Unit Plan 2 (Grade 7 Orchestra): Technique Refinement

Focus: Strengthen posture, instrument position, bow hold, and left-hand shape to build control, endurance, and more reliable intonation across warm-ups and repertoire.

Grade Level: 7

Subject Area: Orchestra (Technique • Tone Foundation • Intonation Readiness)

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

I. Introduction

In this unit, Grade 7 orchestra students refine the fundamental physical skills that support all of their playing. They focus on balanced posture, secure instrument position, flexible bow holds, and curved left-hand shape so that they can play longer excerpts with better tone and intonation. Through mirrors, checklists, partner feedback, and short technique drills, students learn to notice and correct setup issues on their own. By the end of the week, they create a personal technique routine they can use all year to warm up and maintain healthy, efficient playing.

Essential Questions

• How do posture, instrument position, bow hold, and left-hand shape affect our sound, endurance, and intonation?
• What does healthy, efficient technique feel and look like, and how can we tell when something is off?
• How can checklists, mirrors, and peer feedback help us become more independent in fixing technique problems?
• In what ways does strong basic technique make harder music feel easier later in the year?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate balanced posture and secure instrument position that they can hold comfortably through warm-ups and short excerpts.
2. Show a relaxed, curved bow hold with stable contact and controlled bow lanes (soundpoint) on at least two strings.
3. Maintain a curved left-hand shape with correct fingertip placement, leading to more reliable intonation in basic scales and patterns.
4. Play longer excerpts or scale patterns with steady bow contact, consistent tone, and minimal tension.
5. Use a personal technique checklist or routine to self-monitor and adjust posture, bow hold, and left-hand shape in daily playing.

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.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can set up in a balanced playing posture with my instrument in a secure, comfortable position.
• I can keep a relaxed, curved bow hold and move the bow in a straight line with steady contact.
• I can keep my left-hand fingers curved and place them accurately so that notes sound in tune most of the time.
• I can play a scale or short excerpt without my shoulders, wrists, or hands tightening up.
• I can use a checklist or routine to fix my own technique when something starts to feel or sound wrong.