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Grade Level Learning Goals

  • 3rd Grade (learning by rote)
    • By the end of 3rd grade, students should be able to:
      • Properly hold the violin in playing and rest positions
      • Identify parts and functions of the violin and bow
      • Demonstrate proper pizzicato and bowing techniques
      • Name and play all open strings; and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd finger pitches on all strings
      • Be able to demonstrate basic beginner rhythms by rote
      • Perform songs by rote and with note name “cheat sheets” in unison with others
  • 4th Grade (start Essential Elements Book 1)
    • By the end of 4th grade, students should be able to:
      • All 3rd grade expectations
      • Name and play all 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th finger pitches on all strings
      • Read, identify, count (using number counting system), and demonstrate whole, half, quarter, and eighth note rhythms and rests
      • Perform music in 4/4, 3/4, and 2/4 time signatures
      • Read and identify 1st endings, 2nd endings, and repeat signs
      • Name all lines and spaces on the staff
      • Perform music in 2-part canon
  • 5th Grade (continue and complete Essential Elements Book 1)
    • By the end of 5th grade, students should be able to:
      • All 3rd and 4th grade expectations
      • Demonstrate slurs and ties
      • Define Da Capo, Fine, and upbeats
      • Read and identify dotted half notes
      • Demonstrate swinging 8th notes
      • Define and demonstrate staccato bowing technique
      • Demonstrate forte and piano dynamic levels
      • Perform orchestrated music in several parts
    • In 5th grade, students will continue in Essential Elements Book 1 where they left off from 4th grade, and complete the book by the end of the year. This way, when they continue orchestra at the intermediate level in 6th grade at Hixson, they will be ready to start Essential Elements Book 2.