A Desert Thought is an exploration of the creativity and imagination that can blossom from a moment of solitude, when the world quiets down and you're completely present with your thoughts. Although it’s a level 4 piece, primarily in 1st position, easy rote patterns are included in upper positions to extend the range of the ensemble. Before starting this piece, students should be confident in all other technical and literacy demands of level 4, including reading in 1st position on all strings, and i-m alternation on strings 1-3 with p strokes on strings 4, 5 and 6.
Where do your students seek out solitude? Where is their calm, peaceful, and safe place where they process their thoughts and explore their creativity? Where does their mind go when they find this space? Invite participation by asking similar questions to your performers and encourage them to share their thoughts in a format that is comfortable (spoke, written, visual, etc.).