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 Ms. Marianne Michael, Systemwide Strings Instructor

Welcome to the Polk School Strings Webpage.  I'm Ms. Michael, the Strings Teacher at Polk School.  I received my Bachelor of Music Degree and Master of Music Degree in Violin Performance from the University of Victoria.  Because of playing the violin, I have had some great adventures: when I was in college, I toured Italy with the North Carolina School of the Arts Orchestra, and also toured Vancouver Island (which to me is the most beautiful place in the world), with the Victoria Symphony. As a freelance musician in Seattle, Washington, I was hired to play in a concert in Juneau, Alaska.  As Strings students, you are embarking on the wonderful adventure of learning to play an instrument.  I hope that your music making gives you great joy! 

  Welcome to Strings at Polk School!!

Lessons in the orchestral stringed instruments, ie., the stringed instruments which are played with a bow, are offered to students in grades 3-5. For more information about the orchestral stringed instruments, click here:http://www.artsalive.ca/en/mus/instrumentlab/strings.html 

Lessons for students who played last year will begin the week of September 15. Lessons for beginning students will start the week of September 22. There will be a meeting for interested students and parents prior to the Polk Open House on September 16 at 5:30. 

Supply List for Beginning Strings Students

1. A violin, viola, or cello in the appropriate size.

2.  Suzuki Book 1 for violin, viola, or cello. (We will not use the book right away, so if the music store runs out, don't worry).

3. New Directions in Strings Book 1 for violin, viola, or cello.

4. A "purple pad" for violin and viola students. 

5. A "rock stop"for cellists. (This may be included in your rental outfit). 

6. Resin. This should be included in your rental outfit.

Clicking on any of the following links will take you out of the Watertown Public Schools website. 

The beginning Strings students have started to learn note reading. To practice your note reading skills, click here:http://www.theviolincase.com/bass/Flashcards/index.htm

For a video of the steps to making a violin/viola bowhold, click here:

http://www.uvm.edu/~mhopkins/string/pedagogy/bowhold11.html

For a video of the steps to making a cello bowhold, click here:

http://www.uvm.edu/~mhopkins/string/pedagogy/bowhold17.html

For a picture of the violin/viola hold, click here:

http://www.uvm.edu/~mhopkins/string/pedagogy/instpos3.html

For a video of how to make cello playing position, click here: http://www.uvm.edu/~mhopkins/string/pedagogy/instpos8.html

To learn the parts of your instrument and bow, click here

http://www.uvm.edu/~mhopkins/string/history/parts/09.html

For a video of world-famous violinist Joshua Bell, click here:

http://www.fineartsportaljb.com/

For a video of world-famous cellist Yo Yo Ma, click here:

http://www.yo-yoma.com/

For a website which features amazing young musicians, click here: http://www.fromthetop.org/

For more information regarding the Watertown Public Schools Strings Program, plus practice tips and fun links, go to the Strings Program Homepage at www.watertownhigh.org.  Click on "Faculty", and then on Ms. Michael's name.

Contact Ms. Michael at michaelma@watertownctschools.org.

Keep practicing!!