Unit Plan 3 (Grade 5 Orchestra): Posture, Bow Hold & Tone

Focus: Develop correct posture, bow hold, and even tone on open strings while noticing how bowing and string choice change sound.

Grade Level: 5

Subject Area: Orchestra (Technique • Tone Production • Listening)

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

I. Introduction

Students build foundational playing habits that will support all future orchestra work. They learn how to set up their bodies and instruments for healthy posture, form a relaxed, stable bow hold, and produce an even, clear tone on open strings. Through guided listening and simple comparisons, students describe how bowing and string choice change sound and character across the orchestra.

Essential Questions

• How do posture and bow hold affect the sound we make on our instruments?
• What makes a tone sound clear vs. scratchy or weak on open strings?
• How do different strings and instrument sizes change the sound and character of the music?
• What habits can I practice every day to keep improving my tone on my instrument?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate orchestra posture and correct instrument position while seated or standing.
2. Form a basic, relaxed bow hold and move the bow with steady speed on open strings.
3. Produce an even, clear tone on at least two open strings, adjusting pressure and placement as needed.
4. Describe in simple language how bowing and string choice (low vs. high, instrument size) change sound and character.
5. Complete a brief Posture, Bow Hold & Tone Check demonstrating setup, bowing, tone quality, and one description of sound differences.

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.
• OR:Re7.5b — Describe how bowing, string choice, and instrument size affect the sound and character of string music.
  • Example: Students explain how low strings sound darker than high strings.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can show correct orchestra posture and hold my instrument in a safe, stable way.
• I can make a relaxed bow hold and move the bow with steady speed on open strings.
• I can make a clear, even tone (not too scratchy or too soft) on my open strings.
• I can describe how sound changes when I use a different string, bow placement, or play on a different sized instrument.