Right hand

technique

Grades
10-12

Ear training

Apply basic bowing principals to match the music

goals of the piece. (be
able to bow a part)

Left hand
technique

Expression

Rhythm

Apply basic fingering principals to match the musical

goals of the piece (be able
to finger your own part)

Note
Reading

Balance

Blend

Increase the execution

envelope. :)

Team
membership
Demonstrate the ability to
replace a string.

Demonstrate working familiarity of 1/2, II, III, IV and V

positions.

Grade 9

Demonstrate increased
Perform melodic intonation speed of performance in
adjustments moving note to finger independence and
note.
shifting motion.
Use pegs unassisted.

Consciously manipulate
vibrato speed to match
musical goalsexpressive
vibrato

Independently identify the

phrase and demonstrate
appropriate change in
dynamics within the melody.

Demonstrate advanced
subdivision

Increase the rate of recog- Independently execute

nition / response to note
necessary adjustments durreading system information. ing performance.
Demonstrate the ability to
decode additional clefs.

Demonstrate the ability to

match your sections pitch,
dynamic level, and articulation while tracking the
sound of the whole ensemble.

Demonstrate responsible
care and maintenance of
the group uniform and instrument.

Consciously manipulate the

variables of bow style, vibrato, speed and balance
to shape phrases.

Demonstrate independent
control of vibrato speed.

Grade 8

Add the variable of bow

hair angle

Consistently match given

pitch.

Manipulate all 4 variables

to create desired sound.

Use pegs with limited assistance.

After shifting, demonstrate

accuracy in reshaping finger spacing in the new
position.

Demonstrate dynamic
change in the melody in
using a variety of phrase
shapes / tapering the end
of phrases.

III123 cut time

Perform variants of pulse

including tenuto, accelerando, ritard, etc.

Vibrato evenness apparent.

II-118 demo variables

Demonstrate subdivision of
various time signatures

Demonstrate basic familiarity with 1/2, II, III, IV and V

positions

Accurately apply key signatures in reading passages in positions other than

first position.

III130 A major
Choose fingerings accurately when reading passages with shifting and extensions.

Demonstrate the ability to

track others parts while
playing.
(hearing others)

Demonstrate the ability to

match the pitch, articulation and dynamic level of
your instrument section,
and then with the whole
Identify the role of your part ensemble.
in the ensemble sound.
Execute necessary adjustments during performance

III116 as a section

Be able to rehearse in a
small group for a short period of time with teamwork
skills of listening, inclusion of
all members, kindness, encouragement and efficient
use of time.
Demonstrate formal rehearsal etiquette.

Demonstrate familiarity in
reading ledger lines.

Grade 7

Increase hand flexibility and Adjust single pitches to givrelaxation

en single pitches with general accuracy
Manipulate the variables of
speed, weight, and lane
Use fine tuners indeindependently.
pendently.
Create a core sound that is
resonant/ringing.
Introduction to classical
and brush stroke spiccato

Establish a balanced,
standard bowhand shape
with curved thumb and
fingers
Draw full bows parallel to
the bridge

Tune strings to given pitch.

Introduction to tuning in
perfect 5ths

Build same/different aural

discernment to establish
basic finger placement
Accurately use higher/
lower descriptors

Demonstrate variant gradations of loud and soft.

(cresc/decresc)

II171 basic motion

Demonstrate the full spectrum of dynamic scale.

Perform basic forward and

backward extension movements.

Apply basic phrasing principle of louder/ascending

and softer/descending
melodic passages

II114 extensions

Accurately decode and

demonstrate basic subdivision in more complex time
signatures/ meter.

Demonstrate basic decoding of key signatures.

II114 key signature

Demonstrate a real-time
awareness of the relative
sound level (loudness) of
ones own part.

Apply accidentals within

the key signature structure.

Create sound levels of soft

and loud in ensemble context.

Be able to compliment /
coach a peer with technically specific vocabulary.

Begin to hear your sound

inside others to match your
volume and intonation
within your section.

Demonstrate commitment
to the ensemble in making
genuine independent efforts to prepare material for
assignments and performances.
Demonstrate punctuality in
rehearsals and concerts.

Perform basic vibrato motions

with proper arm/wrist/hand
movement.

Be able to rehearse with a

peer independently.

Rote shifting exercise

When using vibrato pitch variation is evident in single tone.

Establish body posture

Demonstrate core sound.

Establish left hand placement in relation to instrument.

Demonstrate changes in
loud and soft.

Demonstrate steady pulse

in performance.
Demonstrate basic subdivision.

I85 write in counts

Establish relaxed left hand

shape.

Demonstrate detache,
legato, slurs, hooked bows,
and accents

I88 L.H. shape

Demonstrate accuracy in
reading and decoding
notes on the staff.

Accurate presence of parts Demonstrate a core sound,

in performance.
both in ensemble and in
section performance.

Identify the basic job of the

sharp, flat, and natural
symbols.

Ear training

Left hand
technique

Expression

Rhythm

Demonstrate polite rehearsal etiquette.

Demonstrate the consistent
ability to bring materials to
class.
Be able to coach a peer
with kindness.

Understand basic time signatures/meter

Develop basic finger independence.

I-116 slurs

Right hand
technique

Perform basic shifting motions.

IItune A string

Perform harmonic intonation adjustments. (tune

intervals of 3rds, 5ths, octaves, etc)

Grades
4-6

Establish left hand stability in

shifting, strings crossings and
extensions.

Note
Reading

Balance

Blend

Demonstrate good concert

etiquette in following the
instructions of the teacher.