The thumb and middle fingers are tapped together; this is then done next to the ear to hear the noise it makes.
This helps to develop the strength and the rounded shape of the fingers, and should be repeated with the thumb and then all the other fingers.
A ring is made with the thumb and middle finger on both hands.
This develops a conscious relationship between the thumb and middle finger, which will always be near to, and dependent on, each other (twins).
The fingers of the left hand are open, then the hand is lifted in greeting. This greeting helps children to feel part of a group. It is very pleasant to see them using it when they meet and during group practise.
The thumb makes the top joints and then the tips of all the fingers bend one by one. This can also be done in a group at walking pace. Flexibility of the joints is very important technically, as will be seen in the exercise on vibrato further on.
