The Yellow Dress is a level 3 piece for intermediate guitarists. Guitar 3 is a level 1 part, allowing accommodations for students of different abilities, or students joining later in the year. Teach Guitar 3 by rote, using the notation as a visual guide.
Guitars 1 and 2 play with strict im alternation. It may be helpful to practice im alternation as a group on an open string. You can also use open strings to practice string-crossing. This allows students to bring their awareness to the right hand more easily.
All guitars play harmonics. Show the students how to locate the fret they need, then ask them to lightly touch a left hand finger directly over the fret (not pushing the string to the fingerboard). Often, students find it easier to produce a good harmonic when the right hand plays close to the bridge. Another common directive that gets good results: “put more energy into the string.”
Have small groups play in trios (or sextets, etc.) Ask the other students to listen and offer specific feedback about balance, dynamics, etc.
The attached performance video was recorded by the Glendale Community College Guitar Orchestra under the direction of Chuck Hulihan.
Recorded live, December 6, 2018 by 9th Symphony Productions
Click here to learn more about Mr. Hulihan and Glendale Community College Guitar. www.facebook.com/gccazguitar