violins

Warning: Trying to access array offset on value of type bool in /home/sbomagazine/public_html/site/wp-content/themes/timeless2021/functions.php on line 437

Warning: Trying to access array offset on value of type bool in /home/sbomagazine/public_html/site/wp-content/themes/timeless2021/functions.php on line 438

Survey Says…

SBO's survey on band and orchestra buying habits for 2009 provided some interesting insight into the methods and statistics (albeit unscientific) of music programs during the past year, as well as some estimates on next year's purchases. One of the extraordinary results was that 63 percent of the directors surveyed stated that they were planning to purchase the same amount or more than last year. This seems counterintuitive, especially in the midst of the recent economic turmoil, which includes slashed state and local budgets and high unemployment. It does, however, offer some hope that the school music programs around the country are faring better than previously thought.

Anecdotally, we've heard about some programs where the administration, parents, and students absolutely will not allow their music programs to be taken away from them, and they are fighting tooth and nail to maintain its funding and inclusion in the school's curriculum. A recent example of this was a middle school program in Florence, Oregon where, according to the Siuslaw News (Oct. 21 edition), the district announced "it would cut 26 staff positions and multiple programs and sports from the 2009-10 budget" and the band director assumed he would be part of the cuts. Luckily, a "vote on the district's local option levy" passed and the program was saved. The community then pulled together and raised money to supply instruments and equipment to the program, with the express goal of providing young students with less expensive school rental instruments.

Others have fared far worse, even with the portion of the economic stimulus that was supposed to help education programs. In Jackson, Mississippi, an example of a string program that had been established for over 42 years (according to the clarionledger.com, Oct. 21 edition), has left approximately 450 students with no place to study their violins within the public school system. This appears to have stemmed from a split vote on the school board where, despite the strong efforts of the minority, the music program lost out to other supposedly more critical expenses.

Warning: Trying to access array offset on value of type bool in /home/sbomagazine/public_html/site/wp-content/themes/timeless2021/functions.php on line 437

Warning: Trying to access array offset on value of type bool in /home/sbomagazine/public_html/site/wp-content/themes/timeless2021/functions.php on line 438

Arranging for Strings Part I – School and Amateur Ensembles

Arranging music for strings requires an awareness of the spacing of the harmonic series, a grasp of counterpoint (imitation and canon), and an understanding of a variety of bowings and string effects. String students enjoy playing in sharp keys (G, D, A, and E) as they find these keys technically easier to play in than the flat keys. Playing in sharp keys is also more resonant for the strings. The typical school orchestra is likely to be deficient in violas and cellos. Therefore, it is recommended that the viola part be written in treble clef for the third violins.

Approach to Scoring
When scoring for strings, the parts should be readable, melodic (singable), and rhythmically interesting. Young string players need to be instructed and reminded when, and when not to slur when and where to shift positions, and whether to use an open string or the fourth finger.