Middle School Orchestra works on New Music and Polite Behavior

We are still learning how to be more polite to each other in the classroom and especially as we start the class. I am sure it would help if everyone could arrive earlier by at least 3:45 to get tuned up and greet each other quietly and politely. Maybe even a few parents could help out at the beginning to calm things down. So if you have the time, come in for a few minutes, they are a fun and intelligent group of kids. I listened to a few solos this week, but a few more kids need to come in even earlier once in a while, so that I can help you with your vibrato and solo. Come in as early as 2:30PM. That is when I am setting up chairs and music stands.
I have some code names invented for the kids. They will be characters in a book I am working on entitled "The Composer is Dead" a primer for the Youth Orchestra Book I. The characters are students and groups of students in the orchestra who occasionally make errors both in music and politeness that basically kills the music and the composer and the conductor. We will be narrating a version of the book at our January concert, complete with MUSIC POLICEMEN who will help with investigating the crimes committed.
So far the character Charles has been at least twice stopped by the conductor for playing when the conductor is at the stand speaking or thinking about speaking to the orchestra. He needs to learn to stop that! The character William has a habit of coming in late and not getting his music in the order listed on the board. I also want to hear his solo start to take shape, so he needs to put some extra time in with the conductor before class so he knows what to do.
One character Mary, was very good this lesson, because she had practiced her solo very carefully, slowly, a small part, and memorized that part. By the end of the year at the final finale solo concert I am sure she will be presenting something wonderful for the audience to hear. She will have also learned that regular, conscientious work pays off in the end.
You will hear more of the adventures of middle school youth orchestra next week.