Last Summer Groups

Today's group lessons were fun and challenging.  In the Book 2-3 Group we played Tonalization in several rhythms.  We worked on the back motion of the left 1st finger to make B flat and F natural.  Then we played a lot of familiar songs by ear, in the key of F major or B flat, requiring us to use the special low 1. It was really fun to play with a wonderful accompanist, Mia's dad, Dr. Sakonju.  He accompanied us on the piano playing Hunter's Chorus, Witches' Dance and Two Grenadiers from Suzuki Violin Bk 2.  We also played a fun Israeli folksong called Tzena.

In the Book 1 Group we played a LOT of games.  Some highlights were "Pass the Bow", where we stand in a circle playing a Twinkle variation, then stop and give our violin bow to the person in front of us when Miss Ruth claps loudly.  The trick is to pick up right where we left off when she clapped! Maeve and Eli played "Minuet Snippets" where jumped in playing when they recognized the Bach Minuet from Suzuki Bk 1 that Miss Ruth was playing.  They earned points for jumping in the quickest and getting the most correct notes. Colby's younger brother Ethan watched our group lesson because he just started lessons with Miss Ruth. He joined in when we played "Slap Hands", "Hide the Rosin" and "London Bridges."

The Book 6 Group is now The Advanced Ensemble.  Everyone has a Blue Folder with a variety of duets and trios.  We will polish chosen pieces at our rehearsals and perform them at recitals.  We had a very successful practice on the Bach Double Violin Concerto, 1st movement.  We rehearsed carefully on the Pachelbel Canon with 3 violin parts, and the Ave Maria with a simple yet rich harmony part.

Enjoy this beautiful recording of the Canon!

Pachelbel Canon London Symphony