My beginners have been playing for about a week. They are learning how to handle instruments and bows and how to manage holding/playing instruments during rehearsals. In order to establish great position and positive rehearsal habits, I held a 'Position Boot Camp' day. Here's how I did it:
1. Dress up in camo gear. All I had was a jacket, but maybe I can add to my wardrobe some day. :)
2. Show part of the following video to demonstrate how a well trained military group handles equipment. They are disciplined. They move at the same time. All soldiers know their part. It is synchronized.
3. Show just the first part of the following video to show how much self-control is required of soldiers. In orchestra, it can be difficult to NOT pluck/play instruments and hold still when listening to instructions. It's important to develop self-control to play only when directed. In orchestra we play when I give the following command: 'Ready, play!'
4. Act like a drill sergeant while teaching students how to handle equipment. Teach rest position, ready position (violin/violas on knees, all bow hold get set are are held vertically on right knee), and play position. Once in play position, students place bows on the strings without making a sound. Bows not begin playing until the command 'ready play.' Use drill sergeant voice while practicing: "Sit Tall." "Bows up" "Left hands set!" Short commands work great. This really helps clean up rehearsals as students remember to play only when directed.
5. As a reward, use a rubber chicken to try to distract students. Squeak chicken while students are playing to see if they will stay focused. Have students line up and squeak the chicken by each student to see if they can keep a straight face. (It's all about practicing self-control)
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