Reinforcing correct posture in middle school orchestra: making it fun and memorable

Abstract

In middle school orchestra, the reinforcement of information needs to happen often but also be diverse. I created a series of lessons that reinforced proper playing posture, instrument position, bow hold, and basic bow motion that utilized a special teaching aide to play into middle schoolers’ need for visual cues. To improve seated posture, I used the catch phrase “feet feet seat” to quickly remind them of the three points of contact and where they should be in their chair. Another fun way to encourage students to sit on the front half of their chair was to bring a stuffed animal from home to place behind them and not let them lean back to squish their animal. To entice violin and viola players to hold their instrument parallel to the floor, I had them place race cars along their fingerboard and challenge them to keep them in place while playing. For correct bow motion, all students started learning the bow motion with a pencil, then a dowel rod placed through a paper towel tube. While each instrument is slightly different, all students were instructed to remember the phrase “shoulder-elbow-elbow-shoulder” in order to use the correct motion. Violinists and violists also did exercises standing with their right arm against the wall to prohibit them from using too much shoulder. After the introduction of each skill and trick was used, I noticed that it was easier to remind students of the proper posture or technique because of the catch phrases and quick reminders of the props so they can visualize playing with the props even when they are not. During my time in the KSU Master of Music program, I learned invaluable teaching strategies. My biggest takeaway is to know the “why” behind everything. Having clear intent helps students understand, and it also focuses me as a teacher to ensure everything has a purpose. For example, I have become more intentional with my repertoire selection. I am choosing pieces that are appropriate based on skill level; equally importantly I am choosing composers from different cultures and backgrounds. Advocacy and retention of my program have been the biggest ongoing focuses in my classroom. For advocacy, we record “Happy Birthday” for each staff member, and each student sends out personal email or text invitations in order to increase audience attendance at our performances. For retention, we play “Happy Birthday” for each student in the class, utilize alternative seating practices to undermine the ranking system, and attend fun events such as String Fling. Even though correct posture is the most basic, and arguably the most important, skill for string players to learn, it is usually met with groans from the students. Introducing and reinforcing these basic techniques with special cues and visuals appeals to the middle school learner by making it more fun and memorable.