FORUM

So, the idea here, is actually motivate everyone to focus on FUNdamentals for just a week or so.  Instead of everyone digging out the greatest sounding, most complex piece they think they can handle, I'd like to see everyone pull out a piece from the long list of sometimes boring and mundane stuff that's in the method books.  So, here's the rules (as if we will stick to the rules):

1.  No critiques please, this meant to be for EVERYONE, and I want even the DAY ONE Players to feel free to contribute by really focusing on technique, and posting a video of themselves. Play a piece directly from any method book that you have, regardless of level. 

2.  Where ever you're at in your studies (even if you're on page two), practice that piece until you're ready to video it, and do so.

3.  ....Yeah I think that's it.

4.  Oh yeah, let the rest of us know the title of the piece, what book it's coming from, and what you are trying to focus on as you're playing it. 

5.  Have FUN!

So, of course, I will go first.

Book:  Essential Elements 2000 for strings - Violin Book One

Piece:  Cripple Creek

Notes:  This song is traditionally a fast fiddle piece, but I thought it was just beautiful, so I really try to express the beauty of this particular song by playing it slowly and "romantically."  I'm aware that I may not have been super successful.  Additionally, I really foucused on bowing, and left hand/wrist/arm positioning and made feeble attempts at playing at different volumes.