Strings Are Fun, Level 1: 2nd Violin Book

This book gives second violinists a genuine musical role from day one. Rather than relegating them to unison with the first violins, Stoutamire writes independent harmonic parts that let them hear how their line supports the ensemble's sound. The gradual introduction of new notes and rhythms means you can start performing in the first week of school.

Warm and encouraging. The harmonized arrangements have a full, accomplished sound that belies their simplicity, so young players experience the satisfaction of sounding like a real ensemble rather than a collection of individuals struggling through exercises.

Beginning string orchestras in their first year of instruction, particularly second violinists who need meaningful but accessible material. This book works for mixed-level sections where some players develop faster than others, since the part writing remains straightforward even as new technical elements appear.

• Emphasize the importance of bow synchronization with first violin during the early unison sections; this trains the section to move as one unit before independence develops.
• Balance the second violin line carefully as independence increases; second violinists often play too quietly out of habit, so actively encourage them to match the dynamic level of the first violins.
• Mark fingerings and position shifts clearly in pencil before the first reading so students focus on tone production and rhythm rather than note-finding.
• Use the piece order as your rehearsal sequence; each arrangement is designed to introduce only the material students have mastered in previous pieces.

Integrate these pieces into your first-year curriculum as your primary performance literature. They work particularly well for winter holiday concerts and spring recitals where you want repertoire that showcases solid fundamentals without requiring extended rehearsal time. The short length of each piece also makes them ideal for student assembly performances.

• Reading notes in first position on the violin staff
• Fundamental bow control and coordination with other players
• Understanding how harmonic parts function in ensemble texture
• Gradual introduction to new rhythmic patterns (beyond whole, half, and quarter notes as they progress)
• String crossing technique in simple contexts
• Dynamic control and balance within a section