Norwin High School - Mike Szymanski Select Orchestra March 6th, 2014 What is the general classroom set-up?

The class is set up like a typical orchestra. The sections are all seated together. There is a large dry erase board with posters, chord progressions, and announcements written. The room has ample storage for instruments and music, with guitars, basses, and spare violins. The room is very large, and has more chairs and stands than students. Are the students learning something? Are they engaged in the activities? The students are all engaged in the rehearsal. They remain quiet while Mr. Szymanski is talking or rehearsing another section. What is the rapport between the teacher and the students? The students all respected each other and Mr. Szymanski. If he told them there was too much chatter, the students immediately stopped talking. What is the start-up routine (tuning, physical warm-up, scales, method book)? As the students entered the class, Mr. Szymanski had O Fortuna playing over the sound system. He quickly took roll before having the students tune. He put on an A 440 drone, and had the students sing the pitch before tuning their instrument. They worked out of a popular tunes book to warm up with, and played an edited version of Over the Rainbow. Did you observe any classroom management issues (excessive talking, disorderly behavior)? How did the teacher deal with these issues? When there was excessive talking, Mr. Szymanski gave a quick statement of there is too much chatter and the students immediately stopped talking. What bowing styles are students able to correctly demonstrate? The students are able to correctly play all the bowings that were in their music. Mr. Szymanski did not have to stop and correct bowings at any time during the rehearsal. Are the rehearsal objectives given from the podium clear and concise? The rehearsal objectives are clear, and the students adjusted to his corrections after he mentioned the issue once. Does the director value student input on rehearsal strategy? Yes- the students asked to play a piece while standing (they must stand for an upcoming performance) and Mr. Szymanski allowed them to stand and rehearse. When and how are students taught to tune? The students audiate the pitch and sing it before they tune.

How often do they talk about technique vs. musicality? They discuss musicality almost every time technique is discussed. He links them together, such as having short notes during a Handel piece because of the Baroque style. How often do students lead rehearsals (sectionals)? We did not observe any sectionals in our time at Norwin. When and how is vibrato taught? Vibrato was not taught, but many students used it throughout the duration of the rehearsal. What method book is used? Harmonized rhythm for string orchestra. How are students taught to play with conducting? He using phrasing gestures in his conducting, and also using his motion to bring out moving lines and tell other parts to bring their dynamics up or down. What literature is performed? Over the Rainbow Dont Cry for Me Argentina Theme from the Fantasie-Impromptu Selections from the Fireworks Music Oklahoma America the Beautiful Try to Remember Fascination Fields of God Sunrise, Sunset Beautiful Morning You Light Up My Life Charade Catharsis Jazz Pizzacato