PRACTICE GUIDELINES

excellence requires commitment ...



GUIDELINES FOR SUCCESSFUL PRACTICE



Excellence Requires a Commitment...



1. Tune



Tune your instrument:
Carefully tune each string to a tuner.



  1. Each student should have an auto-chromatic tuner(Korg brand or similar.)


2. Daily Exercise



Choose a Scale:
2 Major scales, or 1 Major and 1 Minor.



  1. Practice slowly for tone and intonation. Consistent bow, speed and weight.
  2. Add slurring patterns for smooth bow changes and string crossings.
  3. Add Rhythms for left and right hand coordination.


3. Etude or Study for Technique



Use Essential Elements or
any Technical Exercise.



  1. Right and left hand position and flexibility.
  2. Vibrato exercises, even if you can do vibrato already.
  3. Tone quality: Correct placement, speed and weight of the bow for the desired sound and dynamic level.
  4. Correct notes and intonation: finger placement and adjustment of notes.


4. Performance Pieces



Orchestra, Ensemble or Solo Piece.



  1. Isolate the difficult passages: 2-4 measures at a time. Choose 2 or more per piece.
    • Play each note as a half note. 3X (No rhythm or slurs.).. as a quarter note. 3X
    • Add rhythm with separate bows. 3X
    • Add slurs or other markings. 3X
    • Perform as written slowly, and then increase to performance tempo.
    • Back up a few measures and play through the passage.
  2. Practice the performance: Play as close to tempo as possible without stopping for mistakes. This will help identify the difficult passages for your next practice session. Mark them NOW!


5. Sight Reading



Choose 2 passages, 6-8 measures long for sight reading. Study the music, identify difficulties (technical and rhythmical). Perform without stopping.



6. Music of your choice!



Have fun with popular or classical music for your enjoyment!



Practice Chart Requirements



PRACTICE CHARTS DUE EACH MONDAY OR TUESDAY WEEKLY



  1. Students are required to practice a minimum of 30-45 minutes each day on assignments.
    Daily practice is best, however, there may be circumstances that prevent the student from practicing. The following can be used as a guide:
  2. Practice Charts must be filled out completely and signed by a parent or guardian.
    • Points will be deducted if information is missing…
    • No Name or No parent signature will result in a Zero.
  3. Exceptions:
    • If a child is absent on the due days, the chart will be accepted when the child returns to school.
    • If there is no school, the chart will be accepted the next school day.
    • Practice cards are not required during extended school holidays; however, extra credit will be given if the student turns in a chart that covers the school holidays.
  4. Students are excused from practicing:
    • the day of a rehearsal for an outside orchestra/ensemble,
    • after-school rehearsal or concert. (This includes SOA, District, Region and All-State Orchestra, etc.)
    • the day of their private lesson.
    • due to illness, please indicate on the chart the day the child was ill. Indicate on the Practice Chart the reason for not practicing.
  5. Practice Charts will only be accepted on the form provided.

Print Practice Chart

STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO:



  • …have fun!
  • …be in the classroom before the tardy bell rings.
  • …be in their seats, ready to tune, 2 minutes after the tardy bell.
  • …exhibit mature, professional conduct at all times.
  • …respect their own instrument and that of others at all times.
  • …have instrument, music, and sharpened pencil in every class.
  • ...pens are not allowed to be used on orchestra music.
  • ...always perform with proper seated/standing posture and correct instrument and bow hold.
  • …refrain from using heavy perfumes, hairspray, cologne, etc.
  • …listen to the director at all times and refrain from talking or making noises.
  • …use the instrument storage room to store instruments and music <
  • …clean up their own mess!

Also:

  • Students may not leave the orchestra room without permission from the director.
  • NO food is allowed in class. Bottled water is the ONLY beverage allowed.
  • Only photo copies of music may leave the classroom.
  • All classroom rules apply to all practice rooms and the instrument storage room.
  • Practice room access is a privilege and must be earned.


charleston county school of the arts: 5109-A West Enterprise Street, North Charleston, South Carolina 29405
phone – 843-529-4990 | fax – 843-529-4991 | web address – www.soa.ccsdschools.com



GO HOME AND PRACTICE!