115VA - String Basics: Steps to Success for String Orchestra Viola Book 1

String Basics: Steps to Success for String Orchestra is a comprehensive method for beginning string classes. Utilizing technical exercises, music from around the world, classical themes by the masters, and original compositions, students will learn to play their string instruments in an orchestra. Step-by-step sequences of instruction will prove invaluable as students learn to hold their instrument and bow, finger new notes, count different rhythms, read music notation, and more. Clear, full-color photographs and fingering chart diagrams introduce playing positions, bow hold and bowing, and left hand finger patterns. Duets, rounds, trios, and orchestra arrangements develop student's ability to play in an ensemble setting right away. Duets are designed to strengthen ear training and establishing good information. Interactive Practice Studio is a unique and trendsetting downloadable resource containing a wealth of supporting biographical, historical, and cultural information; photos, maps, artwork, audio samples, video and more. It's designed with your students in mind. Fun - Inspiring - Motivating! Video Lessons offer students and teachers a comprehensive, step-by-step look at concepts taught throughout String Basics. Lessons are taught in a middle school classroom setting by authors Shade and Wolstenhulme. Lessons show special consideration for each instrument and one lesson is specially devoted to shifting for the bass. Theory & Composition offers students hands-on experiences to better understand what they see and hear by actually learning to notate music and compose simple melodic lines. The Teacher's Edition provides successful teaching strategies as they pertain to the material introduced throughout String Basics. The Strategies are divided into two categories: Performance and Musical Understanding. Through them, guidelines and guide- posts assist towards giving students a comprehensive experience in orchestra. Also available to teachers is the Interactive Teacher's studio, offering even more helpful tips and strategies.

Terry Shade is an active string educator at Issaquah Middle School in Issaquah, Washington. Nationally recognized as a string specialist and project facilitator at the middle school/junior high level, Ms. Shade has presented workshops and clinics around the United States on the subject of establishing successful beginning string orchestras. She has also conducted all-state and honor orchestras throughout the country. Her teaching experiences prior to Issaquah have included positions in Atlanta, Georgia (Gwinnett County), and Las Vegas, Nevada. Her leadership as mentor and project facilitator there prompted the state of Nevada to honor her with the prestigious Steve Maytan Contribution to Education Award.

Jeremy Woolstenhulme received his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Brigham Young University in 2000, and a Master of Arts degree in cello Performance from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 2005.

Mr. Woolstenhulme currently serves as the orchestra director at Hyde Park Middle School in the Clark County School District of Las Vegas, Nevada, where he teaches 400 students daily. He has traveled with his orchestras to London, Washington, D.C., Boston, San Diego, and New York. His orchestra was selected to play at the 2008 Midwest Clinic and in 2010 and 2011 at the National ASTA Conference. Woolstenhulme is a member of the Las Vegas Philharmonic, cellist for the Seasons String Quartet, and he performs as a freelance musician at many entertainment venues in Las Vegas.

Jeremy Woolstenhulme is a commissioned and published composer with a number of original works for string orchestra to his credit, many of which have been performed across the United States and abroad. He and his wife Taryn live in Las Vegas with their three children, Cadence Belle, Coda Blake, and Canon Thomas.