“Lost Maples” is a modern sounding piece that focuses on rhythmic variation between parts. So ensemble work is important to the success of this piece. All students have I and M fingers fixed on strings 1 and 2. Thumb plays anything on strings 3 and 4. Begin by teaching everyone in the class mm 1-4 in part 2. Once the students are confident with this pattern, play part 3 mm 5-8 with them. Have those students playing part 2 play quietly to get part three comfortable with the dotted rhythm. Use this technique to get the students confident in their own rhythm with the addition of each part. Many sections are repeated in different parts. So teach material to all students who will eventually play that section. Listen to small groups frequently to build rhythmic confidence as well. Model frequently for the same reason.
* Troubleshooting
For the section marked flowing, it is important that the player does not rest his or her finger back on the string after the stroke. This will cut off the sound and the piece will lose the legato feel.
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
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