Show+Strings

= = ** BCSA Show Strings **

Show Strings is intermediate to advanced group that plays many styles of music with a focus on Fiddle and Jazz music. Show strings is an acoustic performance focused group which is primarily made up of string instruments from the orchestra such as violin, viola, cello, and upright bass; and is meant to provide an opportunity for advancing players on these instruments to enrich and develop technique as well as improving their musical talent through practice and performance of music from various backgrounds including bluegrass, jazz, blues, classical and pop music. Sometimes other stringed instruments may be included in the group such as: mandolin, banjo, guitar, flute, percussion, piano and other various instruments.

** Show Strings Requires Commitment of Excellence: **
 * __**Commitment of Time:**__ Students should be able to make a genuine commitment to the class for the school year to be part of the Show Strings Ensemble:


 * __**Commitment of Attendance**__ Regular attendance at weekly practices after school on regular school days is expected (not on holidays or days that school is not in session). Since all students being present to play together at practice and performances is extremely important to the overall ensemble group excessive absences from practice will have a negative impact on the ensemble and therefore should be avoided as much as possible and the teacher should be contacted in advance if a absence is a non-emergency.


 * __**Commitment of Travel:**__ Students will need to attend some extra rehearsals and performances throughout the school year in the Northwest Arkansas Community. Some performances may be during evenings and weekends. Travel will be the parents' responsibility to bring the student to and from rehearsals and performances. I will notify by email in advance of any extra performances or rehearsals. Please do not wait till the last minute to notify me if there is a schedule conflict. If there is a conflict and I know early enough it is possible I may be able to reschedule a conflicting performance or rehearsal.


 * __**Commitment of Getting and Bringing Supplies:**__ Students will need to purchase the music books needed for class and will need to have a folding music stand to carry to performances. Students will be responsible for bringing instruments, music, and equipment to rehearsals and performances. (You can find links to help find and order music, equipment, and supplies on the orchestra website).


 * __**Commitment of Behavior and Practice:**__ Students should demonstration exemplary behavior in Show Strings in practice rehearsals and especially at performances. Students are expected to have a positive attitude in class about learning new music and playing with group, and in showing respect for themselves, others, the teacher, and the equipment. One important way to show this kind of respect is by preparing and practicing outside of class to learn your music. Always coming unprepared and unpracticed is not acceptable and is disrespectful to yourself, others in the ensemble, and to the teacher. Please to not practice or play when the teacher is giving instructions or when others are playing or are speaking in turn. Do your best to show practice and show respect for others at all times and this will benefit the ensemble greatly!


 * __**Commitment of Lesson Fees:**__ Show Strings is a group lessons class that meets after school and includes //**a lesson fee of $5 per class**//. This is only for after school rehearsals, concerts do not have a fee only the after school lessons. Most lessons costs anywhere between $15 to $30 or more per 30mins for private music instructors in the area. $5 is very reasonable for lessons and although it will help to cover the extra time and resources I use in the class my main goal is to develop a committed and motivated group of students and parents who are a part of the Show Strings ensemble. // (Please speak with me if you would like to play but this fee is difficult for you or your family. I would rather have serious students in the ensemble and I am happy to work with you if you are committed but the money is an issue in keeping you from playing) .// I really want a special group who show a real commitment to practicing and playing in order to become better musicians and who are willing to put forth the effort and time to make a great performing ensemble whether it be a large or small group. I hope to have a great group that can learn and perform some of this fun and challenging music and I am very excited to be building a strong group of serious and talented players to show off their hard work in performances.

**// Please read above, sign & return the "__Show Strings Commitment Form__" to let your teacher know that you agree to the class guidelines. //**
 * //Student's Name (print):// ||  ||, - ||
 * //Student's Signature:// ||  ||, - ||
 * //Parent's Name (print):// ||  ||, - ||
 * //Parent's Signature// ||  ||, - ||
 * //Parent Contact Info:// ||  ||, - ||
 * //Phone #// ||  ||, - ||
 * //Email:// ||  ||, - ||

List the names below of any other Parents or Guardians who have permission to pick up students at concerts or practice rehearsals:



**//Please remember to sign out and notify teacher when you are picking up your student from practice rehearsal or performances.//** Printable Word Document of the Commitment Form:

** Show Strings Music ** Show Strings music concentrates on a repertoire of songs that we are continually building and polishing which include songs from these books: ** Books for Show Strings: ** Books in Red are the 7th and 8th grade main books used in "Show Strings" (Please purchase these books as soon as possible to use in the class and at performances). If you do not have the Basic Fiddler's book in blue from "Intro to Show Strings" you should order that as well since we will also be playing songs from there as well. The green books are for the "Advanced Show Strings" This would be for some 8th grade and high school students in Show Strings. **Order Books Below** //**(Try to get the book with CD if possible)**// Fiddle Music:

// **Fiddlers Philharmonic: Order at Amazon: Violin Viola Cello/Bass -** // or Order from publisher // **: Violin Viola Cello/Bass** //

Fiddlers Philharmonic Encore: Order at Amazon //: Violin Viola Cello/Bass//

Basic Fiddler's Philharmonic //: **Order at Amazon:**// **Violin Viola Cello/Bass**

__Jazz & Blues:__

Jazz Philharmonic **:** Amazon: Violin Viola Cello Bass

Jazz Philharmonic Second Set: //Amazon:// Violin Viola Cello Bass

Audition requirements: 1) At least one solo piece (any arco style song to show off your playing). 2) At least one 2 octave scale of your choice played at a steady tempo up and down the scale. Repeat the top note.

Current lesson rates and lesson sign up info.
 * Other places to order music:**

Fiddle Books //Students will also need a folding music stand and a BCSA Show Strings T-Shirt for performances.//
 * Alfred Publishing (Fiddlers Philharmonic Books) (Jazz Philharmonic Books)**
 * Sharmusic (Fiddlers Philharmonic Books) (Jazz Philharmonic Books)**
 * Southwest Strings (Fiddlers Philharmonic) (Jazz Philharmonic)**
 * Sheetmusic Plus (All books)**

Show Strings Lesson Rates & Sign Up Info

After School Lessons

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