ASTA AZ: American String Teachers Association

GUIDE TO CLASS LEVELS FOR CELLOBRATION 2008

Students must have all of the skills listed for a given level in order to be in that level.

Level 1
• Playing cello for 2 years or less
• Play in close First Position only (no extensions are required)
• May play only on D and A strings
• Music reading is not required

Level 2
• Play on all strings
• Use extensions in First Position
• Play 2-note slurs on the same string as well as on string crossings, and able to use more of the bow
• Play in the keys of D, G, C, F
• Must be able to read music

Level 3
• Play in and shift between First, Second, Third, Fourth and Half Positions on all strings, including the backward and forward extensions
• Bow 4-note slurs, and use the entire length of the bow
• Play in the major keys of D, G, C, F, Bflat, A and in the minor keys of a, d, and g

Level 4
• Play in and shift in all positions from Half Position through Seventh Position on all strings, including the backward and forward extensions
• Bow 8-note slurs, and use the entire length of bow
• Play with controlled off-string bowing, including staccato and spiccato
• Play in the octave thumb position
• Read tenor clef
• Play double stops
• Use vibrato
• Play in major and minor keys through four sharps and flats
• Play in simple and compound meters, and in changing meters

Level 5
• All of the skills listed for Level 4 (see above)
• Read treble clef in addition to tenor clef
• Previous inclusion in High School Regional Orchestra and/or High School All-State Orchestra or upon the recommendation of student’s private teacher

Cellobration is a special festival devoted to celebrate “cello power.” Students will play in ensembles, and improve their technique and tone while having fun with other cellists from Arizona. Performances by professional cellists on this beautiful instrument inspire all!