Unit Plan 30 (Grade 6 Orchestra): Technique & Stamina Boost

Focus: Improve consistency in bow control, left-hand shape, and posture while building endurance across a full rehearsal.

Grade Level: 6

Subject Area: Orchestra (Technique • Tone • Endurance)

Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 50–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

In this unit, Grade 6 orchestra students focus on how they play, not just what they play. They strengthen posture, instrument position, bow hold, and left-hand shape so they can maintain characteristic tone and growing intonation accuracy from warm-up through the end of rehearsal. Students learn how fatigue and tension affect sound, then use feedback and recordings to build habits that support better tone and endurance. By the end, they can describe and demonstrate technique routines that help them play comfortably and consistently for longer periods.

Essential Questions

• How do posture, bow control, and left-hand shape affect tone and intonation over a full rehearsal?
• What is the difference between healthy effort and unhelpful tension when we play our instruments?
• How can feedback, recordings, and goal-setting help me build better technique and stamina?
• What daily warm-up and practice habits support long-term growth as a string player?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate consistent posture, instrument position, bow hold, and left-hand shape across full-class warm-ups and short repertoire excerpts.
2. Maintain steady bow control (bow path, speed, contact point) to produce characteristic tone for longer periods without “falling apart” at the end of phrases.
3. Use teacher/peer feedback and short rehearsal recordings to identify specific areas for improvement in tone, intonation, and rhythm accuracy.
4. Set and track personal technique goals related to bow control, left-hand shape, or posture, and describe progress over the week.
5. Apply simple stamina strategies (micro-breaks, relaxation checks, efficient motion) to stay comfortable and focused throughout a full rehearsal block.

Standards Alignment — Grade 6 Orchestra (custom, NAfME-style)

• OR:Pr4.6a — Demonstrate consistent string technique (posture, instrument position, bow hold, left-hand shape) that supports characteristic tone and developing intonation.
  • Example: Students maintain curved left-hand fingers and even bow strokes across a full warm-up.
• OR:Pr5.6b — Use teacher/peer feedback and rehearsal recordings to set goals and improve tone, intonation, rhythm accuracy, and ensemble unity over time.
  • Example: Students listen to a recording and set a goal to improve intonation on a specific measure.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can show good posture, instrument position, and bow hold at the beginning and end of rehearsal.
• I can keep my left-hand shape and bow control consistent so my tone stays clear and my intonation keeps improving.
• I can listen to feedback or a recording and name one specific thing to improve (tone, intonation, rhythm).
• I can use at least one strategy (relax shoulders, adjust bow path, reset hand shape) when I feel tired or tense.
• I can describe a personal technique goal and explain how I worked toward it this week.