Product Description
This is the first iteration of a series of exercises that follows musicians as they progress through learning an instrument. The series generally follows the progression of what is used in most beginning band books.
Some notes for use:
Can be used as an etude/method book type study. This takes a LOT more time on individual concepts. Where band books basically add new information (sometimes several things), this seeks to gradually progress. Sometimes students just need more time to master a concept, note, rhythm, etc.
Can be used as sight-reading practice for individuals or the full ensemble (hence I took the time to write out a snare part for the entire series).
One way to use this with a full ensemble is to give the students a set time to study (30 seconds or so), then have them all play it individually. It sounds like a mess, but is great for taking them through the process of sight-reading. Then play it all together and make sure everyone understands notes, rhythms, etc.
I generally believe it is never too early to learn how to sightread properly. Start at the beginning, then All-State Sight Reading wont be so scary!
Many of these exercises focus on reading rests. Whether its rests in weird spots or counting several at a time, mastering this skill leads to great reading/sight-reading ability.
Play around with tempo, style, context, etc. Challenge the students to make them as musical as possible.
There are no dynamics for these. If your students are ready for dynamics, add some in!
Lastly, one of my biggest pedagogical points is to revisit similar concepts and topics as much as possible. When students learn a new concept, it should be explored every day until mastery, especially in as many contexts as possible. For example, when first learning a new rhythm, it can be
reinforced by counting/clapping/saying/singing a rhythm on the board
played during the warm-up, potentially on a scale or pattern
played in a musical exercise context (i.e. THIS resource)
played in actual music context
Tags: Concert Band, Beginning Band, Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Baritone, Tuba, Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Triangle, Tambourine, Bells, Mallets
This product was created by a member of ArrangeMe, Hal Leonard's global self-publishing community of independent composers, arrangers, and songwriters. ArrangeMe allows for the publication of unique arrangements of both popular titles and original compositions from a wide variety of voices and backgrounds.