Between this blog and Facebook, I've posted plenty of things about my oldest three playing musical instruments. But the solo stuff is only half the story. If you are a Suzuki parent, you'll know what I mean. Group class happens just as often as our individual lessons--at least for strings (that's once a week folks!). An intensive note reading class happens around third grade, followed by the addition of orchestra to the Saturday morning lineup. Both photos above and below were taken the morning of a play-in, where all the groups get together and play. The orchestras also played, which triggered a dress code. The kids are wearing the unofficial Suzuki uniform--dress black and whites.
What is group class? What does it look like? What does it sound like? Well, it changes as the kids age, but it starts out as pre-orchestra and ends up more like mini ensembles or sectionals. Think early childhood music classes to begin. The first one starts out with no instruments (except the instructor's guitar) and plenty of parent involvement. We sing, we do dances and movement, we get to play with lummi sticks and shaky eggs. We explore musical concepts like dynamics, tempo, staccato and legato. We sing fun and silly lyrics to Suzuki songs. Here is Charlotte's first group class performing 'Apple Apple Apple Dumpling' (AKA Song of the Wind from Suzuki Book I).
As the kids get older, they play review songs together. Rounds and the like help them get used to playing together. They play games like 'hid the rosin', a musical version of 'hot and cold.' They take turns playing solos for each other. They try to sound like 'one big violin' (or cello). They get to know a new teacher. They get to know each other.
If a particular song is going great, a group might perform at a Friday Night Recital together. Last year Solomon's group class really settled in to a piece by Telemann.
*Note: I am including both stills and video for video selections where possible as videos have failed in the past.
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