1. Created by: Mrs. Cates, Ms. Coghill, Mrs. Barthel Photos by: Karely
Washoe County School District 5th Grade Exploratory Violin Unit Playing with the Bow
Created by:
Mrs. Cates, Ms. Coghill, Mrs. Barthel
Photos by: Karely

2. Review Parts of the Bow Bow Pledge
“I will treat my bow with respect and care.
Friends are near, I should be aware
I will never, never, ever touch the bow hair.
Bows are not swords, I wouldn’t even dare.”

3. Bow Storage
Before you take out your bow, check how it looks in the case.
Look carefully! You’ll need to put it back in the same way.

4. Taking out the Bow Unlock your bow latch, and grab the frog.
Pick up the frog just a LITTLE bit. If you lift it too high, you may break your case 
3. Most important step: SLIDE the bow out of the case.
4. When you can see the entire bow, you may lift it up.

5. How to Tighten the Bow
Check your bow hair. Can you stick a pinky between the hair and stick, in the middle of the bow?
If not, TIGHTEN your bow by turning the screw to the right about 4 times.
Do the “pinky test” again. If your pinky does not fit, repeat step #2.
The bow to the right is perfect!

6. How to Loosen the Bow
Before you put away your bow, loosen the hair, by turning the screw to the left about 4 times.
The bow hair should just barely touch the stick, like the bow below.

7. Forming Your Bow Hold “Turkey Sandwich Method”
With your right hand, set each finger on top of the bow stick. (Don’t let your pinky touch the screw)
Set the tip of your thumb on the metal clip (called a ferrule)
Keep each finger straight for now, but feel free to relax your bow hold as you get more comfortable holding your bow.
That’s all there is to it!

8. Bowing Area
As you play, make sure your bow stays between the edge of the fingerboard and the bridge.
“I like the straw game. I put a straw in the F-hole, which helps me bow straight. Try to bow from the frog to the tip without hitting the straw or bridge. Can you do it?”

9. You’re Ready to Play! Remember to use your good bow hold!
For best sound, open from your elbow joint, and keep your right shoulder still.

10. Now you know how to play with the bow!