Mary Binder

Ode to Joy/ Long Legato Bows

Objective​: Students will learn and play Ode to Joy accurately with correct form, full
usage of their bows and good intonation.

Procedure:
1. Teacher will model bowing exercise on viola, will do this bowing exercise:
pulling/pushing their full bow for 2 counts, 4 counts, then 8 counts
2. Teacher will sing solfege of Ode to Joy and have students echo it back
3. Teacher will demonstrate fingerings on viola and explain them for cello and bass/
possibly demonstrate on bass
4. Students will slowly pizz through each line of Ode to Joy while teacher says
solfege
5. Students will slowly bow through each (or at least one) line of Ode to Joy

Assessment:
1. Teacher will ask for volunteers to perform individually or as a trio, duo, or section
2. Teacher will critique each performance with both positive and negative feedback
a. Criteria: Long legato bow, correct pitches, notes in tune, no pausing,
correct holding of instrument
b. Feedback examples: Use more bow, awesome job, or have fellow
students help critique based on what they notice
Materials:
1. Instruments w/ bows
2. Rosin, shoulder rests, cloths
3. Music stands, chairs
4. Essential Elements books (possible to learn without if needed)

Standards:
EI.11 string student—bow hold, straight bow stroke; contrasting articulations (pizzicato,
legato, staccato, two-note slurs)
EI.2 The student will echo, read, and perform simple rhythms and rhythmic patterns…
EI.12 The student will demonstrate ensemble skills at a beginning level, including
1. playing unisons, in accordance with VBODA Levels 0 and 1;
2. differentiating between unisons that are too high or low in order to match pitches, and
making adjustments to facilitate correct intonation;
3. balancing instrumental timbres;
4. matching dynamic levels and playing style;
6. maintaining a steady beat at various tempos in the music literature being studied.