Many teachers will be familiar with the Vamoosh series of books which have stood the test of time. These are packed with an abundance of fantastic pieces that have become a staple for many educators, especially those working in a group setting. They offer an engaging introduction to the world of making-music.
Vamoosh 2.5 for strings is no exception and does not disappoint. It provides a welcome addition to the series in containing repertoire that sits between books 2 and 3 and ranging from Grade 2 to 4.
There are 28 new varied pieces, including both original compositions and familiar old favourites. Each comes with a catchy backing-track that helps to bring the pieces off the page and encourage students to play along. Vamoosh 2.5 is available as an individual book for violin, viola, cello or double bass, or you can choose to purchase a PDF version to download.
The music is uncluttered and clearly laid out, with a few helpful fingerings and timely reminders of changes in finger patterns, bowing options or key signatures.
A piano accompaniment is available to buy, should you have access to a piano in your teaching setting. If not, there are backing-tracks, for each piece, which provide flexibility. There are a few duets that can be played unaccompanied if no other options are available. With so many ways to access the backing-tracks – from YouTube to Spotify, Apple Music and direct downloads – students can have few excuses for not locating them when practising at home.
The front of the books contain a choice of QR codes to scan, to direct everyone to their easiest platform. Each backing-track has an abundance of interest, be it percussion or bird song, and each will likely be greeted with enthusiasm. I particularly like the fact that often the rhythm for the next entry is subtly included in the preceding rest, which encourages the student to listen carefully.
There is a wide range of musical styles providing something for everyone, giving the opportunity for teachers to discuss a different narrative for each piece.
Vamoosh 2.5 introduces various techniques which will ease the transition to a string ensemble or orchestra later on, when swing time, tremolo, multi-rests, and navigating a D.S. or Coda will no longer be a mystery. Many of the string techniques you would anticipate at this level can be found, including staccato, marcato, double-stopping, sautillé, détaché and hooked bowing, which will help prompt discussion of bow use.
Encouraging students to sing their part is so helpful to their development. Having a number of pieces that contain lyrics, therefore, is welcome, and has the added advantage or enabling non-instrumentalists to join in with a performance.
At this early stage of musical development, having all the instruments treated equally is hugely beneficial. This is particularly so for endangered species such as the double bass or viola, which are traditionally known for their supporting roles. I welcome, therefore, how all are able to enjoy playing the tune at some point. I feel that the viola part, however, is more challenging than the violin part, as it is required to shift in nearly half of the pieces, whereas the violin could potentially play the whole book in first position, excluding the harmonics.
Anything that increases the appeal of scales is always a bonus, and the addition of two pieces based on the major scale is a great idea. Other pieces include a space to improvise, providing students with suggested notes on which to construct their melodies. Introducing this concept, improvisation, early on can reduce self-consciousness later in life.
If I was granted one wish, it would be to explore the lower register of the viola and cello a little more, within the melody lines. I do appreciate, however, that with group arrangements, there is inevitably some degree of compromise.
Finally, once the book is completed, there is an option to make it official, and submit two video performances and receive a Certificate of Completion. Feedback from an expert professional will be provided and a Pass, Merit or Distinction certificate is awarded. I absolutely love this option; it feels like a gentle, positive way to celebrate progress, offering an incentive to polish pieces but also the flexibility for students to pick their favourite piece.
All in all, this is a great expansion to the Vamoosh series of books. I'm sure it will soon be reverberating from school windows up and down the country.
