Instrument Level Cello - Level 2
READ THIS FIRST: Notes to Composers
General recommendations:
Speed: Slow to Moderate
Length: 16-36 bars
Rhythm: Simple duple and triple meter; no compound meter; some syncopation okay; 16ths Okay; no fast lines or repeated notes for more than a few notes; no long periods of rest; players should enter on a strong beat after a period of rest.
Playable Notes and Skills
- All four fingers on all four strings (1st position).
- A string: B, C, C#, D
- D string: E, F, F#, G
- G string: A, Bb, B, C
- C string: D, Eb, E, F
- Can reach back for the first half step above the open strings, but cannot reach up with the fourth finger. (students might be able to do the fourth finger extension, A and D at least)
- A string: Bb, (D#)
- D string: Eb, (G#)
- G string: Ab, (C#)
- C string: C#, (F#)
Things to Avoid
- Bows over four seconds.
- String crossing on non-adjacent strings.
- Double stops.