Unit Plan 2 (Grade 5 Orchestra): Instrument Setup & Care

Focus: Learn proper instrument setup, tuning awareness, handling, and care of string instruments to support a clear, characteristic tone.

Grade Level: 5

Subject Area: Orchestra (Technique • Setup/Care • Habits)

Total Unit Duration: 1–2 weeks, 30-minute sessions

I. Introduction

In this unit, Grade 5 students build a solid technical foundation for playing violin, viola, cello, or bass. They learn how to set up their instruments with correct posture, bow hold, and left-hand position to produce a clear, characteristic tone on open strings. Students also practice safe handling and care routines—carrying instruments, managing cases, and respecting the bow and strings. They begin to notice how small changes in setup (like bow angle or hand shape) affect their sound.

Essential Questions

• What does correct instrument setup look and feel like for my string instrument?
• How do posture, bow hold, and left-hand position affect the tone I produce?
• Why is careful handling and care of my instrument important for my playing and for the orchestra?
• How can I tell when something in my setup needs to be adjusted, and what can I do about it?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate correct playing posture for their instrument, including chair position, instrument height/angle, and relaxed shoulders.
2. Show a proper bow hold with curved fingers, thumb placement, and appropriate bow tension, and use it to draw a straight bow stroke.
3. Place the left hand in the correct area (e.g., first position) with curved fingers over the fingerboard, even if not yet pressing down fully.
4. Safely carry, set down, and store their instrument and bow using class routines to prevent damage.
5. Produce a mostly clear tone on open strings by combining posture, bow hold, and bow path, and explain one way setup affects sound.

Standards Alignment — Grade 5 Orchestra (custom, NAfME-style)

• OR:Pr4.5a — Demonstrate correct instrument setup and basic technique (posture, bow hold, left-hand position) to produce a clear, characteristic tone.
  • Example: Students hold the bow correctly and produce an even tone on open strings.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can show good posture when I play: feet, seat, and instrument position are correct for my instrument.
• I can hold my bow with curved fingers and a stable thumb so the bow feels controlled, not tense.
• I can place my left hand in the right area on the fingerboard with curved fingers, ready for good intonation later.
• I can carry and store my instrument and bow safely using our classroom routines.
• I can play open strings with a mostly clear, steady tone and explain how my setup helped.