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String Classes at Grace Notes
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Grace Notes' String program began in 2009, under the direction of Atlanta Symphony Orchestra violist Lachlan McBane. A Beginner Strings class, Intermediate string orchestras, and Advanced String Ensemble provide group experience for violinists, violists, cellists, and bass players of all abilities.
At each level, we work to sharpen skills, technique, and musicality while exploring a variety of music. We offer opportunities for students to perform, as well as potential leadership opportunities for older students. Students at all levels are expected to practice carefully at home during the week so that our weekly Monday rehearsals can be as productive as possible.
Violists, cellists, and bass players are particularly welcome! Or are you a violinist who has considered switching to the viola? Here's your chance!
All students are strongly encouraged to take private lessons whenever possible – all of our classes are group classes, which are valuable, but are no substitute for private lessons. All students progress more quickly with individualized instruction!
We do welcome parents to participate in our classes – both those who already play a stringed instrument, and those who would like to learn. Parents playing in our groups pay only the $75 registration fee! (A placement audition is required for parents wishing to participate in Intermediate or Advanced levels.)
An Instrument Fitting is required for beginners, and an audition (for class placement) is required for all others. (Please see below for audition & instrument fitting information.)
Please contact Lachlan McBane with questions about the Grace Notes string program.
Grace Notes' String program began in 2009, under the direction of Atlanta Symphony Orchestra violist Lachlan McBane. A Beginner Strings class, Intermediate string orchestras, and Advanced String Ensemble provide group experience for violinists, violists, cellists, and bass players of all abilities.
At each level, we work to sharpen skills, technique, and musicality while exploring a variety of music. We offer opportunities for students to perform, as well as potential leadership opportunities for older students. Students at all levels are expected to practice carefully at home during the week so that our weekly Monday rehearsals can be as productive as possible.
Violists, cellists, and bass players are particularly welcome! Or are you a violinist who has considered switching to the viola? Here's your chance!
All students are strongly encouraged to take private lessons whenever possible – all of our classes are group classes, which are valuable, but are no substitute for private lessons. All students progress more quickly with individualized instruction!
We do welcome parents to participate in our classes – both those who already play a stringed instrument, and those who would like to learn. Parents playing in our groups pay only the $75 registration fee! (A placement audition is required for parents wishing to participate in Intermediate or Advanced levels.)
An Instrument Fitting is required for beginners, and an audition (for class placement) is required for all others. (Please see below for audition & instrument fitting information.)
Please contact Lachlan McBane with questions about the Grace Notes string program.
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Beginner Strings
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Beginner Strings is for students with little or no musical training on their instrument, or those trained in Suzuki, but not yet reading music. Violins, violas, cellos and bass all learn together in a class setting. Correct instrument holds, proper playing position, and basic tone production are emphasized while students begin to develop their instrumental skills and dexterity.
Because so much of successful string playing depends on proper physical set-up, and because our classes meet only once a week, a parent is required to attend classes with beginning students. The parent does not need to play, but attends in order to learn the basics of string playing, enabling them to help their child practice profitably at home. However, parents may learn to play the violin/viola/cello/bass along with their child for $75 per year!
To participate in Beginner Strings, students must be at least 9 years old and attend an Instrument Fitting. (Exceptions may be made for students younger than 9 if they have already had some private instruction.) The Instrument Fitting is a time for your child to see and try the different stringed instruments under the direction of trained personnel. With the information gathered at this time, we are better able to determine what instrument your child would enjoy playing, as well as what size instrument is appropriate. If you already have an instrument, please bring it to the fitting. See below to schedule an Instrument Fitting.
Required Materials: Instrument & bow, shoulder rest (for violin & viola), rock stop (for cellos/basses), Music Stand, Pencil, Essential Elements 2000 Book 1, 1" notebook with page protectors for music, concert dress.
Beginner Strings is for students with little or no musical training on their instrument, or those trained in Suzuki, but not yet reading music. Violins, violas, cellos and bass all learn together in a class setting. Correct instrument holds, proper playing position, and basic tone production are emphasized while students begin to develop their instrumental skills and dexterity.
Because so much of successful string playing depends on proper physical set-up, and because our classes meet only once a week, a parent is required to attend classes with beginning students. The parent does not need to play, but attends in order to learn the basics of string playing, enabling them to help their child practice profitably at home. However, parents may learn to play the violin/viola/cello/bass along with their child for $75 per year!
To participate in Beginner Strings, students must be at least 9 years old and attend an Instrument Fitting. (Exceptions may be made for students younger than 9 if they have already had some private instruction.) The Instrument Fitting is a time for your child to see and try the different stringed instruments under the direction of trained personnel. With the information gathered at this time, we are better able to determine what instrument your child would enjoy playing, as well as what size instrument is appropriate. If you already have an instrument, please bring it to the fitting. See below to schedule an Instrument Fitting.
Required Materials: Instrument & bow, shoulder rest (for violin & viola), rock stop (for cellos/basses), Music Stand, Pencil, Essential Elements 2000 Book 1, 1" notebook with page protectors for music, concert dress.
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Intermediate String Orchestras
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Grace Notes will offer two levels of Intermediate String Orchestra in Fall 2010:
Intermediate 1
This class is generally for students who have been playing for one or two years on their instrument and can read music. Students will work in Essential Elements 2000 Book 1 and Book 2, and play basic string orchestra music. Basic rhythm, intonation, and posture will be stressed while students work on developing beginning ensemble skills and musicality. Intermediate 1 is the next step for those who have completed the Beginner Strings class.
Intermediate 2
The Intermediate 2 class is for students with a little more skill and experience. This group will play string repertoire utilizing more keys, rhythmic variety, and techniques, and will work out of Essential Elements 2000 Book 2 and possibly Book 3. Many of those who were in Intermediate Strings in 2009-10 will belong in this class.
A PLACEMENT AUDITION IS REQUIRED FOR ALL STUDENTS SEEKING TO BE ENROLLED IN THESE CLASSES. See below for audition information. Class placement is at the discretion of the director.
Required Materials: Instrument & bow, shoulder rest (for violin & viola), rock stop (for cellos/basses), Music Stand, Pencil, 1" notebook with page protectors for music, concert dress. The Intermediate 1 class will start in Essential Elements 2000 Book 1 and progress to Book 2 during the year. The Intermediate 2 class will start in Essential Elements 2000 Book 2 and progress to Book 3 during the year.
Grace Notes will offer two levels of Intermediate String Orchestra in Fall 2010:
Intermediate 1
This class is generally for students who have been playing for one or two years on their instrument and can read music. Students will work in Essential Elements 2000 Book 1 and Book 2, and play basic string orchestra music. Basic rhythm, intonation, and posture will be stressed while students work on developing beginning ensemble skills and musicality. Intermediate 1 is the next step for those who have completed the Beginner Strings class.
Intermediate 2
The Intermediate 2 class is for students with a little more skill and experience. This group will play string repertoire utilizing more keys, rhythmic variety, and techniques, and will work out of Essential Elements 2000 Book 2 and possibly Book 3. Many of those who were in Intermediate Strings in 2009-10 will belong in this class.
A PLACEMENT AUDITION IS REQUIRED FOR ALL STUDENTS SEEKING TO BE ENROLLED IN THESE CLASSES. See below for audition information. Class placement is at the discretion of the director.
Required Materials: Instrument & bow, shoulder rest (for violin & viola), rock stop (for cellos/basses), Music Stand, Pencil, 1" notebook with page protectors for music, concert dress. The Intermediate 1 class will start in Essential Elements 2000 Book 1 and progress to Book 2 during the year. The Intermediate 2 class will start in Essential Elements 2000 Book 2 and progress to Book 3 during the year.
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Advanced String Ensemble
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The Advanced String Ensemble is for students who have played for at least several years and attained sufficient proficiency on their instrument. Comfort with shifting and playing in position is required, but is not the only consideration for placement at this level. This class will seek to play a moderately high level of string ensemble and chamber music repertoire. Advanced students may also have the opportunity to develop leadership skills by helping with sectional practices and the less advanced string classes.
A PLACEMENT AUDITION IS REQUIRED FOR ALL STUDENTS SEEKING TO BE ENROLLED IN THIS CLASS. Class placement is at the discretion of the director. See below for audition information.
Required Materials: Instrument & bow, shoulder rest (for violin & viola), rock stop (for cellos/basses), Music Stand, Pencil, 1" notebook with page protectors for music, concert dress.
The Advanced String Ensemble is for students who have played for at least several years and attained sufficient proficiency on their instrument. Comfort with shifting and playing in position is required, but is not the only consideration for placement at this level. This class will seek to play a moderately high level of string ensemble and chamber music repertoire. Advanced students may also have the opportunity to develop leadership skills by helping with sectional practices and the less advanced string classes.
A PLACEMENT AUDITION IS REQUIRED FOR ALL STUDENTS SEEKING TO BE ENROLLED IN THIS CLASS. Class placement is at the discretion of the director. See below for audition information.
Required Materials: Instrument & bow, shoulder rest (for violin & viola), rock stop (for cellos/basses), Music Stand, Pencil, 1" notebook with page protectors for music, concert dress.
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Audition & Instrument Fitting Information
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How Do I Sign Up?
For the Beginner Class, no audition is necessary, but an Instrument Fitting is required (see above).
For Intermediate and Advanced levels, an audition is required for placement in the proper group. No particular repertoire is necessary for the audition; students should just be prepared to play a piece they know well. Sight reading or scales may also be asked.
Most Auditions and Instrument Fittings are held at Ronald Sachs Violins at 836 Pleasant Hill Rd. in Lilburn. Visit their website at www.ronaldsachs.com
Times are by appointment only. Please e-mail Mr. McBane at gracenotesstrings@gmail.com to arrange an audition time or instrument fitting appointment. After an audition or instrument fitting, you should register as soon as possible to reserve a spot in the program.
Upcoming Audition Dates
Auditions and Instrument Fittings will resume the week of July 12. Please e-mail to arrange an appointment.
Questions about the String program?
Please e-mail Mr. McBane at gracenotesstrings@gmail.com
How Do I Sign Up?
For the Beginner Class, no audition is necessary, but an Instrument Fitting is required (see above).
For Intermediate and Advanced levels, an audition is required for placement in the proper group. No particular repertoire is necessary for the audition; students should just be prepared to play a piece they know well. Sight reading or scales may also be asked.
Most Auditions and Instrument Fittings are held at Ronald Sachs Violins at 836 Pleasant Hill Rd. in Lilburn. Visit their website at www.ronaldsachs.com
Times are by appointment only. Please e-mail Mr. McBane at gracenotesstrings@gmail.com to arrange an audition time or instrument fitting appointment. After an audition or instrument fitting, you should register as soon as possible to reserve a spot in the program.
Upcoming Audition Dates
Auditions and Instrument Fittings will resume the week of July 12. Please e-mail to arrange an appointment.
Questions about the String program?
Please e-mail Mr. McBane at gracenotesstrings@gmail.com
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