The beginner book for this year is the String Builder, Book 1 by Applebaum. It can be purchased at local music stores or online: https://www.alfred.com/string-builder-book-one/p/00-EL01544/

Beginner Play Alongs and Note-Reading Games

Play along with me! We can warm up together before playing our new songs!

Play along with Hot Cross Buns, and more!

Play along with French Fries, London Bridge and more!

Play along with Twinkle, Hey Diddle Diddle  and more!

Ode to Joy uses no new notes BUT we're going to play an old note a new way. Everytime there is an A, I would like violins and violas to play it with your 4th finger.  This will give you a more grown-up sound! Cellos play the note in the normal way.

Ode to Joy Violin

Ode to Joy Viola

Ode to Joy Cello

Here are sound clips of your new songs:

Ode to Joy

Largo from New World

Kumbaya

HERE IS A BEAUTIFUL PERFORMANCE OF ONE OF MY FAVORITE PIECES. IT WAS PLAYED BY EACH INSTRUMENTALIST WHILE THEY WERE AT HOME. 💚🎻🎼 Milwaukee Symphony playing Nimrod from Enigma Variations by Edward Elgar

PRO TIP VIDEO #1: From Huthmaker Violin

PIRATES, SHIPS, AND PURPLE THUMBS, VIDEO #2: From Huthmaker Violins

THE BOW HAIRS & HORSES: From Huthmaker Violins

ALL ABOUT EBONY: From Huthmaker Violins

 FOR THE FIRST NOTE READING CHALLENGE, I want to see who can get the highest percentage correct while identifying just 50 notes. I have already customized the exercises for you, so you can click and play! The first Challenge Winner will be announced on Wednesday, March 25th. Have fun!

Beginner Violin Note Reading Challenge!

Beginner Viola Note Reading Challenge!

Beginner Cello Note Reading Challenge!

Here is a Virtual Exploration of the Atlanta Symphony. You can hear some Star Wars music, some demonstrations and advice from different members of the symphony, see some of the day to day business side of a symphony, and see an interview with the conductor: 

https://www.gpb.org/education/liveexplorations/ASO?fbclid=IwAR36bodYucTlLuRd_JabieNXnFuOMZ-2fRS-iuyjQRC9OdNi3_rrAyOfcIE

And just for fun, here is: Virtual Orchestra Classroom Links:

https://www.classicsforkids.com/