Christmas in July Course Recap

Three guitar students learned trio arrangements of Christmas carols, and worked on ensemble skills such as listening to and following each other on dynamics and tempo, reading music in different ranges, and leaning on piece (Carol of the Bells) by ear and playing from memory. They also did some pieces with ukulele and electric guitar for variety. Students were very excited to do songs they recognized, such as Jingle Bells. They especially enjoy Carol of the Bells. They enjoyed being able to play Silent Night on ukulele and then transferring what they learned to guitar. And they definitely enjoyed playing Jingle Bell Rock. We did exercises at the start of each class using part of Carol of the Bells to crescendo and decrescendo from the quietest to loudest sounds possible on guitar, without rushing and while maintaining beautiful tone. We also worked on each part of the trios individually and then put together. I might try to have more music at easier levels, to have them experience success early in the class, while also working on the more advanced arrangements. Carol of the Bells We Wish You A Merry Christmas Silent Night Jingle Bell Rock Up On The Housetop The First Noel Eli Haberman, Aarnav Kannan and Sara Singhi

Sat July 3, 10, Mon July 26 & Sat July 31

Young children really are attracted to Carol of the Bells. I knew they would like songs like Jingle Bells and We Wish You a Merry Christmas, but I was surprised how much Carol of the Bells was always the one they wanted to play the most. Start with some very easy ensemble arrangements, so they experience success right away before working on the more advanced arrangements.

Eli said he especially liked playing. We Wish You A Merry Christmas. Sara liked almost all of the carols we worked on, especially Jingle Bells, Carol of the Bells and Silent Night. Aarnav said he enjoyed doing different things, especially being able to play all of the different instruments he has at home.

Students improved thei reading skills and gained confidence in being able to learn from the page (when they are already comfortable learning music by ear). They increased their dynamic range on the guitar, and developed ability to listen to and follow each other. It was tricky to have student practice regularly between classes, and some had vacations already planned. But students did practice their parts as much as they could, and have a new appreciation for the amount of time it takes to prepare ensemble parts well. They are now motivated to continue practicing the parts so the pieces can be really polished for performances in December.