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Bags of Fun

by Mary Cohen

Instrumentation
Cello
Composed
2011
Publisher
Faber Music
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About this piece

Simple, short tunes for beginning cellists. A full description is available here: amazon.com

Technical overview

The book starts with simple, plucked open strings, then graduates to the use of 1st and 3rd fingers. Sample pages are available here: content.alfred.com

Technical focus

  • A String Notes
  • D String Notes
  • G String Notes
  • C String Notes
  • String Crossings
  • Rhythm
  • Articulation

Level rubric

Early Beginner

Left Hand

  • Basic setup: open strings & 1st-finger in 1st position.
  • No shifting or extensions.
  • No vibrato; harmonics only as open-string effects.

Right Hand

  • Proper bow hold with straight strokes.
  • Basic détaché on open strings.
  • Mid‑bow focus; clean start/stop exercises.
  • Simple adjacent string crossings.

Bow Strokes

  • Détaché.
  • Stopped notes
  • Continuous string contact.

Rhythm & Musicality

  • Simple rhythms (quarters, 8ths, repeated patterns).
  • Short pieces in 2/4 or 4/4.
  • Minimal phrasing (1–2 bars).
  • Steady dynamics for clear tone.

Levels are approximate guides, not strict requirements.