Sound Innovations for String Orchestra: Sound Development (Intermediate), Violin

Sound Innovations: Sound Development highlights the skills needed for string players to perform with a beautiful sound. The elements of producing this sound are presented in four categories: Sound Tone, Sound Bowings, Sound Shifting, and Sound Scales, Arpeggios, Chorales, and Rhythms. The exercises in each of these categories are flexible and can be used as individual exercises or as structured ensemble units. Video demonstrations of primary skills referenced in the books can be viewed online at www.alfred.com/SoundDevelopmentVideo.

Below are highlights of skills in the intermediate level of Sound Development:

1. Sound Tone: sequential exercises to develop skills that affect tone production, such as bow speed and bow weight.
2. Sound Bowings: Focusing on right-hand technique, these exercises will introduce students to different bowing attacks to enhance musical style and sound.
3. Sound Shifting: Finger patterns are presented to introduce different positions and shifts. The intermediate level provides a thorough presentation of 3rd and 5th positions for all instruments, while also providing an introduction to 2nd and 4th positions.
4. Sound Scales, Arpeggios, Chorales, and Rhythms: one and two-octave scales, arpeggios, and broken thirds are included for keys through three sharps and three flats. Harmonized string orchestra and drone accompaniment lines are included, as well as chorales and rhythm exercises in a variety of meters.