Unit Plan 3 (Grade 7 Orchestra): Intonation & Finger Pattern Accuracy

Focus: Improve intonation by using drones, tuning routines, and consistent finger patterns across strings, while applying rehearsal strategies like slow practice, looping, and metronome work to strengthen accuracy and ensemble unity.

Grade Level: 7

Subject Area: Orchestra (Technique • Intonation • Rehearsal Strategies)

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

I. Introduction

In this unit, Grade 7 orchestra students sharpen their ear and hand coordination so that notes line up more accurately in tune. They learn to hear and adjust pitch using drones, open-string checks, and tuning routines, and they practice consistent finger patterns across strings so common keys feel familiar and reliable. Students also apply rehearsal strategies—slow practice, looping, bowing isolation, metronome work, and short section rehearsals—to fix intonation “trouble spots” efficiently. The week ends with students creating a Personal Intonation Toolkit that includes favorite strategies, finger-pattern maps, and a brief plan for how to use them in real repertoire.

Essential Questions

• How can we tell when a note is in tune or out of tune, and what can we do to fix it quickly?
• How do consistent finger patterns across strings make scales, passages, and new pieces easier to play in tune?
• Which rehearsal strategies (like slow practice, looping, and metronome work) help the most when we’re trying to improve intonation?
• How does strong technique (posture, bow control, left-hand shape) support more reliable intonation?
• How can I build an intonation routine that I can use in any piece, not just in this unit?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate consistent left-hand shape and finger placement that supports reliable intonation in at least one key (e.g., D major or G major).
2. Use drones, open-string checks, and simple tuning routines to hear and adjust pitches until they match a reference pitch.
3. Apply at least two rehearsal strategies (slow practice, looping, bowing isolation, metronome work, section rehearsal) to improve intonation in a short passage.
4. Play finger patterns across multiple strings with consistent spacing, recognizing when notes are too high or low and correcting them.
5. Design a Personal Intonation Toolkit that includes finger-pattern maps, favorite strategies, and a plan for using them in regular repertoire practice.

Standards Alignment — Grade 7 Orchestra (custom, NAfME-style)

• OR:Pr4.7a — Demonstrate consistent string technique (posture, instrument position, bow hold, left-hand shape) with growing control, endurance, and reliable intonation.
  • Example: Students maintain steady bow contact and accurate finger placement through longer excerpts.
• OR:Pr5.7a — Apply rehearsal strategies (slow practice, looping, bowing isolation, section rehearsal, metronome work) to improve accuracy and ensemble unity.
  • Example: Students isolate a tricky bowing and practice it with a metronome before full ensemble rehearsal.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can use a drone or open string to tell whether a note is in tune and adjust it.
• I can play finger patterns across strings (in at least one or two keys) and keep my fingers in the same pattern each time.
• I can explain and use at least two rehearsal strategies (like looping or slow practice) to help fix intonation.
• I can keep my posture, bow hold, and left-hand shape steady enough to support in-tune playing.
• I can create and explain a Personal Intonation Toolkit that I can use in future pieces.