Activities for Sixth Grade String Orchestra

Centralia School District #401 Feel free to contact us!

We are thinking about you and missing you very much. If there is anything we can do for you, please let us know.

Our email addresses are: [email protected] [email protected]

We check email M-F several times throughout the day. Activities are designed for enrichment These activities are totally optional and are meant to provide some variety to your string instrument study. We’re hoping that playing your instrument will be something enjoyable and different that you can do during this time of physical distancing. Always remember: Playing an instrument is good for your brain!

Don’t worry if you don’t have your instrument, there are activities that do not require one. Some are videos, and some require more brain power. You do not need an instrument to explore and learn in SmartMusic. There is new music, Kahoot!, plus all kinds of things to explore in StringQuest.

Just do it! Tuning your instrument

Any time you try to tune with the pegs, be careful! (We have extra strings for violins and violas. Mrs. E does not have extra cello or bass strings.)

Tuning tutorial

The link below shows how to change a string.

How to change or replace a violin/viola string.

Here is an online tuner and metronome:

Online metronome and tuner Some interesting videos to watch Mirko & Valerio: "Viva La Vida" cover (Italian twin violins during quarantine)

PIano Guys "Happy Together"

Esperanza Spaulding "The Sunny Side of the Street"

2Cellos "Thunderstruck"

Lindsey Stirling "Radioactive"

Gaelynn Lea: NPR Tiny Desk Concert

Fantasia dei Gatti - Paganini Caprice #17 More videos

How to Play 3000% Faster in 10 Minutes

Key Signatures - Everything You Need to Know in 6 Minutes

Dynamics - Everything You Need to Know in 7 Minutes

Note Naming: Everything You Need to Know in 9 Minutes SmartMusic SmartMusic is a resource that will give you access to all different kinds of music. Our String Basics Book 2 is available, but feel free to explore. You will be able to see the music and hear the music at the same time. This is a really good way to practice note reading, even if you don’t have your instrument or if your instrument is really out of tune.

SmartMusic log-in

Mrs. Evander’s class code: YZJEH-47RTY

Mr. Friedlander’s class code: QAEMQ-F6VEX StringQuest

StringQuest has a huge amount of information and educational activities that can help you become a better musician and string player. String Quest also integrates Music with: Science, Math, History, Language Arts, Logic, and Critical Thinking Skills. Mrs. Evander spent more than an hour on it this week and learned a few things that she didn’t know before.

StringQuest is free now because of the pandemic.

Have fun!

StringQuest Soundtrap

Soundtrap is a multi-track virtual studio where you can create your own music. There are virtual instruments, loops and recording for instruments or voice. The tutorials are clear and concise. You can even collaborate with your friends and create a podcast. Enjoy!

Soundtrap is free now because of COVID-19.

Soundtrap Kahoot!

Challenge yourself and see if you know your way around dynamics.

Dynamics Kahoot!

Pick your clef and see if you know your note names.

Treble Clef Alto Clef Bass Clef

How well do you know your musical terms?

Musical terms Musical Terms & Symbols

Orchestra Terms New Music

Soldier's Joy Violin Soldier's Joy Viola Soldier's Joy Cello Soldier's Joy Bass

12 Bar Blues Violin 12 Bar Blues Viola 12 Bar Blues Cello 12 Bar Blues Bass

Let Mrs. Evander know if you need copies of any of our old music. She has everything saved as a PDF.