Pineland Suzuki School Group Class Descriptions
*Take note! On the schedule, group class days are often, but not always every other week!
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Group Repertoire Classes - By practicing together the common Suzuki repertoire which students have
already studied in their private lessons, memorized and continually review and polish, the focus of group
class is on a higher level of playing. Games and exercises played with pieces they already know enhance
children’s motivation, concentration, listening ability, ensemble, musicality and natural, balanced
posture. Group class is an essential part of a successful Suzuki experience. Raise your ability with a piece you can play. Shinichi Suzuki.
As a part of the group class, Pineland Suzuki School students participate in Music Mind Games, Music Reading Class or Allegro Orchestra.
Pre-Twinkle For beginners on the violin and their parent practice partners. Students enjoy games and
exercises with their friends while they are learning posture, rhythm and basic musical skills. A 45-minute
class is with the violin and 45 minutes is Music Mind Games and Movement.
Book 2 – 3 with orchestra. Violin and cello students are grouped in their instrument-specific repertoire
class and Allegro Orchestra, which is usually students’ first orchestra experience. Students learn how to
follow a conductor, play together and listen to each other. Perform two or three concerts, in December,
March and May. Students are expected to attend all rehearsals with music, music stand, a pencil and to
practice the music before rehearsals.
Prerequsite: finish I Can Read Music Volume 1 by Joanne Martin, and be studying in Suzuki Book 2/3.
Fridays 5:15-6:00 on group class days plus extra orchestra rehearsals.
Book 4/5/6 class held before KVYSO rehearsals on Tuesdays, as well as Fridays on group class days, both
at Hope Baptist Church in Manchester.
Music Mind Games and Movement – ages 3-7, an interactive, full body approach to teaching music in a
cooperative, fun environment. Basic musical elements and performance skills are introduced by
inspiring each student's natural ability to learn through the use of games, songs, and props. These
elements include the musical alphabet, the Grand Staff, rhythm, symbols, tempo, dynamics, posture,
awareness and expression. Friday 4:30-5:15 for pretwinkle students, 5:15-6:00 for Book 1 students, on
group class days*.
Music Reading Class – ages 8 and up, for students who are not yet in orchestra. Students learn how to
clap, count and play basic rhythms, the grand staff, and get ready to read music. Friday 5:15-6:00 on
group class days*.
Capital Strings – High caliber pre-professional string chamber orchestra which performs a wide variety
of standard string orchestra literature several times a year. Pieces performed in the past include Vivaldi
Four Seasons and Concerto for Four Violins in b minor, Tchaikovsky Serenade for Strings, Copland
Hoedown and Barber Adagio for Strings. Prerequisite: Suzuki Book 6 or the equivalent, 3 octave scales all
major and minor keys, arpeggios. Comfort in sight-reading, upper positions, advanced technical
command, mature tone, intonation and vibrato.
2023-2024 schedule Wednesdays 4:30-6:00 at Waterville. Pre- Capital Strings (book 5) and Capital
Strings (book 6 and up) rehearse together, with Capital Strings students in leadership positions.
Chamber Music – With one person on a part, there is a great challenge, responsibility and motivation to
attend each rehearsal and practice music before rehearsals. Students learn to listen, collaborate and
communicate through music. Prerequisite: Suzuki Book 4 and above, or equivalent For strings,
advanced pianists and wind players. Audition required for non-PSS students
2023-2024 schedule: Tuesdays 5:15-6:15 at Hope Baptist Church, Wednesdays 3:30-4:30 Waterville,
Fridays 3:30-4:30 Hope Baptist Church
Advanced Opportunities
For students in Book 4 and up: Kennebec Valley Youth Symphony Orchestras meets on Tuesdays at Hope
Baptist Church. Advancing techniques allow students to focus not only on ensemble, but expression and
drama! For details, see https://www.kvyso.org/ Book 4 classes are held before orchestra rehearsals, as
well as on Friday group classes.