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February 13, 2003
All students: High School students only: 7th and 8th grade students: Final Report by Claudia Hook The string students of Bay Village Schools were the featured artists at the 3rd annual "Day for Strings." On February 13, 2003, two clinicians were invited for the day: Ed Caner, violinist and Dr. Ann Gilbert, string bass. Both are distinguished artists from the Cleveland area. This project was funded by the Bay Educational Foundation. Our emphasis this year was on Jazz and Blues and improvisational techniques. Mr. Caner has performed and toured with many rock and jazz groups, such as Wayne Newton and Led Zeppelin. He is also the author of a string method book in these topics: “Fiddling for Classical Stiffs.” The students asked many questions about his experiences in this genre. The clinicians spent 1 ½ hours with each class of string students at Bay High School and Bay Middle School. The first half of the class dealt with rhythms, bowing, and improvisation using the blues scales. Divided into lower and upper strings, Dr. Gilbert and Mr. Caner taught those techniques in relation to their specific instruments. In the second half of the session, all instruments were combined to learn how to fuse the different instrumentations and techniques into a unified whole. A syllabus describing all the techniques covered --plus addition ones--was given to each student for further exploration if they so desire. The Westerly students had an hour session with the clinicians. The upper and lower strings were also divided and the second half brought everyone together. They eagerly put their knowledge to good use during our “jam session”. String students from all schools joined together after school at Bay High School auditorium. The high School students rehearsed their jazz/blues number “Shout it Out”. They were joined by the 7th and 8th grades to rehearse “Janie Be Good”. The 5th and 6th and Westerly students were added to rehearse “De Blues” and “Groovin for the 1st Time”. The drummers were courtesy of the Bay High School Jazz Band. It was an inspiration to see all the Bay String students, beginner to advanced, performing and working together. The “Day for Strings” concert at Bay High auditorium concluded our “jam” packed day. Each school string group (4th, 5th and 6th, 7th and 8th, and High School) performed pieces they had prepared for the concert (in addition to the ones listed above). It was thrilling to see the progression from beginner to advanced. As a special surprise, the clinicians did some grooving with the Bay string teachers. “Satin Doll” was performed with Doug Day on piano, Dan Alt on violin, Claudia Hook on viola, Ann Gilbert on string bass, and Ed Caner with the lead violin solos. The grand finale of the concert featured the entire string family of Bay Village Schools performing the jazz and blues tunes. Students from every grade level volunteered to improvise with Mr. Caner, who added his own special improvisatory expertise. The project proved to be a great success. The students were given a wealth of information that will be useful to them for many years to come. The middle and high schools already have a strong jazz program in place. The string players now have the knowledge and background needed to participate in the jazz programs if they desire. When the “Day for Strings” was scheduled this year, the Bay Village Schools were experiencing a flu epidemic. Even with that situation, we had 128 students on stage that night and participation in the program during the school day. The “Day for Strings” 2003 received many positive comments from parents, teachers, students, and visitors. Throughout the day, the students were enthusiastic and eager to learn. By highlighting those students playing stringed instruments, they felt special and rewarded for their hard work. A videotape was made of the after school session and the evening concert. Karen Derby has possession of these videotapes at the Bay Village Schools office, which have been aired on Bay Village School Television, Channel 30. We will be planning future “Day for Strings” projects. It has now become a staple in the string program. A great day was had by all. For me, it is a privilege and an honor to work with such a wonderful group of students. - Claudia Hook Ed Caner, Violin Clinician Dr. Ann Gilbert Cello and Bass Clinician Claudia Hook, Day for Strings Coordinator and Westerly Strings Teacher
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