Strings

Handbook
Cradlerock Elementary School

Mrs. Retterer

2017-2018 school year

 The instruments
Below is a listing of the instruments offered in the stings program, as well as a
shopping list of the accessories your child will need to go along with his or her
instrument. Please be sure to check what is included in rental and what is not.
All students (3rd, 4th and 5th) will need a 1 inch, three-ring binder.
Violin:
The violin is the smallest of the string instruments offered. It also has the highest
range. Violinists read music in treble clef. In addition to the instrument, your child
will need the following required materials:
Shoulder Rest A shoulder rest keeps the violin firmly in place on the shoulder, as
well as promoting proper posture and playing position. Shoulder rests can be
bought at any store where you can rent stringed instruments. They are adjustable,
and are the best option for the comfort of your child. Shoulder rests also come in
sponge form and are attached to the instrument with a rubber band. These are also
an acceptable option.
Rosin Rosin is an absolutely necessary accessory for a successful violinist. Rosin
is a sticky substance made from tree sap which is applied to the bow making the
horse hair of the bow catch on the violin strings, thus creating a sound. Rosin comes
in a solid form, usually as rectangular block.
Soft Cloth This is a soft rag used for wiping rosin residue off the body of the
instrument. It is necessary for your child to gently wipe off rosin because if left to
collect too long on wood it can deteriorate the finish and damage the instrument.

Viola:
The viola looks like a violin, except it is slightly larger in size. Because of its bigger
size, it has a lower range. Violists are some of the only people who read music in
alto clef. Violists are highly sought after in many university symphony orchestras
because not many people play the instrument. Some colleges offer scholarships to
violists who are willing to join the orchestra. In addition to the instrument, your
child will need the following required materials:
Shoulder Rest A shoulder rest keeps the viola firmly in place on the shoulder, as
well as promoting proper posture and playing position. Shoulder rests can be
bought at any store where you can rent stringed instruments. They are adjustable,
and are the best option for the comfort of your child. Shoulder rests also come in
sponge form and are attached to the instrument with a rubber band. These are also
an acceptable option.
Rosin Rosin is an absolutely necessary accessory for a successful violist. Rosin is a
sticky substance made from tree sap which is applied to the bow making the horse
hair of the bow catch on the viola strings, thus creating a sound. Rosin comes in a
solid form, usually as rectangular block.
Soft Cloth This is a soft rag used for wiping rosin residue off the body of the
instrument. It is necessary for your child to gently wipe off rosin because if left to
collect too long on wood it can deteriorate the finish.

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Cello
The cello is the second to largest string instrument. Its range is larger than that of
the violin and viola, as it can play both very low and very high notes. Cello is the
only stringed instrument that must be played sitting down. Cellists read music in
bass clef. In addition to the instrument, your child will need the following required
materials:
Rosin - Rosin is an absolutely necessary accessory for a successful cellist. Rosin is a
sticky substance made from tree sap which is applied to the bow making the horse
hair of the bow catch on the viola strings, thus creating a sound. Rosin comes in a
solid form, usually as rectangular block.
Rock Stop A rock stop is used for keeping the cellos end pin (the metal pin at the
bottom of the cello) from sliding on a hard slippery floor. Rock stops also keep
wood floors protected from the sharp point of the end pin. Xeros chair straps are
the recommended brand.
Soft Cloth This is a soft rag used for wiping rosin residue off the body of the
instrument. It is necessary for your child to gently wipe off rosin because if left to
collect too long on wood it can deteriorate the finish.

Bass
The upright bass is the biggest of the string instruments. Like the cello, it is capable
of a very wide range of notes, both low and high. The bass is often used in both
classical music and jazz. The bass is a very heavy instrument, and should not be
considered unless your child is willing and able to carry it.
Rosin - Rosin is an absolutely necessary accessory for a successful cellist. Rosin is a
sticky substance made from tree sap which is applied to the bow making the horse
hair of the bow catch on the viola strings, thus creating a sound. Rosin comes in a
solid form, usually as rectangular block.
Rock Stop A rock stop is used for keeping the basss end pin (the metal pin at the
bottom of the bass) from sliding on a hard slippery floor. Rock stops also keep wood
floors protected from the sharp point of the end pin.
Soft Cloth This is a soft rag used for wiping rosin residue off the body of the
instrument. It is necessary for your child to gently wipe off rosin because if left to
collect too long on wood it can deteriorate the finish.

Other Recommended Accessories
Set of spare strings ask your music store for a full set of replacement
strings for the instrument your child chooses.
Metronome A metronome is a highly effective tool for teaching children to
play correct rhythms while playing in time. Metronomes come in many
shapes and sizes at a varying range of prices. All a beginner really needs is a
metronome with adjustable tempos that gives a steady beat. Sometimes
metronomes can give pitches to tune to. This is an added plus. Ask your
music store to see a selection.
Tuner An electronic tuner can help students learn to tune their own
instruments at home. This will help them train their ears to play in tune.

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 Music Stand Stands are fairly inexpensive, and are very useful when your
child is practicing at home. They are adjustable in height and are
collapsible for easy storage.


Important Information

General Information
String students meet me twice a week for lessons. These lessons last for 30 minutes and are
pull out, meaning the students leave class at a designated time in order to come to their
lessons. It is the students responsibility to make up any work that is missed during that
lesson time. It would be a good idea for students to ask a friends to take notes for them,
collect any handouts, and keep them up to speed on what was missed during their lesson
times. My schedule is a rotating one, designed to keep kids from missing the same class
week after week.

Course Goals and Expectations
Students will:
a. Be present and on time for every lesson, remembering to bring all required
materials (instrument, binder, pencil).
b. Practice regularly (see section on practicing).
c. Learn how to properly care for the instrument.
d. Learn to produce a tone characteristic of the instrument.
e. Learn how to read and interpret musical symbols.
f. Learn to keep a steady pulse with toe tapping.
g. Learn proper hand and body positions as well as correct fingerings.

Concerts
Concerts should be thought of as exams that cannot be made-up, therefore it is important
that students attend. There are two evening concerts per school year. The The winter
concert this year will be Wednesday, Dec. 20. The May concert is still TBD. On both concert
dates there will also be a daytime assembly for the entire school to attend. Parents are
encouraged to come to concerts. I hope to see you there!

Practicing
All students are required to practice at least 10 minutes a day, 6 days a week.
Just like homework for academic classes is essential for student success in classes like math
and reading, home practicing is essential for success on an instrument. Please encourage
your child to practice at home. Not everyone likes to practice (I was a 9-year-old starting
the cello once!) but I wish I knew then what I know now: spending a little bit of time
practicing everyday at a young age will make things a lot easier down the road.

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Ways You Can Help Your Child

1. Encourage regular practice. Practicing is another part of the work your
child has to do at home. Try to establish a regular time and place for your child to
practice every day without interruption. It is better to have your child practice a
short period every day, rather than for a long time the night before a lesson. Do not
be too concerned if you find yourself having to remind your child to practice.
Children, like adults, have other interests that can take priority for them. In these
cases, kids just need a little gentle prodding.
2. Show interest in what your child is doing. At first, the sounds your child
produces will most likely not be the most pleasant sounds youve ever heard.
However, with time, your childs skills and tone will develop. Try to make time, on
occasion, for your child to play for you. Give compliments freely, and reward with
praise often when your child is practicing.
3. Help motivate your child by directing his or her attention to musical programs
on the radio and television. Attend local concerts of bands and orchestras. If you
would like some suggestions on exposing your kids to local music and music in the
media, feel free to ask me!
4. Please dont allow your child to quit because Its too hard! There
will be times in your childs musical career where the going gets tough. Just like
anything worth striving for, the road can be difficult. Often, at times like these, a
childs first reaction is to want to quit. This is when your insistence that your child
continue may make a HUGE difference! Playing an instrument is never easy right
away, but once you get the hang of it, it can be extremely rewarding.
5. Contact me if you have any questions concerning motivation, attitude,
progress, or the instrument. I will do everything I can to help with the success of
your child.

410-313-7600 LEMS
410-313-7610 - CRES
Jennifer_retterer@hcpss.org - I check my email frequently and respond quickly to
emails.

Websites
Important information regarding strings at CRES can be found at my website.
Please check it out here:
www.mrsrettererstrings.weebly.com

I also run a YouTube page for CRES Music! Subscribe to: CRESMusicians

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Handbook Contract

Please sign and return by Friday, Sept. 22, 2017.

We have read the Strings Handbook, and agree to all policies and procedures
of this class. We understand that all concert performances are mandatory
(both daytime and nighttime). My student will come to school with the
required materials for the first day of lessons. We understand that the school
can only provide instruments for families who are in need of financial
assistance. We also understand that Strings is at least a year long
commitment.


Student Name____________________________________________________________________

Parent / Guardian #1

Name_______________________________ Phone _______________ Email__________________________

How would you prefer me to reach you? (circle one) Email / Phone


Parent / Guardian #2 (optional)

Name________________________________ Phone ___________________ Email _____________________

How would you prefer me to reach you (circle one) Email / Phone

Does the student take private lessons? (please circle)

Yes (if so, who is the teacher?) ____________________________________
No (If not, are you interested in taking private lessons? Yes / No )



Classroom Teacher _____________________________________


Date ________________

Student Signature ________________________________________________________________

Parent Signature _________________________________________________________________

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Weekly Schedule