Good Habit of the Month

Every month, we focus on one aspect of performance or musicianship, what is this month's good habit?
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April

posted Mar 30, 2015, 1:10 PM by Gregory Gates

At-home practice. Don't let a day go by where you don't get out your instrument. Get it out, play a note, keep playing until you don't feel like it anymore or it's time for dinner, then put it back.

March

posted Mar 3, 2015, 7:42 AM by Gregory Gates

Dynamics! Make sure you are aware of how loud or soft your are playing. 

February

posted Feb 2, 2015, 3:53 PM by Gregory Gates

SET!
Get set and stay set until you hear "relax"

January

posted Jan 7, 2015, 10:27 AM by Gregory Gates

Responding to conducting cues - 
Make sure you watch the conductor while you're playing so the whole ensemble plays the same dynamics and tempo!

December

posted Dec 10, 2014, 2:22 PM by Gregory Gates

Finger position.

Make sure that your fingers are in the right place and that you don't have "flying fingers"

November

posted Oct 30, 2014, 11:04 AM by Gregory Gates

Embouchure / Bow hold

Make sure your mouth is doing the right thing (Band). Make sure you are holding the bow correctly (orchestra).

October

posted Mar 31, 2014, 11:24 AM by Gregory Gates   [ updated Oct 1, 2014, 8:14 AM ]

Posture!

Make sure you are sitting up straight with your feet flat on the floor.

March

posted Feb 27, 2014, 11:17 AM by Gregory Gates

Dynamics!!!! Be aware of how loudly or softly you are playing. 

February

posted Feb 14, 2014, 8:33 AM by Gregory Gates

SET!

Get set quickly and stay set until relax.
Any infractions of set rules result in strikes this month!

January

posted Jan 6, 2014, 7:56 AM by Gregory Gates

Respond to conducting cues!

I don't just flap my arms around for nothing! Follow the stick precisely and you may end up being the class of the month!

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