Navigating the World of Alternative Styles

OMEA Strings Rock documents

2012-01-13T07:02:00.001-08:00

Hi all,

Follow this link to www.scribd.com to find the materials from the OMEA 2012 Strings Rock presentations:

http://www.scribd.com/collections/3433230/OMEA-Strings-Rock

Pics from our time together...

2011-07-03T07:38:00.000-07:00

Resource list for course 6061 - lots of info!!!!

2011-07-01T13:12:00.001-07:00

http://www.scribd.com/doc/59146849/Incorporating-Eclectic-Styles-VanderCook-6061-Resources

Enjoy! Thanks all - what a great class!!
~D

Online grant that you 'operate'

2011-07-01T09:30:00.000-07:00

www.donorschoose.org

Next step for "Eclectifying" my strings, by Marjorie Spagnuolo

2011-07-01T09:28:00.000-07:00

Proposal for Electric String Instruments

During my week at Vandercook I gained the resources to help me take my orchestra to a new eclectic level. My goals are to incorporate improvisation and eclectic styles into both of my orchestras, and to begin electrifying Poparazzi.

By exploring eclectic styles through recordings, videos and warm ups students will be exposed to a different side of string playing. This new knowledge will foster creativity and hopefully this will lead to additional interest in beginning, and continuing string playing. I also believe that the benefits of improvisation will branch towards composition, and our students will want to enroll in our music theory program.

To introduce eclectic styles I plan on using warmups and recordings/videos. I intend to introduce the concepts in small lesson groups and then allow a portion of Friday rehearsal time for eclectic styles and improvisation. I will begin by playing some chopping for the students. I will teach them how to chop, and we will dicuss the difference between a classical bow grip, and a chop bow grip and why they are each valid when used with their corresponding styles. We will then create come chop grooves. During these grooves students will have the opportunity to improvise. Students can add a different groove at first, and then later can incorporate melody. Learning how to chop will be reinforced by watching the Darol Anger video, “Chops and Grooves” ($30).

Students will be asked to find a youtube video of an artist “choping” and write a single paragraph on their reaction to the video.

I will teach students how to incorporate a swung feel into their playing, and the students will have to find a jazz video on youtube that has a sung feel, and write a paragraph on that.

During warmups I will show students the concept of sliding and double stops with open strings. Students will be asked to look up videos from one of the following artists:
Marc O’Connor
Barrage
Richard Greene teaches his invention, the chop

Students will write a reaction on the music. Students will also be asked to notice the amount of bow used by fiddle players. Why do you think they use that amount of bow? What are the goals and benefits?

Lastly students will be asked to listen to Mark Wood videos on www.electrifyyourstrings.com and discuss their thoughts on his work. I will show the students how to do “rock vibrato” and “distortion” on their acoustic instruments. I will then introduce them to my electric violin and some of the specials effects that can be achieved with electric instruments.

Students warm ups will be taught by rote, focusing on ear training. Students will learn new scales such as the minor pentatonic. We will compare classical styles to fiddle, rock and jazz styles. I will take a short excerpt by rote and have the students play it in all 3 styles by echoing me. We will discuss the differences. It is incredibly important that these styles of music become tangible. Students can recognize that there is a difference between fiddle and classical, but we need to articulate what exactly is different and how we can reproduce that effects when we choose. That is the main goal I am trying to achieve. The students should be able to gain command of the differences in musical styles so they can incorporate them into their own improvisations and compositions.

Students will watch portions of the Alternative strings DVD disc 2- which contains lessons from the masters of these eclectic styles.

As a follow up
I will read through new repertoire that gives students the opportunities to try some of the “tricks” of rock, jazz and fiddle….while focusing on styles, such as NOT using vibrato.

Some new pieces that will be used to incorporate these concepts are
Orange jam, Jeffrey Bishop
Styres rally, Alexander Safford
Steel City Strut, Turtle Island String Quartet
Jammin Jazz Standards for String Quartet, Latham
Blues for you and Strings, Latham
Jazz Fiddle Wizard, Martin Norgaard
JD Meets the Rhythm Section, Randy Sabien
For a HS elem collaboration Bossa Nova Triste, Mary Alice Rich
Jazz Basics for Strings w Jamey Abersold vol. 24, Robert Woods
Bossa Azul, Bert Ligon
Fourth Dimension, Randy Sabien
At Last, Warren, Arr. Patrick Roszell

Once the material has been introduced during lessons, warmups and through independent short assignments I intend to run a brief Jam session for a short part of Friday rehearsals. Students will incorporate chops, grooves, riffs and optional solos into the reading of eclectic pieces. At home students wanting to improvise will be encourages to improvise over James Abersold’s “majors and minors”, along with any of their favorite songs on their ipods.

Electric instruments are the newest step in exposing our students to eclectic styles. Often, string players know little or nothing about the electronic side of music. This would be an opportunity to teach them what an amp is, how they work, what the pedals are and how they modify an electric instruments’ sound. Electric instruments will also give Poparazzi students the opportunity to take solos and not be drowned out by drumset and electric guitar.

Often improvisation is reserved for jazz band. Seeing as how Poparazzi now performs on the same concert at Jazz Band, the only thing really holding string players back from concert improvisation, is volume.

I began researching electric instruments. A good student model electric violin would be the Yamaha SV130. They can be purchased through the electricviolinshop.com for $649.77, The Sam Ash price is $649.99
We would also need chords and additional amps. Cases are sold separately.

Gypsy Violin by Jamie Madrigal

2011-07-01T09:00:00.000-07:00

GYPSY UNIT

GYPSIES (ROM, ROMANY) ARE A NOMADIC TRIBE WHO MIGRATED FROM NORTHERN INDIA AND SPRRAD THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST, EUROPE, EASTERN EUROPE, THE BRITISH ISLES AND BEYOND. GYPSY MUSICIANS HAVE HISTORICALLY MADE THEIR LIVING BY ASSIMILATING THE POPULAR MUSIC OF THE SURROUNDING CULTURE AND EMBELLISHING UPON IT, ALTHOUGH AUTHENTIC GYPSY MUSIC, WHICH THEY PLAY AMONG AND FOR THEMSELVES, IS QUITE DIFFERENT AND OFTEN MORE PRIMITIVE. AN EXCEPTION TO THIS IS THE FLASHY CLUB REPERTOIRE OF THE HUNGARIAN GYPSIES, WHO COMPOSED AND HANDED DOWN THROUGH THE GENERATIONS A REPERTOIRE DESIGNED TO DISPLAY THEIR MASTERY OF THE INSTRUMENT.

THE GYPSY VIOLIN MUSIC WHICH HAS GAINED MOST ACCLAIM, MOST NOTABLY HUNGARIAN AND ROMANIAN, RIVALS AND SOME SAY SURPASSES, CLASSICAL IN ITS EXPLOITATION OF THE INSTRUMENT’S CAPABILITIES. IT EMPLOYS A FULL RANGE OF BOWINGS AND LEFT HAND TECHNIQUES FOUND IN THAT GENRE AND ADDITIONALLY SUCH FOLK FIDDLE IDIOMS AS GHOST NOTES, ORNAMENTS AND SLIDES. PLAYERS TYPICALLY MASTER EXPRESSIVE NUANCES, VIBRATO, AND RUBATI, AS WELL AS HARMONY AND ENSEMBLE PLAYING, AT A YOUNG AGE.

-Mary Ann Harbor

Teaching Gypsy style music can be a new fun way of introducing and reinforcing many different musical concepts.
Try using any of the following characteristics of gypsy music to incorporate during a warm-up

1.)Repetitive phrases that build in intensity
2.)Fast arpeggios and runs
3.)Syncopated rhythms
4.)Playing in position
6.) Swells and Sobs
7.)Melisma
8.)Minor keys
9.)Flattening and raising the 6th tone
10.)Tempo accelerations
11.)Series of bows all on the up bow
12.)Left hand pizzicato
13.)Slides using shaking or zig-zag like motion
14.)Grace notes that come from the scale tone below the primary pitch as well as from a chromatic step under leading up, whether not that chromatic tone is in the scale.
15.)Trills that are tight and fast.

Method/Books

Mel Bays Gypsy Violin by Mary Ann Harbor
Mark O'Connor Violin Method: Gypsy Fantastic by Mark O'Connor
Stephane Grappelli - Gypsy Jazz Violin Book/CD Set By Tim Kliphuis

Books/Discussion

http://www.violinist.com/discussion/response.cfm?ID=5645
http://www.fiddlingaround.co.uk/hungarian/index.html
The Gypsies (The Peoples of Europe) [Paperback] Angus Fraser (Author)
The Gypsy Crown by Kate Forsyth
Madeline and the Gypsies (Picture Puffin) [Paperback]
Ludwig Bemelmans http://www.amazon.com/Madeline-Gypsies-Picture-Puffin-Bemelmans/dp/0140502610 (Author)

Videos

The Red Violin
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Vegabond Tales

Youtube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQn6Qb-9mD8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nx2PLdDPbZo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxHhSy36Klo

CDs

Master of the Russian Gypsy Violin
Oleg Ponomare | Format: Audio CD
Laszlo Berki - Hungary: The Gypsy Violin

Scores

CSARDAS - Vittorio Monti/arr. Mosier - WINGERT-JONES PUBLICATIONS
Editors' Choice 2009
This famous violin showpiece sounds great as a full orchestra work! Although written by Italian Vittorio Monti, this well-loved work is regularly played by Gypsy orchestras throughout Hungary, Romania and....More info –full orchestra

Bottom of Form
ROMANIAN FOLK DANCES - Bela Bartok/arr. Monday - Neil A Kjos Music Co
Editors' Choice 2004
This arrangement features four of the six dance movements as first arranged by Bartok. Joc Cu Bata; Buciumeana; Poarga Romanesca and Marunte are exotic-sounding and dramatic. These are....More info-string orchestra

Hungarian Dance No. 5 - Brahms arr by Isaac

Simple Gypsy Tunes

Cross Circular Ideas

History, geography, and politics

Culture; Dress, dance, and food

Grade 1/Easy orchestra arrangements/originals in eclectic styles

2011-07-01T08:53:00.000-07:00

On Scribd: http://www.scribd.com/doc/59132254/Course-6061-Project

page 1
Eclectic Orchestra Music
For 1st and 2nd year players

Title Level Composer/Arranger Pub. Notes
African Blessing Easy Deborah B. Monday Kendor Bwana Awabaniki

*American Fiddle Medley Easy Bob Phillips Alfred Fiddle tips given

*Arkansas Traveler Easy David Tovey Kendor D and A Major

Balloon Man Easy S. Roberts/T. Sharp Lathum Glissandi to harmonic

Bees Are Boppin Easy Thom Sharp Lathum Be-Bop Style/Swing

Blue Jeans Blues Gr. 1 F. Feese Wynn

Blue Ox Blues Gr. 2 Dean Sorenson Neil Kjos

*Bossa Nova Triste Multi Mary Alice Rich Neil Kjos Great multi-level piece

Cabbage Countdown Easy Bob Phillips Alfred D Major

Celtic Dance Gr. 1 Mark Williams Alfred E Dorian

Celtic Suite Easy Kathy L. Fishburn Wingert J. Bonnie Doon &
The Minstrel Boy
Dancin’ on the Bayou Easy Ralph Ford Alfred Cajun Style

*Danza Latina Easy Brian Balmages FJH Viola/Violin Solo part Advanced or easy
Dervish Easy Ralph Ford Alfred Middle Eastern Dance

Giant Slimy Squid Easy Thom Sharp Lathum Trem./low 1st/Flats

Haymaker Hoedown Easy William Owens FJH G major (F naturals)

Jamaica Farewell Easy Frank J. Halferty Kendor Syncopation

Jamaican Spice Easy Lee Bursewold Lathum G Major

page 2

Title Level Composer/Arranger Pub. Notes
Jasmine Flower Gr. 1 Douglas Wagner Alfred Chinese: Molihua
2004 Sum. Olympics
Jump Street Swing Jam Gr. 2 Thom Sharp Sharp Mt.

La Casa De Cuerdas Gr. 1 Jeffrey Frizzi Kendor

*Mambo Amable Gr. 1 Thom Sharp Lathum Latin Perc.

*Mama Don’t Low Gr. 1+ Carrie Lane Gruselle FJH Fiddle Style/Counterpt

*Old Joe Clark Easy Richard Stephan Neil Kjos All get melody
Nice variations
*Red Peppper Gr.2.5 Jeffrey Bishop Wingert J. Zydeco/Cajun Fiddling

Rocky’s Rock Gr. 2 S. Burch Ludwig

*Rhythm and Blues: Gr. 1 Soon Hee Newbold FJH Body Percussion

Russian Music Box Gr. 1 Soon Hee Newbold FJH

Samba La Bamba Gr. .5 William Owens FJH Brazilian Dance/6note

Scottish Air Gr. 1 Jack Bullock Alfred

Scottish Fiddle Medley Gr. 1 Bob Phillips Alfred The Waves of Tory &
The Stronsay Weddin
Shuffleupagus Gr. 2 Matt Turner Fischer Improv. section

Sourwood Mountain Gr.1 Carrie Lane Gruselle FJH Pentatonic Fragments

*Stone Mountain Stomp Easy Carl Strommen C. Fischer Souther Fiddling Style
Copland-esque Style
Turkey in the Straw Easy Larry Clark C. Fischer

Pops/Rock Style
Advent Rising Theme Easy Bob Phillips Alfred Video Game Music

Bad Easy Michael Jackson Alfred Perc.

page 3
Pops/Rock Style
Title Level Composer/Arranger Pub. Notes
Beat It Easy Michael Jackson Alfred Perc.

Billie Jean Easy Michael Jackson Alfred Perc.

Crocodile Rock Easy Elton John/Longfield Hal Leonard Perc.

Final Countdown Easy J. Tempest/Lavender Hal Leonard Perc.

Land of a Thousand Dances Easy C. Kenner/Longfield Hal Leonard Na Na Na Na Na song

Linus and Lucy Easy Guarald/Longfield Hal Leonard Violas some melody

Lion Sleeps Tonight, The Gr. 1 Bob Cerulli Alfred Easy Swing

Old Time Rock and Roll Easy Seger/Moore Hal Leonard

Pirates of the Caribbean Gr. 1 Lavender Hal Leonard

*Power Rock Gr. 1 M. Sweeney Hal Leonard Another One Bites..
We Will Rock You
Rock Riffs Gr. 1+ Soon Hee Newbold FJH Hard Rock/Stop Chor.

Satisfaction Easy Jagger/M. Story Alfred Piano/Tamb./Drums

Secret Agent Man Easy Sloan&Berry/Moore Hal Leonard Nice low strings

Stairway To Heaven Gr. 2 Bob Phillips Alfred Slow theme only

Sweet Child of Mine Gr. 2+ Hudson

21 Guns Easy Green Day/Phillips Alfred All sections/Melody

Tangerine Blue/Strawberry Ice Easy Renata Bratt Stanton Strings Charts Series

Thriller Easy Temperton/Longfield Hal Leonard

Viola Hero Easy Stephan Bulla Hal Leonard Haed driving Groove!

Key: Very easy=Gr. .5-1; Easy=Gr. 1.5-2

Join the Orchestra by Lindsay Klecka

2011-07-01T08:26:00.000-07:00

Pictures: http://www.scribd.com/doc/59131128/Join-the-Orchestra

JOIN THE ORCHESTRA

strings rock!!!

You're listening to Black Violin,

Brandenburg

Orchestra Instruments

BASS

Bass players Edgar Meyer and Victor Wooten,

Bass Duet

CELLO

Who's this artist?

VIOLA

VIOLIN

Chopping Demonstration

Richard Greene invented this technique.

This skill turns a melodic instrument into a percussive one.

7 Violin "Fun-Facts"

1. While playing the violin you burn 170 calories an hour!

2. The modern Violin contains over 70 separate pieces of wood.

3. The worlds smallest violin is only 37 millimetres long and is small enough to fit in a box of matches!

4. An old Italian term for the violin is "kit".

5. If a violinist is placed into an MRI machine, we can see that a much larger area of the brain is devoted to his or her left fingers when compared with a non-violinist. Two or three times as large, in fact. Violinists also have more connections between the two sides of the brain which account for the better co-ordination they have between each hand compared with a non-violin player.

6. Joseph Merlin of Huy, Belgium invented the roller skates. To introduce his invention he entered the ballroom-playing violin in 1759. Unfortunately he did not know how to stop and crashed into a full-length mirror, breaking his violin.

7. The violin is the most popular instrument for children, it is also the most indemand instrument at the professional level.

http://www.violinist.com/blog/Violinists2004/20068/5590/

In Conclusion...

JOIN THE ORCHESTRA

Because STRINGS ROCK!!!

Website links to Eclectic Styles Artists (for orchestra website) by Mike Govert

2011-07-01T07:33:00.000-07:00

http://www.scribd.com/doc/59130800/Violinists-and-Fiddlers

THE ECLECTIC STRING WORLD
Check out these violinists and fiddlers!
Mark O'Connor – classical, blues, jazz, country, bluegrass
Wikipedia Article
Mark O'Connor's Website
You Tube Videos
Mark O'Connor - Fiddle Encore - Brooklyn Philharmonic (2008)
Mark O'Connor and Edgar Meyer Duet 1991.avi

Richard Greene - inventor of the "chop" – classical & bluegrass
Richard Greene's Website
You Tube Videos
Northern White Clouds @ Wimmerata
Richard Greene performs Greenesleeves live
Bluegrass Fire! Richard Greene, Tony Trischka Little Rabbit
Darol Anger – classical, jazz, folk, bluegrass
Wikipedia Article
Darol Anger's Website
You Tube Videos
Darol Anger Melt The Tea Kettle
Darol Anger Rhythm Technique Lesson (chopping technique)
Mark Wood – heavy metal
Wikipedia Article
Mark Wood's Website
You Tube Videos
Mark wood Rock Fusion
MARK WOOD - "BACH DOUBLE" on the Stingray SV4
Christian Howes – jazz
Wikipedia Article
Christian Howes Website
You Tube Videos
Christian Howes - Wish
Christian Howes and the Dangerous Band perform CH original, "Bobby's Bad"
Jeremy Kittel – alternative fiddler
Jeremy Kittel's Website
You Tube Videos
Jeremy Kittel with Tristan Clarridge
Hey Joe (Hendrix version) - Jeremy Kittel Band
Vicki Richards – classical, Indian, alternative
Vicki Richards' Website
You Tube Videos
"Glass Heart" - Vicki Richards, Mitch Kopp & Jeff Deen
Vicki Richards, Jeff Deen & Mitch Kopp performance 7/08 Gro
Randy Sabien – jazz & blues
Randy Sabien's Website
You Tube Videos
Peter Mulvey & Randy Sabien "Everybody Knows"
Crazy Harmonica Violin Jam
Alex Hargreaves - jazz, bluegrass, new acoustic, Texas style, western swing and classical
Alex Hargreaves' Website
You Tube Videos
Mike Barnett & Alex Hargreaves + SHINE (27-5-2010)
IBMA Jam Alex Hargreaves, Joey McKenzie, Drew Phelps
Tatiana Hargreaves (Alex's sister) – bluegrass, fiddler
Tatiana Hargreaves' Website
You Tube Videos
Clifftop 2009 Fiddle Contest Finals - Tatiana Hargreaves
Tatiana Hargreaves with Scott Law, 2-4-2011
Alasdair Fraser – Scottish fiddler
Alasdair Fraser's Website
You Tube Videos
Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas playing "Grand Etang / Hull's Reel" live on BBC Radio Scotland

Brittany Haas – bluegrass, fiddler
Wikipedia Article
Brittany Haas MySpace Page
You Tube Videos
Brittany Haas demos Old-time music
Brittany and Natalie Haas.MOV
Miri Ben-Ari – hip-hip violinist
Miri Ben-Ari's Website
You Tube Videos
Miri Ben-Ari Sunshine to the rain
Miri Ben-Ari Pepsi Commercial
Yale Strom – Klezmer violinist
Yale Strom's Website
You Tube Videos
Yale Strom na festiwalu Zachor
Hot Pstromi with Yale Strom performing "Shpilt Mir Op Dem Naye Sher"
Bruce Molsky – old time fiddler
Wikipedia Article
Bruce Molsky's Website
You Tube Videos
Bruce Molsky--fiddle tune 2
Sally Ann
L. Subramaniam – Indian Violinist
Wikipedia Article
L. Subramaniam's Website
You Tube Videos
L. Subramaniam Live at the Lakshminarayana Global Music Festival
L.Subramaniam moscow house of music
Tracy Silverman – jazz, contemporary classical, and rock violinist
Wikipedia Article
Tracy Silverman's Website
You Tube Videos
Tracy Silverman, Electric Violin--Led Zeppelin Medley
Eclectica Project featuring Tracy Silverman
David Garrett – classical and rock violinist
Wikipedia Article
David Garrett's Website
You Tube Videos
David Garrett Czardas Video
David Garrett - Master of Puppets - Feb 13th 2011 - Chicago Theater

John Blake – jazz violinist
Wikipedia Article
John Blake's Website
You Tube Videos
John Blake's Extraordinary Solo Jazz VIolin
Jazz and the Violin - John Blake with Billy Taylor - Work Song
Stuff Smith – old time jazz violinist
Wikipedia Article
You Tube Videos
Stuff Smith - I hope Gabriel Likes My Music
Stuff Smith - Bugle call blues (1965)
Joe Venuti – old time jazz violinist
Wikipedia Article
You Tube Videos
Joe Venuti & Eddie Lang - Doin' Things, 1928
Joe Venuti and Eddie Lang- Man from the South
Stephane Grappelli – old time jazz violinist
Wikipedia Article
You Tube Videos
Blue Moon - Stephane Grappelli
Stéphane Grappelli - Stardust

Mike's orchestra homepage (with lots of great references):
http://w1.northbrook28.net/orchestra/index.html

Using Famous Basslines for Improvisation by Kelly Vieth

2011-07-01T07:11:00.000-07:00

Using Famous Basslines for Improvisation:
Ice Ice Baby
vs.
Under Pressure

By Kelly Vieth

YouTube Videos of Queen, Vanilla Ice, and GREAT BASS LOOPS

Rock Band 3 – Under Pressure by Queen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moJc12qlISo
Queen & David Bowie Music Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtrEN-YKLBM

Justin Timberlake Remix - Ice Ice Baby
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiWTuv3vkJ0&NR=1
Vanilla Ice “Sellout” – Interview with Ice-T
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfW8HTXnYms&feature=related
Nuttin but Stringz
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZ78f1gUa5Q

The Lesson Plan (Day 1)

Introduce students to Video(s)
Give details about the repeated bass line: basso continuo, loop, ostinato, canon
Talk about history/background of both Queen’s version of “Under Pressure” - 1981
Talk about conflict when Vanilla Ice borrowed the famous bassline and “sold out” - 1990
Warm up with Copy Cat exercises, using syncopated rhythms on D string
Have students copy the bassline theme
Hand out sheet music and play!!! Which bassline seems more interesting? Which style would they rather play to: Rock n’ Roll OR Hip Hop
Show Nuttin’ but Stringz video - what similarities between videos??

The Lesson Plan cont’d (Day 2)

Show students the different websites where they can explore and improv rhythms/notes: - Phil Tulga - www.philtulga.com
- Google Guitar Doodle
- any others??
Turn on GarageBand and show different effects, loops, synthesizers, etc. Play for them variation of “Ice Ice Baby”
Use Copy Cat warm ups while playing either loop in the background!!

The goal of this exercise is to have students THINK about introducing a bass line to their own practice, to use their creativity during class and at home, and to be able to IMPROV to a groove through guided warm ups. Students can have fun looking up their own loops or writing their own! Electric instruments can be used or their “classical” instruments.

Websites for Student Composition/Improv

Google Guitar Doodle – try to play bass line with technology…download??
http://webscopia.com/2011/06/download-the-google-guitar-doodle/

Phil Tulga - Fraction Pies
http://www.philtulga.com/pie.html

Phil Tulga - Musical Bars
http://www.philtulga.com/fractionbars.html

Eclectic Styles Final Project - exposing young students to eclectic styles - Jenny Allen

2011-07-01T05:34:00.000-07:00

Jenny Allen
June 30, 2011
Eclectic Styles Final Project

Goal: Over the course of the 2011-12 school year I would like to expose my students to a variety of eclectic styles through listening, performing/demonstrating, and researching. I plan to do this as a weekly project called “Fiddle Fridays”, “Eclectic Fridays”, or some other creative name yet to be determined! At our spring concert each grade level will perform a piece demonstrating their knowledge of eclectic styles.

Introduce my students to a variety of styles through listening to and watching video samples such as the following: (this is by no means a complete list!) Have them planned out ahead of time listed on a sheet by genre. This could lead to a discussion of how they sounded different/similar to each other. This could also turn into an assignment to satisfy our writing requirement for the 1st quarter.
Mark O’Connor
Mark Wood
Christian Howes
Darol Anger
Regina Carter
Turtle Island String Quartet
Jeremy Kittel
Saline Fiddlers
Nuttin’ But Strings
Apocalyptica
Stephane Grappelli
String Cheese
Carter Dewberry
Jean-Luc Ponty
Black Violin

Have the students explore their instruments, like we did in class the first day. Allowing them to try many different techniques and make sounds that they might not necessarily think sound “good”.
Glissando, double stops, tremolo, distortion, tapping, etc.

Call & Response (something I do every day as a warm-up, but would eventually become more of a spring-board for improvisation.)
Play exactly what teacher plays—only 1 measure at a time
Play a response to what teacher plays (using only D, E, F#)
Have a student be the leader for the previous exercises
Use different LH & RH techniques with these exercises—swinging, sliding, percussive use of the bow, etc.

Basic Improvisation
Start with open strings, one measure at a time
Pick 3 notes—students can play one measure any rhythm using those 3 notes
Pick a scale—students can play anything for 1-2 measures using the notes of that scale starting and ending on tonic.

Music Materials
My school owns the Basic Fiddler’s Philharmonic, Fiddler’s Philharmonic & Fiddler’s Philharmonic Encore books. I will use these books to choose music for the first semester.
I would like to write a grant to our local education foundation for a classroom set of the Jazz Basics for Strings by Robert Woods. After exploring some of the jazz music earlier this year and a discussion about style, I would use this book later in the year.

Eclectic Strings Musician’s Wall
I have probably 5-6 posters that I’ve collected from going to conferences with Mark Wood, Christian Howes, Martha Mooke, Yamaha Silent Instruments, and a couple others. I will display these at the beginning of the year.
After our December orchestra concert I will have a writing assignment for my students. They will need to choose an artist from the list I provide and make a poster about that artist. Those will then be displayed on the wall as well. This can also help satisfy the writing requirement for our 2nd quarter!

Guests in the classroom
There are a couple people in my area that I think would be willing to come in and work with my students and/or demonstrate what they do.
A parent of 2 of my students, Susan Belliel, is a violinist in the Grand Rapids Symphony and plays with a band. I think she would be willing to come in and demonstrate what eclectic styles of music she plays. Susan would be an excellent example of someone who was classically trained, plays with great technique, and plays other styles of music.
A teacher from the GR area, Becky Bush, who taught at camp with me last week offered to come work with my students some time this year. Becky is Bob Phillips’ daughter and has a great amount of knowledge in the Fiddling style that she can share with me and my students.
I would also like to bring in a group called “String Cheese” (www.stringcheesemusic.com) to work with my students. String Cheese is a duo that is located in the Ann Arbor area. Ali (cello) and Diana (violin/viola) both taught at the Michigan ASTA camps with me and have done clinics at schools throughout Michigan. I’ve heard wonderful things about their workshops and would love to share that aspect with my students—if not this year, then possibly the year after.

Music performance ideas for our Spring Concert
Blue Rhythmico—by K. Mosier
Bees are Boppin’—by T. Sharp
Orange Jam—by J. Bishop
American Fiddle Medley—arr. B. Phillips
American Rounds—arr. B. Phillips.
Ashokan Farewell—arr. Custer
Cripple Creek—arr. M. Hopkins
Best of Queen—arr. Moore

Gypsy links

2011-06-28T14:32:00.000-07:00

http://www.amazon.com/Gypsy-Violin-Laszlo-Berki/dp/B000AQ698Q

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0786674768/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_2?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000AQ698Q&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=14BH7ED6WZS1BNJ5XWQE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nx2PLdDPbZo

http://www.violinist.com/discussion/response.cfm?ID=5645

http://www.amazon.com/Bays-Gypsy-Violin-Mary-Harbar/dp/0786616512

http://stringscentral.com/cgi-bin/clinicians.detail.pl?id=34

http://www.fiddlingaround.co.uk/hungarian/index.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQn6Qb-9mD8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxHhSy36Klo&feature=related

http://www.stephanegrappelli.com/

http://www.hotclubofhulaville.com/HotClubofHulaville/Honolulu_Workshop_Registration.html

http://great-violin.com/category/gypsy-violin

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1hoia_gypsy-melody_music

A partial list of artists - we will be looking at these folks this week

2011-06-28T13:17:00.001-07:00

Artists – a very partial list

Julie Lyonn Lieberman – queen bee of alternative styles – www.julielyonn.com
Mark O'Connor – fiddle god
Mark Wood – heavy metal – comes to schools
Christian Howes – jazz violin - http://christianhowes.com/education/education-links/
The Lesson Room – Christian Howes and Scott Laird lessons (D'Addario)
Darol Anger – www.academyofbluegrass.com – Republic Strings - Psychograss
Regina Carter – violinist performing with orchestras
Turtle Island String Quartet
Mads Toland
David Balakrishnan
Mark Summer
Jeremy Kittel
Danny Seidenberg – UnBande - http://www.alfred.com/Products/Steel-City-Strut--00-29762.aspx
Electric Violin Shop
Richard Greene – father of the Chop
Martin Norgaard – Jazz Fiddle Wizard – good teacher, good method for improv in classroom
Vicki Richards – Indian and rock (Wood violin), teaches at Berklee,
Bob Phillips
Alex Hargreaves – and sister Tatiana – young fiddlers
Renata Bratt – cello educator - http://melbay.net/authors.asp?author=1914
Alasdair Fraser's Valley of the Moon Scottish Fiddle Camp
String Project LA
Robert Anderson
Black Violin – Brandenburg 3 - http://youtu.be/KCXVCpcopa8
ELO – Electric Light Orchestra – Mark Wood
Mahavishnu Orchestra – 70's alt rock scene – Jerry Goodman violin
Scott Laird – D'Addario artist/teacher – lessons on electric
Brittany (violin) and Natalie (cello) Haas – incredible sister duo – lots of fiddle
Randy Sabien – jazz artist
Erik Friedlander – NY cellist
Dana Leong – Hip Hop Electro-Jazz Cellist
Eugene Freisen – cello teacher at Berklee - http://www.celloman.com/improv_study.shtml
Rushad Eggleston – younger cellist, plays with Darol (chopping DVD)
Matt Turner – cellist
Aaron Minsky – Ten American Etudes – cellist – Ten International Etudes
Nuttin' But Stringz - http://www.nuttinbutstringz.com/
Miri Ben-Ari – hip hop - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CCkagE15sk&feature=related
Apocolyptica
Yale Strom
Bruce Molsky – old time Appalachian fiddle teacher
Matt Glaser – Transcribed a lot of old time fiddle and jazz tunes and players
L. Subramaniam
Tracy Silverman - http://youtu.be/Os8J7A35Ruo – Led Zepplin Video
Drew Tretick – the old Zeta guy
David Garrett
Stanley Chepaitis - http://www.stanleychep.com/indexA.htm
Lili Haydn
John Blake – current black jazz artist
Old timer jazzers:
Stuff Smith
Svend Asmussen
Joe Venuti
Stephane Grappelli
70's band:
It's a Beautiful Day
Jefferson Airplane????
Current band:
Carolina Chocolate Drops – old time fiddle band

MORE
Carter Dewberry – from Greenville (facebook – in LA)
String Fever – great videos! http://www.stringfever.co.uk/show.html

Matt Turner's Note on Facebook

2011-06-27T14:41:00.000-07:00

WISCONSIN MUSICIAN APOLOGIZES TO CITIZENS OF WISCONSIN AND TO GOVERNOR SCOTT WALKER
by Matt Turner on Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 7:08pm
Wisconsin citizens, my name is Matt Turner, and I am a professional musician (performer and composer) and educator. Ideas recently put forth by Governor Scott Walker and his supporters have made me realize how ignorant and blind I have been regarding my career in the arts. I wish to offer my apologies to the citizens of Wisconsin, to my family, and to my friends. I hope you will forgive me.

I would like to apologize for becoming a professional musician almost 30 years ago when I joined the musicians’ union (AFM) (1). Music was supported in the schools, and Wisconsin was a leader in music education. Little did I know that almost 30 years later, Wisconsinites would finally see the light about having to fork over fourteen cents per Wisconsin resident to support the arts (2). I never would have thought Wisconsin would be at the bottom of the food chain compared to other states with regard to arts funding. I’m now overcome with joy that we are at the bottom, but fourteen cents per person is still way too much money to pay for the “arts”. I’m sorry I took advantage of all the wonderful opportunities offered in our state while I was growing up. What a waste of my time and your tax dollars.

I would like to apologize to my parents who endured listening to me practice cello and piano each and every morning before I went to school. I would awaken between 4:00 and 4:30 a.m. each day and practice. I worked very hard. I’m sorry for putting my mind and body through so much (for years!) so I could better myself as a musician. What a waste.

I would like to apologize to my parents for investing so much money in lessons and instruments when I was a child. Sorry for helping put me through college and then graduate school. I mean, really. Imagine spending six years in two music schools only to realize years later that what one does is meaningless and trivial. Just think of all the time I wasted attempting to better myself. What a shame.

I would like to apologize for the thousands of performances I have given, for the one hundred plus recordings on which I have played, and for the dozens of pieces I have composed and had published over the years (3). Did these offerings have an emotional impact on the listener or challenge people to think about their lives differently? I seriously doubt it. What a waste. I really don’t know what I was thinking.

I would like to apologize for having spent the last 20 years of my life working with tens of thousands of public school music students during residencies in this country and abroad. Much of my time has been spent with students in Wisconsin—students who after working with me were inspired enough not to quit music (as many had planned to do). I really wish they had quit. Having fewer musicians around means giving less money to freeloading, lazy musicians who have never worked a day in their lives. How did I miss this? Do we really NEED more of the “arts”?

I would like to apologize for making a living as a musician and educator. I really shouldn’t be paid since I love what I do (4) and what I do isn’t a real job. I wish I had chosen a profession benefiting humankind. I could have contributed more working as a stock broker, or working as an anchor for the national FOX news network, or running a large music publishing company which shows its love towards music teachers by supporting political candidates who clearly hate educators. I really could have been someone—someone who cared deeply, contributed to society and attempted to raise the station of all people. I’m really sorry people. Being a musician or an artist does NOT do any of these things. I’m so sorry I didn’t have the foresight to realize this. I’m starting to see the light.

I would like to apologize for teaching part-time at the university level over the years. It seems irresponsible to prepare students to enter a field in which people cannot make a living or one in which people have little if any respect for what one does. Students (performance majors take note), I should have told you the truth. Sorry about that. The dirty little secret is that there are no jobs, there is no hope, and at best you’ll be working 50 hours per week at a community college teaching students (many of whom have no business being music majors) how to become college professors at a community college. By the way, you’ll need your doctorate in order to become a college professor, you’ll need to take a vow of poverty, and you’ll need to be willing to get a little grease on your arms when you are working the deep fryer at a fast food restaurant those additional 20 hours per week so you can pay your rent (5). The good news is that people in the fast food industry are better respected than musicians or artists. At least people in fast food restaurants MAKE things. Or, at least they make things we can really enjoy.

So again, I’d like to offer my sincerest apologies to the citizens of Wisconsin for being such a burden in so many ways. I would like also to thank Governor Scott Walker and the members of the JFC (especially Senator Alberta Darling—way to stick it to those artists!) for bringing me to my senses. I just wish I could do it all over again. If I could only take it back.

Who knows, if perhaps I had spent less time working hard as a young person and had ignored the arts and my school work, I too may have had a shot at becoming governor of Wisconsin.

Sincerely,

Matt Turner
Appleton, WI
1. AFM union thugs made me join by holding a gun to my head. Please don’t hate me.
2. Thank goodness we don’t live in Minnesota. There, the state spends almost SIX dollars per person on the arts. Can you believe it? And, for what? Papier-mâché lefse art exhibits?

3. I doused my recordings and pieces with gasoline and lit them on fire. My new life starts now! (My burning compact discs created toxic fumes—quite fitting.)

4. Not always.

5. See, those music theory skills really do come in handy!

Traditional Tunes for Buskers or Players at an Informal Jam

2011-06-27T13:09:00.000-07:00

Deborah Greenblatt

Dear Greenblatt & Seay Fan,

One of our collections was just reviewed in the August 2011 issue of Strings Magazine, and we wanted you to know about it!

Sincerely,
Debby-in-the-Schoolhouse
www.greenblattandseay.com

"Traditional Tunes for Buskers or Players at an Informal Jam"

"Fiddler, educator, music publishers, and arranger Deborah Greenblatt expands her family of fun, accessible string compilation books with Busking Fiddle Tunes for Two Violins. This collection appeals not only to street performers, but also to players who'd like to get together for an informal jam, and violin teachers who are looking for supplemental repertoire that students will enjoy playing together.

The book is a diverse collection of traditional tunes, ranging from those of Russian, Hungarian, and Irish origin to American ragtime and classical pieces....The difficulty level is beginner to intermediate, so provided that the fiddlers have a basic understanding of double-stop technique, this collection is appropriate for most levels. Even advanced violinists will have fun playing the 36 tunes in this book.

All in all, this is a great starter kit to strengthen your busking skills (even including a short guide to the art of busking) and would make a lovely addition to your music library. It's truly a joy to flip through with friends on a street corner, at a festival or farmer's market, or in your home........Eliana Fiore, Strings, August 2011

Christian Howes update

2010-01-10T08:36:00.001-08:00

Hi all! Happy New Year!

In case you aren't a facebook 'fan' of the Creative String Players, here's an update from Christian:

Dear Creative String Players- I don't email you that often, but when someone says, "Billy Contreras", I stop what I'm doing and listen. Why? If you don't know than you need to get hip.

Billy and I recorded this followup album two years ago and it's taken two years to get around to finish mixing. Now it's here. Get Hip already! Click for a free song, but before you listen, set a pillow on the floor to stop your jaw from bruising.
And while you're at it, the Creative Strings Workshop dates are set for June 28-July 4. Billy, I, Jeremy Kittel, Mike Block and all the other party animals will be there. Here's the link for everything you need:

http://christianhowes.com/blog/2010/01/10/the-new-album-with-billy-contreras-is-finally-here-jazz-fiddle-evolution/

While you're at the blog feel free to take a look around.

take care!
chris

ASTA conference in Santa Clara 2010

2009-10-12T05:35:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

Sorry for not post in a while. Please consider coming to sunny CA in February to the 2010 National ASTA convention. Here is a link to see all the alternative style clinicians slated to be there:

Alternative Style Clinics

I will be presenting a non-alternative style clinic on Saturday afternoon of the clinic entitled "Making the Transition: From private studio teaching to public school teaching".

To look for particular clinicians, you can use the groovy cool new ASTA Itinerary Planner by clicking here:

ASTA Itinerary Planner

Also, consider coming a day early to attend the afternoon Alt Styles intensive - it's here that you get in-depth training and an opportunity to work closely with some of the Alternative Style industry leaders.

See you in CA!

The BSO has a friend...

2009-08-25T06:41:00.000-07:00

When you're down, and troubled...

The Boston Symphony Orchestra has James Taylor - so they always have a friend. It's not 'hugely' alternative, but I thought this was a fun Boston Globe article:

When It's Down and Troubled, the BSO Has a Friend

Mark Wood leaves TSO - TV debut

2009-08-15T10:27:00.000-07:00

Mark Wood has announced that after 13 years he will now take a break from performing with the TSO - Trans Siberian Orchestra. He has recorded his own project that will broadcast on TV - for an article and sneak peak:

Mark Wood TV Debut

Artist profile - MOC - Mark O'Connor

2009-07-31T18:11:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't know the dynamo, violin and fiddle virtuoso Mark O'Connor - take a look at this incredible website:

www.markoconnor.com

As a kid, I listened to this fiddler, who was only a few years older than me, and marveled at his career as he rocketed into the musical stratosphere.

Mark is currently finishing up a week at his fiddle camp in NY - the first year he's held his camp on the East coast. There are successful MOC fiddle camps at UCLA in California and in Nashville, Tennessee.

Mark recordings, music, teaching, blogging, twittering, facebooking, and myspacing are frequent and incredible. It's easy to be musical inspired by his works - young and old alike. Join his facebook page and you get an in depth look at an artists' life (a great exercise for our students??!!)

If you ever have a chance to see Mark play live, take it - he's a dynamic performer and a marvelous ambassador to non-musical people and young musicians.
Enjoy!

EVS newsletter - a great way to stay 'connected'

2009-07-22T11:10:00.000-07:00

Here's something to help you stay connected to the coolest equipment - sign yourself up for the Electric Violin Shop's newsletter "Currents". Not only can you stay up-to-date with the equipment that comes through their shop, but they give advice and good links to interesting sites. Here's their current newsletter link - you can sign up on this page to get the newsletter sent to your email:

EVS Currents Newsletter

El Sistema

2009-07-17T08:07:00.000-07:00

If you've never heard of El Sistema - the incredible system of orchestral and choir training in Venezuela these past 35 years - then you might enjoy getting a glimpse into the brilliance of the man who started it all. If you know of the system (LA Phil's newest director, Gustavo Dudamel, is a product of this incredibly artistic program) then you'll undoubtedly enjoy this video of the creator of El Sistema, Jose Abreu, receiving the TED prize this past February:

http://www.ted.com/talks/jose_abreu_on_kids_transformed_by_music.html

Then, you can watch Gustavo Dudamel conducting the youth orchestra of Venezuela:

http://www.ted.com/talks/jose_abreu_on_kids_transformed_by_music.html

I personally love how much movement is encouraged by these musicians - I think that's something that's really lacking in American musical groups - orchestras and the like. I also like how in the Dudamel video they're not wearing stuffy black or colorful outfits... they're just dressed like people... neat! Enjoy!

Video - "United Breaks Guitars"

2009-07-15T08:17:00.000-07:00

Love this! Hope it makes a difference... (it's a video song of an artist who's Taylor guitar was broken by the employee's at United at Ohare)

And, then a quick note from the artist (because, apparently United decided to offer some assistance after the video made a huge impact around the world)...

Mariachi Music Program Helps Keep Students in School

2009-07-14T10:41:00.001-07:00

(From Oregon Arts Teacher newsletter)

Mariachi Music Program Helps Keep Students in School
Mariachi music, a long tradition in Mexican culture, is finding its way into school programs with an interested population of Latin American students. In one school district in Los Angeles, a mariachi music program has helped counter the area’s high school dropout rate.

Find an article about the program, and a link to an NPR report, at http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=99798089

Youtube Videos of Quartet San Francisco

2009-07-14T06:29:00.000-07:00

From Jeremy Cohen...

Hello my string player pals,
I'd like to share some new Quartet San Francisco youtube videos with
you. Please feel free to click on any or all of these to see the new
members playing some cool and original stuff.
OH DARLIN (Beatles)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGG3-B2MW3U

TANGO TOSCANA (Jeremy Cohen)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93Imt5a0oCk

LIBERTANGO (Astor Piazzolla)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iq5RyWEMAv8

BOY SCOUT IN SWITZERLAND (Raymond Scott)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kv6xLiBAa6g

Best,
Jeremy Cohen

Artist spotlight - Christian Howes

2009-07-13T22:09:00.000-07:00

Christian Howes is an amazing jazz musician... a totally dynamic player - he teaches a fantastic summer camp program in Columbus, Ohio, teaches at Berklee Boston, and plays all over the globe. I encourage you to check out his website which has tons of info and links to see and hear his incredible style:

http://christianhowes.com/

Here's to Jazz Violin - done right!!!

Not necessarily alternative... but, neat

2009-07-08T09:21:00.001-07:00

Here's a link to the website of the keynote speaker for this year's Australian String Teachers Association - AUSTA:

http://www.practising-in-flow.de/

FLOW is a method of practicing and playing (and teaching) that incorporates both hemispheres of the brain to create the most focused experience. There's a lot of information on this site!!

Rockin' Anthem... happy 4th!

2009-07-04T15:11:00.000-07:00

From Blaise at Electric Violin Shop... awesome... I want one!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9LXHrzOVYA

Pete's planning

2009-06-30T16:28:00.000-07:00

Here's what Pete is planning on for concerts this year:

Sixth Annual Northbrook School District 27 Festival of Strings

Wednesday, February 24, 2010, 7:00 p.m.
Mr. Peter Lograsso, Orchestra Director

First-Year Orchestra
* The Spanish Dancer . . . . . .Dale Brubaker

March of the Pioneers . . . Dale Brubaker

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star . . . Sinichi Suzuki
Viola section feature
Song of the Desert . . . . . Dale Brubaker

War Dance . . . . . . . Dale Brubaker

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star . . . .Sinichi Suzuki
Violin section feature
* Good News Blues . . . . . Carl Strommen

Can Can . . . . . . . Jacques Offenbach

Shabonee Strings
* Bees are Boppin’ . . . . . Thom Sharp

* Secret Agent 440 . . . . . Carrie Lane Gruselle

Ocean Storm “La Tempesta di Mare” . . . . Antonio Vivaldi / arr. Tom Fritz

Chamber Strings
Many Miles Away Across the Sea . . . . Susan H. Day

* Czardas . . . . . . . . Vittorio Monti / arr. Elliot Del Borgo
Solo Violinists TBA

Wood Oaks Junior High School Orchestra

North Country Legend . . . . . . Mark Williams

Slane (Be Thou My Vision) . . . Irish Ballad / arr. Percy Hall

* Cripple Creek . .. . . Traditional / arr. Michael Hopkins

Festival Orchestra
* Rock Around the Clock . . . Max Freedman / arr. Bob Cerulli

* Indicates alternative styles selection

DBR - in Chicago July 20

2009-06-27T12:30:00.000-07:00

Here's a link to some info about this Hip Hop artist:

DBR

Teachers - artists - sign up to receive email newsletters about DBR (sign up on the DBR website)

He will be playing at Millenium Park in Chicago on July 20... click above for more info!! Great videos on this site!

Alt Styles music selection suggestion

2009-06-27T10:33:00.000-07:00

Navigating the World of Alternative String Styles Georgia Alemis June 26, 2009

Alfred.com
1.)“Tchefuncte Shuffle” by Tim Aucoin
Grade 3.5
Jazz improv piece

2.)“Ludwig’s Tango” arr. by Richard Meyer
Grade 2
Beethoven’s 5th in a tango style with claves and maracas

3.)“A Playful Polka” by Edmund J. Siennicki
Grade 2

4.)“Ear-igami” by Richard Meyer
Grade 2
Pentatonic variations and using paper sounds

5.)“Mercurius” by Shirl Jae Atwell
Grade 3.5

6.)“Shore of Ireland” by Susan Day
Grade 2.5
6/8 (a minor and e minor)

7.)“Variable Stars” by Almon C. Bock II
Grade 3
A Twinkle Variation by using various styles: jazz, waltz, cha-cha, etc.

8.)“Song of Mexico” by Bob Cerulli
Grade 2

9.)“Boulevard of Broken Dreams” by Green Day arr. by Bob Phillips
Grade 2
Song is a little repetitive so I cut a repeat.

8.) “Legend” by David O’Fallon
Grade 3
Driving rhythms with special effects and a driving sound

9.)“A Gaelic Overture” by David O’Fallon
Grade 3
Using the old hymn “St. Patrick’s Breastplate” and an original gig. Celtic sounds with foot stomping and tapping on instruments like a drum.

10.) “Vir-cello Reality” by David O”Fallon
Grade 4
Shows off the cello section (fast paced rondo)

11.)“Critter Crawl” by Carol S. Johnson
Grade 2.5

12.)“Blue Tango” by Leroy Anderson arr. by Bob Cerulli
Grade 2.5

13.)“A Scottish Ballad” (Annie Laurie) Traditional arr. by Robert Sheldon
Grade 2.5

14.)“Dublin” (a Tribute to Dublin, Ohio and the Irish Festival) by Bob Phillips
Grade 3

15.)“Moondance” by Van Morrison, arr. by Michael Hopkins
Grade 3
Jazz, in the movie “August Rush”

Fjhmusic.com

1.)“Lion City” by Soon Hee Newbold
Grade 3
This piece uses diverse cultures of Singapore; imitating authentic instruments such as the ehru, pipa, and gamelon.

2.)“Basses Loaded” by Carrie Lane Gruselle
Grade 3.5
(funk, swing and rock)

Kjos.com

1.)“Mystical Quest” by Jeremy Woolstenhulme
Grade 2
Performed at the 2008 Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic
(Performed in e minor)

2.)“ Drifen” by Shirl Jae Atwell
Grade 4
Winner of the 1997 Texas Orchestra Directory Association Composition Contest.

3.)“Orange Jam” by Jeffrey Bishop
Grade 3
Use of glissandos and driving rhythms.
The kids LOVE this piece!

Halleonard.com

1.)“Soul Bossa Nova” by Quincy Jones, arr. by Robert Longfield
Grade 2.5 or 3
Austin Powers Theme

2.)“Besame Mucho” by Consuelo Velazquez and Sunny Skylar, arr. by Juan Ortiz
Mariachi for trumpet, voice, violins, guitarron and armonia
Grade ?

3.)“The Best of Queen” arr. by Larry Moore
Grade 3
Foot stomping and clapping on “We will rock you”
“Another one bites the dust”
“We are the champions”

Wjpublications.com
Wingert-Jones Publications

1.)“Red Pepper” by Jeffrey Bishop
Grade 3
Cajun fiddling style and Zydeco music
Carlfisher.com

2.) “Sunayama” by Keiko Yamada
Grade 2.5
Mysterious, lush Japanese Folk Song
String Quartet within the piece.

Physical Warm-ups
Choose a piece that you can actually march to.
1.)March in place to the beat
2.)Reach to the ceiling with one arm at a time
3.)Shoulders up and down
4.)Roll shoulders forward
5.)Roll shoulders backward
6.)Rotate your body 90-degrees if not enough room. Swing arms up and down in the air; make certain to breathe in and out.
7.)Stretch neck downwards, backwards, to the right and to the left. Then place ear to right shoulder and then ear to the left shoulder.
8.)Throw arms and fingers forward like you are throwing tennis balls at someone.
1010.) Open palm towards ceiling and stretch fingers downward. Do each hand.
1111.) Open palms downward towards the floor and stretch fingers towards your body. Do each hand.
12.) Do a karate punch and bend wrist downward. Do other wrist.
13.) Swing arms bent in a 90-degree angle and meet arms in the center to the beat.

Electric string quartet based in Detroit

2009-06-26T12:11:00.001-07:00

Two members of this quartet are doing their Masters at VanderCook - they play alt styles (rock, hip hop, funk, etc...) on NS Designs instruments:

Il Segreto String Quartet

Check them out!!!

Lesson ideas for the Year

2009-06-26T11:08:00.000-07:00

From Terri Krzyzaniak

Lesson Ideas for the Year

Folk
Twinkle: variety of rhythms, col legno, comp, harmony
Listening – Suzuki CD #1

Mary Had a Little Lamb: play on different strings, start tune on 1st finger (different patterns/ear training), swing rhythm, learn minor variation (darker sound)

Frere Jacques: rounds, comp, bass line
Listening – Suzuki CD #1

Allegro: comp, shuffle, bass line, harmony
Listening – Suzuki CD #1

Fiddle
Bile Them Cabbage Down: different sections of the tune, bass line, comp, shuffle, harmony, double-stops, begin improvising
Listening – Fiddler’s Philharmonic CD

Cripple Creek: bass line, comp, shuffle, scoops, slides
Listening – Fiddler’s Philharmonic CD

Wabash Cannonball: bass line, comp, slides, improvise
Listening – Wabash Cannonball - Roy Acuff

Other Listening: Mark O’Connor – Soppin’ the Gravy, Tennessee Wagoneer; Michael Doucet – L’Ouragon (The Hurricane); Bob Wills – San Antonio Rose (fr. American Songbook)

Video: Mark O’Connor, Michael Doucet

Mariachi
Cielito Lindo: comp, bass line, harmony
Listening – Mariachi Philharmonic

Las Mananitas: harmony, comp, bass line
Listening – Mariachi Philharmonic, Studio Group

Mi Ranchito: comp, bass line, harmony
Listening – Mariachi Philharmonic, Mariachi Garibaldi

Other Listening: Marosovia – Los Alegres; Sobre las Olas (Over the Waves) – Quinteto Tipico Mexicano; Jig in G (jazzy) – Emilio Caceres Y Su Orquesta Del Club Aguila

Jazz
Listening: Jean-Luc Ponty – Bowing-Bowing (electric insts.); Stephane Grappelli – Sweet Georgia Brown; Jean-Luc Ponty, Stuff Smith, Stephane Grappelli – Skip It

Video: Jean-Luc Ponty, Stephane Grappelli

Rock
Listening: Dave Matthews Band – Every Day (effects); Trans-Siberian Orchestra – Requiem (The Fifth) [Beethoven]

Video: Dave Matthews Band, Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Alternative
Listening: Daniel Bernard Roumain – Resonance, Fayetteville

Video: DBR

Powerpoint about Listening to Alt Styles as part of curriculum

2009-06-26T10:55:00.001-07:00

From Megan Zalokar

Introducing Alt Styles to Young String Students

2009-06-26T10:07:00.000-07:00

Jen Smith
Navigating the World of Alternative Styles
Project
6/26/09

Introducing Alternative String Styles to Young String Students

The following is a list of alternative string styles and warm up techniques/artists I would introduce to my students when teaching the alternative styles. (Artist section is just an idea of artists, not all)

Fiddle
ALTERNATIVE STYLE ARTIST
Mark O’Connor
Bob Phillips
Michael Cleveland
Darol Anger
Alisdair Frasier
Natalie Haas
Brittany Haas
April Verch

WARM-UP TECHNIQUES
shuffle bowing trills
double stops/chords rolls
chop open string rolls
cuts slides
double cuts pizz. guitar style

Blues
ALTERNATIVE STYLE ARTIST
Randy Sabien
Julie Lyonn Lieberman
Matt Stedman

WARM-UP TECHNIQUES
12 Bar Blues I, IV, V chords
Blues Scales dominant chords
Slides modes
Chop swingin 8th notes
Trading 2’s solos
Trading 4’s
Study most commonly used keys – C, G, D, A, E, (B)

Jazz
ALTERNATIVE STYLE ARTIST
Randy Sabien
Christian Howes
Sara Caswell
Matt Turner
Martin Norgaard
Danny Seidenberg
Michael Fraser

WARM-UP TECHNIQUES
II, V, I progression
Slide techniques
Harmonics
Study ALL keys
solos

Rock
ALTERNATIVE STYLE ARTIST
Mark Wood
Tracy Silverman
Daryl Silberman

WARM-UP TECHNIQUES
Bo Diddley beat
Concept of 3/2
Slides (chordal as well)

Mariachi
ALTERNATIVE STYLE ARTIST
(not sure on the best bands)
Spanish language John Nieto

WARM-UP TECHNIQUES
Singing
Cultural instruments involved in this style
Pizz. guitar style (back up/bass chords)

All styles: lots of listening to original artists for each style

Inclusion of Alt Styles in 1st and 2nd year group string settings

2009-06-26T10:04:00.000-07:00

Alyson Berger
Navigating Alternative Strings

Overview of the inclusion of alternative styles into 1st year and 2nd year of study in addition to the usual course of study from their method book.
Objective: Integrating alternative styles into the group strings classroom
Materials; String Explorer volume 1, Fiddling Method Volume 1 by Carol Ann Wheeler, Basic Fiddler Philharmonic, Jazz Philharmonic, Mariachi Philharmonic
CD of Alternative Tunes they will study this year plus the tunes they can expect study in later years.

1st year players (4th/5th grade)
Students use the String Explorer method book 1
By the end of the first year they are expected to be able to read and play the D major scale and have be able to count eighth, quarter and half notes and rests.

By Unit 5 the students have bow control and are able to imitate easy rhythm and note patterns. This will be a good time to introduce the shuffle rhythm and the idea of melody and accompaniment and the AABB and ABA form.
Fiddle Tunes
Students will learn Bile Them Cabbages Down and Go Tell Aunt Rhody by ear first and then using written music. All students will learn the melody and accompaniment parts.
Sources: Basic Fiddler Philharmonic; Bile them Cabbages Down by ear first (in chunks) and then from the written version in their lesson book, “Go Tell aunt Rhody” from Children’s Fiddling Method Volume 1 by Carol Ann Wheeler

2nd year players (5th/6th grade)
String Explorer book 1-Unit 9
Students start with unit 9 their 2nd year of study and are introduced to ¾ meter and low 2nd finger.
Mariachi
Students will study Celito Lindo (melody only). This tune includes ¾ time and c natural (low 2nd finger vln/vla and 2nd finger for cellos and basses).

Blues
Students will study the 12 bar blues pattern (also studied in general music classes at this point) and work on improvising their own melodies using the d minor penta scale.
Students will learn the d minor pentatonic scale, walking blues bass line and 2 accompaniments (shuffle and chop). These skills will be used as an exercise and warm up for them students. They will also be working from their method books and should get to the end of the book by the end of the 2nd year of study.

Incorporating Alt Styles with 5th grade beginning students

2009-06-26T09:24:00.000-07:00

From Mike McDonough

Here's a list of ways Mike's going to be looking to incorporate ideas from our week at this workshop in his program - he sees 5th grade beginning string students once a week for 45 minutes:

* Use a beat-heavy background for bow hand games
* Alt Styles and classical music in the background for bow games
* Exploring sound effects including bow effects and tapping on the instrument (all students in his school take African drumming... the violin/viola/cello/bass can be tapped on the back of the instrument like a drum
* Give kids choices in free improvisation - have the students respond simply to actions you make with your hands
* Call and Response - not only classically but with Alt Style sensibility. Include chopping, back beat, and different parts of the bow
* Basic Fiddlers Philharmonic - even though it's been out for a few years, it was a new one on him. Will work great with his program
* Have the kids bring in recorded music *they* like for body and bow warmups
* Have advanced students play their instruments completely backwards - left to right - to simulate what it feels like to be a beginner.

Transcribe!

2009-06-26T08:13:00.001-07:00

By Phil Kent

Transcribe! This program allows you to take any tune in your iTunes library, or on your computer, and open it in this program. The program will analyze the tune. You can change all sorts of parameters:

Tempo
Pitch
Balance
Loop sections

Then you can save what you work out, export it, then make a CD of what you make.

Free 40 day download and/or purchase it for $50:
www.seventhstring.com

Implementing Alt Styles from the Get Go! Rock 'n Roll by Friday

2009-06-26T08:10:00.001-07:00

By Beth Zaluba

Musings and Reflections of Teaching Beginning Teen String Players
by
Incorporating Alternative Styles

(aka: The reverse brain dump)

Elizabeth Zaluba
June 25, 2009

Alternative styles of music have already been wholly adopted by my high school students prior to their pursuit of string playing. Most of my students deliberately enrolled in beginning orchestra, but some were just put in the class. This lack of choice--just fulfilling their music credit--makes the use of alternative styles even more critical to the success of the one school year my teens will study a string instrument. All but one, perhaps two, of the arrangements and compositions we read through this week may be simple enough to be played accurately by the students at the end of the school year. Add incorporating special education students of all challenges, disruptive standardized testing schedules, and lack of administrative understanding of what a string ‘program’ needs, and string instruction of any style seems to be doomed before it can begin.

Here are the parameters of my program:

- daily 43 minutes class periods (most weeks)

- instruments shared by two sections of orchestra

- a one year course with no subsequent orchestra offerings

- no dedicated budget

- no library

(Ironically, we do own full Kalmus scores and parts for major orchestral pieces like Mozart’s Overture to the Magic Flute)

As mentioned in class, orchestral repertoire is an alternative style for most of my majority/minority students. Even students of African-American heritage are far removed from the blues, jazz, and standards that their predecessors performed and popularized. Improvisation is the obvious method to begin using alternate styles. Simple improvisation allows students of any ethnic and racial group to express themselves musically even with basic skills on their instrument. It also requires no written materials.

When I present the instrument choices to the students at the beginning of the school year, I’ve only played alternative styles on the bass--the Ode to Joy excerpt from the Ninth Symphony, the bass line from “Stand By Me”, and a walking 12 bar blues line. Violin has had a token “Turkey In The Straw” effort. Right off the bat I will be able to play alternative styles as instruments are demonstrated.

I also want to ‘hook’ them by promising the students they’ll play rock and roll by Friday. (We start school the Tuesday after Labor Day.) Here’s the outline for the weeks plans:

Tuesday: Introduction to the class; syllabus and course requirements; assessing prior string experience. (There is usually one or two.)

Wednesday: I show a video (received in the string repair class) that begins with blocks of wood aging in a warehouse through the entire process of the pieces being fabricated into violins and bows. It is wordless and has an unaccompanied Bach violin sonata as a soundtrack. This has been a great help in teaching students to respect and care for their instruments. We’ve had only one act of vandalism to a violin (scratching) but the violin remained playable. Three cellos were decapitated though. More emphasis that large is still fragile this year.

Thursday: Try ‘em out! Let every student try the instrument they think they’ll want to play. I try to direct the more petite students to my 2 3/4 cellos. Larger instruments have been a harder sell, so presenting them with cool alt styles will make them much more popular choices. Model postures for left arm and bow arm and grip.

Friday: Get everybody set up properly with appropriate bow tension and reinforce correct postures. Look for naturals. It will be challenging enough to get the students playing accurately on one string right away, so again, go ahead and have the students play double stops (bass open strings) for the piece “Sunnymoon for Two”. I will walk the bass line that I played on Tuesday with them and remind the students I promised “rock and roll by Friday”. Follow ups to this activity would be listening to similar audio or videos of rocking strings or perhaps even inviting students to try taking short solos themselves and see what comes out.

Long term: I want to revisit improvisation on a regular basis to strengthen aural skills and maintain student interest. Improvisation as composition also meets Illinois State Goals in music. I would probably try introducing strumming and singing “Cielito Lindo” next as an alt style and assess if it could be a long term project to prepare it for eventual performance at the spring concert. Hip Hop has repetitive ‘riffs’ that I can also use as a basis for improvisation. (Using an appropriate song). I also plan to get a simple digital recording device to use to create student audio portfolios and for student assessment. This will also meet the goal of integrating technology into the music curriculum.

Me personally: I’ll try to score an electric instrument on Craig's List or Ebay for myself, search for potential funding, and eventually acquire electric instruments for school to integrate with student owned guitars to begin a core electric group. Most likely I’ll try to get a ‘price’ for multiple clip-on bud mics like I’ve used when touring bands (I’ve done Moody Blues and ELO) hire local strings as a back-up players. The school already owns a quality PA and the choir teacher is a guitarist and has lots of equipment and an after school club. I’ve already phoned him about collaborating this fall.