We are in our 4th week of orchestra and students are making progress on the pieces they are learning. The theme for our November 25th concert is "Travelin'" and our music selections will take us to many places. The 7th graders are playing music from Jordan, Ghana, and the southern United States as well as a piece called "Ridin' the Rails." Eighth graders are spending some musical time in Scotland, Japan, and riding the train between Galena and Milwaukee. They are also playing a piece called "Toccatina" in which the main motive 'travels' around the orchestra.

Students started their small group instruction last week with 7th graders on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and 8th graders on Monday and Wednesday. Students and parents can download PDF files of the small group schedules on my school web page. Go to the middle school web site, click on faculty and next to my information is a link to my web page.

I talked with the students last week about practicing and how we don't get better at anything unless we do some practicing. I encourage the students to at least take their instruments and/or music home on the weekends and spend at least 10 minutes each day practicing. It's wonderful if they practice more often and they will progress farther and faster the more practice they get.

This week's practice targets are:

7th grade

Arkansas Traveler: 1st violins measure 69-104; 2nd violins measures 61-68, 77-104; violas measures 53-60, 77-104; bass 37-49

Ridin' the Rails: 1st and 2nd violins 53-67, 68-75; violas 46-63, 68-75; cellos 46-63, 68-75; basses 46-62, 68-75

8th grade

A Scottish Journey: 1st violins measures 5-43, 56-61; 2nd violins and violas measures 44-72; cellos measures 14-24, 50-74; basses measures 50-72, 82-97 (1/2 position)

Galena-Milwaukee Breakdown: 1st violins 99-126, 5-36; 2nd violins and violas 37- 52, 69-84; cellos 1-4, 37-52, 64-84; basses 37-52, 69-84

Everyone can practice their vibrato exercises--even while you're watching your favorite TV show or movie!

Happy practicing!

Mrs. Buehl

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Welcome to the Oregon Middle School Orchestra blog. Each week, the orchestra students will be sharing their learning with all of you.