At the school where I teach, we have students from six continents, collectively speaking dozens of languages at home. The school is located in a rather affluent neighborhood that is bordered on three sides by neighborhoods in which subsidized housing is common.
If you’re anything like me, August brings excitement and anticipation for the new school year. The days before students arrive are a time filled with meetings, trainings, and hopefully some time to yourself to prepare for the coming year.
It is increasingly common for a “band person” to be teaching strings in today’s public schools. For those who find themselves in this situation for the first time, or for those who are looking for a refresher, I’ve listed a few tricks and tips that I have picked up in eight years of teaching strings.