Shadow Bowing as a Precursor to the Bow StrokeThe purpose of shadow bowing is to learn how to make the correct arm movements with the bow and learn how it feels to move the bow before we get the instrument involved.
You'll need a tube for this activity. Obtain an empty toilet paper roll, cut an empty paper towel roll in half, or roll up a piece of paper. Violins and Violas should hold the tube with the left hand and place it on the left shoulder. Cellists and bassists hold the tube in the left hand in front of their bodies.
You can do this game with a wooden dowel first. Then you can do it while holding the bow.
Place the bow into the tube.
Play rhythmic patterns with the bow. Put on a recording, and play along. Use students names for rhythmic patterns. For example, "My name is Michael Hopkins" is a rhythm that can be played with the bow. Let the kids make up rhythmic patters with words.
Remember to review the bow hold frequently throughout the Shadow Bowing activity.