Quick access to instruments at home = more practicing!
Orchestra Teacher
by Charles Laux
4M ago
When I’m at home, I generally have a tendency to practice more when I have quick access to my instrument. I keep violin and viola on a wall hanger in my studio and it’s easy to grab my instrument quickly and start playing. I encourage my students to do the same, especially when they are home on weekends or during breaks. I tell them that if they leave their instrument in an accessible (but safe!) location that they will be likely to practice more frequently. When the instrument is out of its case and always “looking at you,” it’s simple to pick it up and play a little. To allow this to happen ..read more
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Proposal for a High School String Nonet Honors Program (part 2, conclusion)
Orchestra Teacher
by Charles Laux
5M ago
Please read part 1 of this post before reading on… The feedback I received from my original post has been pretty awesome.  Thank you to all of the string teachers and string parents out there who read the post and commented on this website, social media, or via direct message. It was quite interesting to read the comments! At first, teachers stated their understanding of the concept but were skeptical of some of the details, particularly the time/financial commitments and the exclusivity.  “The idea goes against all the work I have done at [my school] in recent years to create a fla ..read more
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Proposal for a High School String Nonet Honors Program (part 1)
Orchestra Teacher
by Charles Laux
6M ago
String and Orchestra teachers, I’d love your feedback on an honors string ensemble I’m considering starting for my high school orchestra program for the 2024-2025 school year. The proposal is below. Please leave your comments at the bottom of this post. Thanks for your feedback. I appreciate any suggestions you might have! Description: In an effort to put together an elite performing high school chamber ensemble, the orchestra will be forming an honors nonet. A string nonet is an ensemble with 4 violins (2 first violins and 2 second violins), 2 violas, 2 cellos, and 1 double bass player. The ..read more
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How many spare strings do you have? Do you know?
Orchestra Teacher
by Charles Laux
7M ago
I’ve always kept a decent supply of extra strings, but this year I decided that I wanted to know EXACTLY how many I had, so I created a String Inventory Sheet to help me keep track. I went through all of my strings and was able to easily inventory them using this sheet. You can use numbers or tally marks to count them. I placed my beginning of the string order to fill the gaps of what strings I was missing. I needed a lot of cello A’s and violin E’s among others. String-Inventory-SheetDownload As I mentioned a while back, I am using this photo organizer to organize and store my strings and it ..read more
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Double Bass Stool Selection for Orchestra Teachers
Orchestra Teacher
by Charles Laux
7M ago
Sit or stand? I prefer my students sit. Which bass stools are best for your students? A stool is an essential piece of equipment for your double bass students. While some bass professionals advise standing while playing, I’m a fan of having students sit so that they have an easier time steading the bass and usually have less fear of dropping it. The number one priority when choosing a stool is that it is ADJUSTABLE. Students must have the height of their stool adjusted so that the seat is set to “the height of the bottom of their back pocket.” I use this terminology as to avoid saying butt or ..read more
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String recommendations for school orchestras
Orchestra Teacher
by Charles Laux
1y ago
Using fresh, high-quality strings is probably one of the most important factors that can help your students and your orchestra sound their best. As a public school educator, I understand that budgets can be tight and teachers need high quality products that deliver good performance and are durable enough to last a long time. I try to find a balance of quality and price that will make string upgrades a reality and keep my students’ instruments sounding great. Check out this page for some of my recommendations for selecting strings in an educational setting. Let me know your thoughts below ..read more
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String Storage Solution
Orchestra Teacher
by Charles Laux
1y ago
It seems like I’ve always struggled keeping my extra strings organized and available quick access, but I’ve finally found something that makes it easy to keep my violin, viola, and cello strings separated and neatly organized. This organizer, actually made for storing photos, has 18 removable compartments.  I’m using 4 each for violin, viola, and cello and then the extra ones for miscellaneous storage. It’s a solid, plastic container and because they are transparent, it’s easy to see what’s inside.  I paid around $30, but prices to fluctuate.  Totally worth it for me ..read more
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From the 2022 OSU String Teacher Workshop
Orchestra Teacher
by Charles Laux
1y ago
It’s always a pleasure to return to Buckeye country for the OSU String Teacher Workshop. This year I had the pleasure to participat in presenting several sessions. See below! 1. Making Your High School a Complete Program Presented with Matt Radspinner and Julie Ellis! Making-Your-High-School-a-Complete-Program-Slides-OSU-22Download 2. Audio Recording for Music Educators Use the link to see the page dedicated to this topic! 3. Essential Elements Interactive and Beyond Check out the EEi blog for the latest and greatest in EEi!! A few photos… with Matt Radspinner and Renee WangFound some “comfy ..read more
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Essential Print Resources
Orchestra Teacher
by Charles Laux
1y ago
There are so many fantastic books available that will help you learn the essentials of string teaching, new teaching strategies, or understand a variety of teaching philosophies. Do you need some back to school inspiration or just a few new ideas? I’ve put together a list of print resources with some the best available! Check out this page for books by the best in the string teaching and orchestra profession such as Bob Gillespie, Michael Hopkins, Chris Selby, Karel Butz, Anne Marie Patterson and more ..read more
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Podcast episodes from the Midwest Clinic
Orchestra Teacher
by Charles Laux
2y ago
The 75th annual Midwest Clinic took place last week after a 1 year face-to-face hiatus and it did not disappoint. There were so many fantastic sessions and top-notch concerts this year and it was a special treat to get to visit and reunite with so many friends and colleagues! Even though my schedule was filled with attending the events and visiting the exhibit hall, I was able to record two short podcasts with two amazing people. First, I interviewed Anna Radspinner, an orchestra director in the Williamsport Area School District in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. She presented a session entitled ..read more
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