Busy As A Bee

Description

Violin 1, Violin 2, Viola, Cello, Contrabass, Piano — The titlexa0Busy As a Bee is taken from the rhythm of four eighth-notes followed by a half-note. This rhythmic pattern is an excellent method for teaching very young string students how to play repeated eighth notes at the frog and at the tip of the bow. It also gives them the opportunity to draw the bow fully, up bow and down bow, at a slow or moderate tempo when playing half notes. These notes are to be played with broad legato bow strokes (i.e. detache). Staccato notes should be played with martele bow strokes.Indications are given initially in the parts when to play at the frog or the tip, and when to use full bow. Additionally, this piece will give students practical experience in lifting the bow to return to the frog after a down bow. "Life the bow" is also indicated in parts the first time it occurs.The simple countermelody which first appears at m. 13 in Violin II and Viola will also provide experience in independent part playing.Cello and bass begin pizzicato. Two full measures rest are given before their parts call for arco at m. 23. This, with this much time for the change, students may either hold their bows while playing pizzicato, or place their bows on their stands.There are several places for students to play a crescendo, the first occurring at mm. 11-12.Violin I will use all eight notes of the D-major scale. Violin II and Viola go up to B. Cello and Bass extend from low A to B a ninth above.Performance time at the given tempo is about two minutes.Thank you for choosing this composition. I hope you and your students find it enjoyable and instructive. This piece keeps everyone in the orchestra busy playing some important melodic material. Composer Joseph Compello has created a delightful showcase for beginning strings that will be the highlight of any concert.