Dear Strings Parents, 

Welcome back to Term 4, by now, the students should be back into routine with their tutorials and ensemble rehearsal online. With the return to school on 25^th October, the music committee are working on a program with the school executives and will keep you informed as soon as we can.

Thank you to the students that participated in the ensemble recording task last term. It was a delight to hear the students playing music together which Mr Mansukhani produced over the school holidays. Thank you Mr Mansukhani.

Here’s a few helpful tips on ‘how to practice,’ to get back into the swing of things.

How to Practice

We know that students understand the benefits and rewards of practice but sometimes don’t know exactly “how” to practice. This uses a start/focus/playtime routine which works well.

Start

Students to start with stretches and warm ups with long, clear tones, then scales and arpeggios and finally a warm up piece or exercise.

Focus

This is where the student works on new and challenging pieces, paying close attention to detail, correcting mistakes and also focussing on their strengths. Focus helps the player to make improvements and build confidence at the same time.

Playtime

Saving the best for last, is when you get to have fun, play your favourite Frozen/Disney movie tune. Play chopsticks. Record yourself, make up a tune, improvise your pieces, compose a piece, try and beat your mum at chromatic scales (this happens at my household). The fun ideas are endless.

Correspondence

If you are not receiving emails from the Strings Committee, you need to log into your parent portal and update your contact details immediately. A lot of information goes out via email that is not included in Newsflash.

If you have trouble logging into the parent portal, email your group coordinator or the strings convenor.

Please let your strings coordinator know if you have not received an email link to attend ensemble rehearsals for Training Strings, Junior Strings, Concert Strings, Senior Strings via Zoom run by Mr Mansukhani. Please check that these invites are not in your spam/junk/promotions folder.

Ensemble rehearsals: Currently on ZOOM         

If your child is sick and/or unable to attend a rehearsal, please notify your corresponding Strings Coordinator.

Informative videos to help with string instruments.

If your instrument is out of tune, do not forget to have a look at these informative videos to help with string instruments. These videos will assist with how to tune and take care of the violin. These have been most helpful to ensure the violin is in tune during practice. Please watch with your child. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOP1ht4mHt0bLr-boSTZ9ig/featured

Volunteers needed.

We still need to fill the following volunteer roles to assist with Strings in 2021/2022:

• STRINGS CO-CONVENOR:  Assists Convenor with insurances, instrument purchases, newsflash writeups, replies to email queries, updates MSM portal, event planning, liaises with Strings committee, uniform shop, school, and Mr Mansukhani. Takes over the reins of Convenor for a minimum 2-year term. Requires work in your own home.  Approximately 2 hours a week.

By volunteering you will be making a valuable contribution to the running of the String program and your child(ren) will love to see you get involved. If you are interested in volunteering for one of these roles or would like more information, please email strings.artarmonpandc@gmail.com

Got a question?

If it is about your hired instrument or instrumental tutorial, please contact your tutor at first instance.

Alternatively contact our instrument coordinator or strings coordinator if required. For anything else please contact your Strings Convenor.

Tutorials:

If you have a question regarding your child’s tutorial, please email your Tutor in the first instance. Alternatively, email Jane at tutorband@artarmonpandc.org.au

THANK YOU!

2021 Strings Committee