company says they should be here by next week. Also, the second order of supplies should also be here next week.
The polo shirt order will be placed next week and those will be passed out as soon as they arrive.
We have been working on hard on reviewing our bow hold, instrument hold and sitting posture, the angle at which the instrument should be positioned, how the cello should never rest against the shoulder, but instead the C peg should be behind the ear...etc.
One of the biggest challenges has been remembering to bring instruments to and from school daily. The 6th grade students share lockers and are not able to keep their instruments at school overnight. Some students need extra help remembering this and remembering to bring their instrument on a regular basis.
We are also going to dive deep into better note reading skills. Many students have a basic knowledge but just not quite fast enough. We will be working to speed up their reading skills so we can move a little quicker through our book.
There are going to many more new skills to be taught and learned in the near future. I can't wait to hear what they will be able to play by their first concert in January.
Happy Practicing,
Mrs. Bowers
Orchestra Handbook Signature Page
Now you can sign the orchestra handbook online. You can also sign up to volunteer. Just click on the link below to access that page.
Orchestra Handbook Signature Page
Marsteller Orchestra Volunteer Sign-Up