Welcome To the Swinging Strings Blog

The Swinging Strings Project would like to welcome pupils, parents and all interested parties to our website. This blog tracks the progress of 80+ children (and their teachers!) as they learn the violin. It is intended to act as a resource for the pupils as they progress and act as an information point for parents, teachers etc.

The project is delivered on an inclusive basis and links to the Irish Primary Music Curriculum. This means that ALL students particpate irrespective of musical backgrounds. It is believed that it is the one of biggest inclusive projects of its kind in the country. Have a look around and learn all about our violin project. Our cover photo was taken by award winning press photographer, John Kelly.
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Thank you

Cathy Desmond

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Twinkle Arco and pizz

We are coming to the end of our programme Our finale tunes are 
Foxtrot
Blues 
Twinkle 



We had some  fun with Twinkle today.  Tip.  Try playing it pizzicato first 


We began by playing pizzicato before playing it with our bows.


 Don't forget the bowhold rules.   
    Thumb bent//Fingers wrapped around stick // Little finger  sitting on top 


We divided into boys and girls teams and  played the tune as a duet before playing together


Notes in Green on A string 
Notes in Red  on D string 


Rhythms        Winter time in Russia 
                            Kil-fen-ora-a Cei-li Dan-cer 


Twinkle Twinkle Little Star 
Line 1

D D   A  A     B  B    A_          
0  0     0 0       1  1     0 
G G   F# F#   E  E    D _ 
3   3    2  2     1    1     0


Line 2 


A A   G G   F# F#  E_
0  0    3  3    2   2    1
A A   G G   F# F#  E_
0  0    3 3      2  2    1_


DD    A A   B B   A _
G G  F# F# E  E   D _ 


On Monday we visited arts centre Glór to hear Slovakian violinist Vladimir Jablokov.  Here is an interview with some of 5th class . 

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star


Twinkle Twinkle Little Star  

  Today was  a very exciting day as all three classes moved on to our new tune , 


Twinkle Twinkle.

Guest Jack Foley 


NEW**
Line 1

D D   A  A     B  B    A_  
0  0     0 0       1  1     0 
G G   F# F#   E  E    D _ 
3   3    2  2     1    1     0


Line 2 


A A   G G   F# F#  E_
0  0    3  3    2   2    1
A A   G G   F# F#  E_
0  0    3 3      2  2    1_


DD    A A   B B   A _
G G  F# F# E  E   D _ 

We also worked on Hot Cross Buns with our bows . Just 2 fingers needed for this tune and 1 string 


We learned that this symbol # means sharp 

Hot x Buns-,             Hot Cross Buns-, 
One -a -pen-ny Two_a -pen-ny , Hot Cross Buns- 
  
Thanks to my guest Jack Foley     today  . 
Looking forward to schools workshop with Vladimir on Monday.  Check out the video of this violinist on the right