Dec. 15-19 Happenings

The Winter Concert is finally upon us. After months of hard work the GTRA MS and HS Band Students will show their stuff Monday night starting at 7:00. We hope to see you all there.


5th

Objectives:

• Complete Eighth Note Pages
• Begin full band selections

Warm-Up:

1. EE Pg. 12 Tone Builder and Rhythm Etude

Music Rehearsal:

1. EE Pg. 11 
1. Recap 2/4 Meter
2. Perform exercises
3. Introduce crescendo and decrescendo

1. EE Pg. 12 begin selections
2. Set goal to complete several full band pieces before winter break

MS

6th Grade

Objectives:

• Winter Concert 
• Discuss Concert and Collect Music

Warm-Up:

1. EE Pg. 40 #1, 2 in all four keys
2. Bb Chromatic Scale

Music Rehearsal:

1. Listen to concert recording and discuss
2. Continue rehearsal on March Zuma

7/8th Grade

Objectives:

• Winter Concert
• Discuss Concert and Collect Music

Warm-Up:

1. Two selected major scales
2. Perform 3rds in an additional key
3. One Octave Bb Chromatic Scale

Music Rehearsal:

1. Listen to concert recording and discuss
2. Collect Concert Pieces
3. Distribute and read new pieces for Pops Concert

HS

Objectives:

• Winter Concert
• Pep Band Friday
• Begin reading new pep band pieces

Warm-Up:

1. Two selected major scales
2. Relative minor and 3rds in selected keys
3. One Octave Bb Chromatic Scale
4. Selected Bach Chorale

Music Rehearsal:

1. Listen to concert recording and discuss
2. Collect Concert Pieces
3. Distribute new pep band pieces and begin reading

Dec. 8-12 Happenings

Our Winter Concerts are finally here! We hope to see all at our 5th grade band concert on Monday evening and at our upcoming 6-12th grade concert next Monday night.

5th

Objectives:

• Winter Concert
• Continue with Eighth Note Exercises

Warm-Up:

1. EE Pg. 6 Notes in Review, adding concert G
2. Perform in quarter notes and eighth notes

Music Rehearsal:

1. EE Pg. 5  “Four by Four”
2. EE Pg. 9 #38 
1. Reinforce dynamic change at the end
3. St. Nick’s on the Housetop
1. Rehearse in sections
2. Determine amount to use for concert
4. Continue on Pg. 10 and 11 with eighth note exercises
5. Set goal to begin full band pieces before winter break

MS

6th Grade

Objectives:

• Improve rhythmic execution of Winter Concert Pieces
• Perform full runs of all pieces adding dynamic changes

Warm-Up:

1. EE Pg. 40 #1, 2 in all four keys
2. Bb Chromatic Scale

Music Rehearsal:

1. Andromeda Overture
1. Perform full runs
2. Royal March
1. Perform full runs
2. Isolate and rehearse trumpet melody in closing section
3. Christmas Sleigh Ride
1. Reinforce dynamic changes throughout
2. Perform full runs

7/8th Grade

Objectives:

• Develop phrasing and dynamics of Winter Concert Pieces
• Perform full runs

Warm-Up:

1. Two selected major scales
2. Perform 3rds in an additional key
3. One Octave Bb Chromatic Scale

Music Rehearsal:

1. Roswell 1947
1. Perform full runs
2. Do You Hear What I Hear
1. Continue to develop balance among voices throughout
2. Perform full runs
3. Le Sabre
1. Perform full runs

HS

Objectives:

• Develop phrasing of Winter Concert Pieces
• Perform full runs 
• Pep Band Tuesday

Warm-Up:

1. Two selected major scales
2. Relative minor and 3rds in selected keys
3. One Octave Bb Chromatic Scale
4. Selected Bach Chorale

Music Rehearsal:

1. Trombone King
1. Perform full runs
2. Russian Christmas Music
1. Perform full runs
3. A Childhood Hymn
1. Perform full runs

Dec. 1-5 Happenings

5th

Objectives:

• Rehearse full page piece for the winter concert
• Discuss concert expectations and send home concert reminders
• Rehearse concert program pieces

Warm-Up:

1. EE Pg. 6 Notes in Review, adding concert G
2. Perform in quarter notes and eighth notes

Music Rehearsal:

1. EE Pg. 5  “Four by Four”
2. EE Pg. 9 #38 
1. Reinforce dynamic change at the end
3. Distribute St. Nick’s on the Housetop
1. Set goal to have all notes down by return next week
2. Explain multiple-measure rests and counting
3. Rehearse in sections

MS

6th Grade

Objectives:

• Improve rhythmic execution of Winter Concert Pieces
• Perform full runs of all pieces adding dynamic changes

Warm-Up:

1. EE Pg. 40 #1, 2 in all four keys
2. Bb Chromatic Scale

Music Rehearsal:

1. Andromeda Overture
1. Isolate passage with tied rhythms before B section begins
2. Isolate passage with syncopated snare drum rolls
3. Perform full runs
2. March Zuma
1. Reinforce the trumpet and trombone melody in the second strain
2. Possibly determine a cut
3. Perform full runs
3. Christmas Sleigh Ride
1. Isolate clarinets for rhythmic accuracy, especially in clarinet 2
2. Reinforce dynamic changes throughout
3. Perform full runs

7/8th Grade

Objectives:

• Develop phrasing and dynamics of Winter Concert Pieces
• Perform full runs

Warm-Up:

1. Two selected major scales
2. Perform 3rds in an additional key
3. One Octave Bb Chromatic Scale

Music Rehearsal:

1. Roswell 1947
1. Isolate transitions to improve tempos in new sections
2. Perform full runs
2. Do You Hear What I Hear
1. Continue to develop balance among voices throughout
2. Isolate sections for dynamic contrast
3. Perform full runs
3. Le Sabre
1. Isolate trumpets in muted section
2. Work to bring out clarinet and flute in B section
3. Perform full runs

HS

Objectives:

• Develop phrasing of Winter Concert Pieces
• Perform full runs 
• Prep for first Pep Band and Holiday Stroll

Warm-Up:

1. Two selected major scales
2. Relative minor and 3rds in selected keys
3. One Octave Bb Chromatic Scale
4. Selected Bach Chorale

Music Rehearsal:

1. Trombone King
1. Isolate upper woodwinds in moving sixteenth passages to develop speed
2. Continue to develop dynamic contrast
2. Russian Christmas Music
1. Isolate closing section for proper release on last note with grace notes in WW
2. Rehearse sections through transitions to develop smooth transitions
3. Develop style in trombone transition
4. Perform full runs
3. A Childhood Hymn
1. Continue working to develop proper balance among all voices at various dynamics
2. Reinforce tenuto sections with rubato
3. Rehearse piano entrance on final fermata
4. Perform full runs

Nov. 24-26 Happenings

I would like to take a moment to wish anyone reading this post a very Happy Thanksgiving. I hope the holiday brings you much happiness and relaxation.

5th

Objectives:

• Rehearse eighth notes
• Distribute full page piece for the winter concert

Warm-Up:

1. EE Pg. 6 Notes in Review, adding concert G
2. Perform in quarter notes and eighth notes

Music Rehearsal:

1. EE Pg. 9 Begin by reviewing pick-up note concept and perform 38
2. EE Pg. 10 
1. Identify eighth notes and explain counting
2. Begin performing exercises on Pg. 10
3. Set goal to play all of Pg. 10 and 11
3. Distribute St. Nick’s on the Housetop
1. Set goal to have all notes down by return next week
2. Explain multiple-measure rests

MS

6th Grade

Objectives:

• Improve rhythmic execution of Winter Concert Pieces
• Perform full runs of all pieces adding dynamic changes

Warm-Up:

1. EE Pg. 40 #1, 2 in all four keys
2. Bb Chromatic Scale

Music Rehearsal:

1. Andromeda Overture
1. Isolate passage with tied rhythms before B section begins
2. Isolate passage with syncopated snare drum rolls
3. Perform full runs
2. March Zuma
1. Reinforce the trumpet and trombone melody in the second strain
2. Begin incorporating dynamic changes within sections
3. Perform full runs
3. Christmas Sleigh Ride
1. Isolate clarinets for rhythmic accuracy, especially in clarinet 2
2. Reinforce dynamic changes throughout
3. Perform full runs

7/8th Grade

Objectives:

• Develop phrasing and dynamics of Winter Concert Pieces
• Perform full runs

Warm-Up:

1. Two selected major scales
2. Perform 3rds in an additional key
3. One Octave Bb Chromatic Scale

Music Rehearsal:

1. Roswell 1947
1. Isolate transitions to improve tempos in new sections
2. Rehearse closing section to develop speed and increase percussion accuracy
3. Perform full runs
2. Do You Hear What I Hear
1. Continue to develop balance among voices throughout
2. Isolate sections for dynamic contrast
3. Perform full runs
3. Le Sabre
1. Isolate trumpets in muted section
2. Work to bring out clarinet and flute in B section
3. Perform full runs

HS

Objectives:

• Develop phrasing of Winter Concert Pieces
• Perform full runs 
• Organize rehearsal for Holiday Stroll

Warm-Up:

1. Two selected major scales
2. Relative minor and 3rds in selected keys
3. One Octave Bb Chromatic Scale
4. Selected Bach Chorale

Music Rehearsal:

1. Trombone King
1. Isolate upper woodwinds in moving sixteenth passages to develop speed
2. Continue to develop proper accented march style
2. Russian Christmas Music
1. Isolate closing section for proper release on last note with grace notes in WW
2. Rehearse sections through transitions to develop smooth transitions
3. Isolate hymn section for balance among voices
4. Perform full runs
3. A Childhood Hymn
1. Continue working to develop proper balance among all voices at various dynamics
2. Reinforce tenuto sections with rubato
3. Perform full runs

Nov. 17-21 Happenings

5th

Objectives:

• Introduce and begin performing eighth notes
• Select a full page piece for the winter concert

Warm-Up:

1. EE Pg. 6 Notes in Review, adding concert G
2. Perform in quarter notes and eighth notes

Music Rehearsal:

1. EE Pg. 9 Begin by reviewing pick-up note concept and perform 36, 38, 39
2. EE Pg. 10 
1. Identify eighth notes and explain counting
2. Begin performing exercises on Pg. 10
3. Set goal to play all of Pg. 10 and 11

MS

6th Grade

Objectives:

• Improve rhythmic execution of Winter Concert Pieces
• Perform full runs of all pieces

Warm-Up:

1. EE Pg. 40 #1, 2 in all four keys
2. Bb Chromatic Scale

Music Rehearsal:

1. Andromeda Overture
1. Continue to isolate trombones for rhythmic accuracy
2. Isolate passage with tied rhythms before B section begins
3. Reinforce proper interpretation of the form, identifying the sign and coda transitions
4. Isolate passage with syncopated snare drum rolls
2. March Zuma
1. Reinforce the trumpet and trombone melody in the second strain
2. Begin incorporating dynamic changes within sections
3. Isolate percussion part for accuracy
3. Christmas Sleigh Ride
1. Isolate clarinets for rhythmic accuracy, especially in clarinet 2
2. Begin performing full runs
3. Reinforce dynamic changes throughout

7/8th Grade

Objectives:

• Develop phrasing of Winter Concert Pieces
• Begin refining dynamic changes throughout

Warm-Up:

1. Two selected major scales
2. Perform 3rds in an additional key
3. One Octave Bb Chromatic Scale

Music Rehearsal:

1. Roswell 1947
1. Refine contrasting drag triplet passage for rhythmic accuracy
2. Rehearse closing section to develop speed and increase percussion accuracy
3. Reinforce the cut in the middle section
2. Do You Hear What I Hear
1. Continue to develop balance among voices throughout
2. Isolate sections for dynamic contrast
3. Perform full runs
3. Le Sabre
1. Isolate trumpets in muted section
2. Work to reinforce and bring out trombone and baritone in the final strain
3. Work to bring out clarinet and flute 

HS

Objectives:

• Develop phrasing of Winter Concert Pieces
• Continue to refine intonation throughout

Warm-Up:

1. Two selected major scales
2. Relative minor and 3rds in selected keys
3. One Octave Bb Chromatic Scale
4. Selected Bach Chorale

Music Rehearsal:

1. Trombone King
1. Isolate upper woodwinds in moving sixteenth passages to develop speed
2. Continue to rehearse sections with contrasting dynamics to avoid tempo changes
3. Continue to develop proper accented march style
2. Russian Christmas Music
1. Isolate closing section with off-beat woodwinds and swelling brass for proper balance among brass and to maintain rhythmic accuracy among woodwinds
2. Rehearse sections through transitions to develop smooth transitions
3. Isolate areas with soft entrances
3. A Childhood Hymn
1. Continue working to develop proper balance among all voices at various dynamics
2. Isolate clarinets to refine intonation
3. Perform full runs

Nov. 10-14 Happenings

5th

Objectives:

• Complete Pg. 9 and move to 10

Lesson:

1. Warm-Up Pg. 6 Notes in Review
1. Quarter and eighth notes
2. Begin on Pg. 8 reviewing new note
1. Continue moving through exercises on Pg. 8 
3. Pg. 9 
1. Introduce and rehearse new note (Concert A)
2. Introduce and identify pick-up notes
3. Set goal to play “Jingle Bells” and move to Pg. 10 for eighth notes

MS

6th Grade

Objectives:

• Isolate all remaining areas of difficulty

Warm-Up:

• EE Pg. 40 Bb, Eb, F, and Ab #1, #2
• Chromatic Scale on octave beginning on Concert Bb in eighth notes

Lesson:

1. Andromeda Overture
1. Reinforce trumpet melody sections
2. Reinforce all syncopated rhythmic sections
3. Identify and incorporate dynamic changes
2. Christmas Sleigh Ride
1. Isolate B section with flute and clarinet melody
2. Incorporate dynamic changes to sections
3. March Zuma
1. Isolate middle section that hasn’t been rehearsed for rhythmic accuracy
2. Identify dynamic changes between sections

7/8th Grade

Objectives:

• Continue incorporating dynamics
• Continue rehearsing Winter Concert Pieces

Warm-Up:

• Perform major scales: Concert C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab, G, D
• Perform selected key in thirds
• One octave Bb chromatic scale in eighth notes

Lesson:

1. Le Sabre
1. Work to develop accented/spaced march style
2. Isolate muted trumpets in A section
3. Identify areas of dynamic contrast and perform at varied dynamics, ensure percussion follow dynamic changes 
2. Roswell 1947
1. Refine counting through tied notes
2. Continue rehearsing slow middle section for upper woodwinds
3. Isolate snare in faster passages for accuracy
3. Do You Hear What I Hear
1. Continue working to balance parts throughout
2. Incorporate dynamic changes, especially crescendos and decrescendos

HS

Objectives:

• Perform for Veteran’s Day
• Begin incorporating phrasing into selections
• Place Shirt Order

Warm-Up:

• Selected Major Scales, two daily
• One major key in thirds
• One relative-minor
• Chromatic
• Selected Bach Chorale

Lesson:

1. Trombone King
1. Identify melody and counter lines throughout
2. Work with clarinets and alto saxes to correct fast passages in the trio
3. Isolate moving sixteenth passages for accuracy
2. Russian Christmas Music 
1. Begin to isolate fast cut-time passages for rhythmic accuracy
2. Isolate syncopated woodwinds in the closing section
3. Continue to develop phrasing among woodwinds soli passages
3. A Childhood Hymn
1. Work to bring out flute with fuller tone
2. Isolate moving chordal passages for balance and intonation

Nov. 3-7 Happenings

5th

Objectives:

• Move to page 7 and 8

Lesson:

1. Warm-Up Pg. 6 Notes in Review
1. Quarter and eighth notes
2. Begin on Pg. 6 Lightly Row
3. Pg. 7 
1. Refresh on whole note concepts and discuss whole and half rests
2. Perform all exercises
3. Move to Pg. 8 and learn new note (Concert G)

MS

6th Grade

Objectives:

• Perform full runs of Andromeda and Christmas Sleigh Ride

Warm-Up:

• EE Pg. 40 Bb, Eb, F, and Ab #1, #2
• Chromatic Scale on octave beginning on Concert Bb in eighth notes

Lesson:

1. Andromeda Overture
1. Reinforce trumpet melody sections
2. Reinforce trombone sections with above staff playing
3. Perform full run
2. Christmas Sleigh Ride
1. Isolate moving eighth note passages in flute and clarinet
2. Identify and rehearse supporting lines
3. Perform in sections
3. March Zuma
1. Begin performing in sections
2. Identify dynamic changes between sections

7/8th Grade

Objectives:

• Begin incorporating dynamics
• Continue rehearsing Winter Concert Pieces

Warm-Up:

• Perform major scales: Concert C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab, G, D
• Perform selected key in thirds
• One octave Bb chromatic scale in eighth notes

Lesson:

1. Le Sabre
1. Work to develop accented/spaced march style
2. Isolate upper woodwinds in B Section
3. Continue to work to increase tempo
2. Roswell 1947
1. Refine opening measures for increased vocal volume
2. Continue rehearsing slow middle section for chordal balance
3. Perform full run
3. Do You Hear What I Hear
1. Begin working to balance parts throughout
2. Perform full run

HS

Objectives:

• Finalize Winter Concert Program
• Take Shirt Orders

Warm-Up:

• Selected Major Scales, two daily
• One major key in thirds
• One relative-minor
• Chromatic
• Selected Bach Chorale

Lesson:

1. Trombone King
1. Begin correcting rhythms in first strain
2. Isolate moving sixteenth passages
2. Read and compare Russian Christmas Music Copies
3. Read additional lyrical selections and pick one

Oct. 27-31 Happenings

5th

Objectives:

• Begin playing exercises with half notes
• Introduce Whole Notes

Lesson:

1. Warm-Up Pg. 6 Notes in Review
1. Quarter and eighth notes
2. Begin on Pg. 5 # 12 and 13
3. Pg. 6 #14
1. Introduce Half Notes and continue forward with exercises

MS

6th Grade

Objectives:

• Perform full runs of Andromeda and Christmas Sleigh Ride

Warm-Up:

• EE Pg. 40 Bb, Eb, F, and Ab #1, #2
• Chromatic Scale on octave beginning on Concert Bb in eighth notes

Lesson:

1. Andromeda Overture
1. Reinforce trumpet melody sections
2. Reinforce trombone sections with above staff playing
3. Begin incorporating dynamic changes
2. Christmas Sleigh Ride
1. Isolate moving eighth note passages in flute and clarinet
2. Identify and rehearse supporting lines
3. Perform in sections
3. March Zuma
1. Begin rehearsing in sections
2. Isolate and teach new rhythms with sixteenth notes

7/8th Grade

Objectives:

• Begin discussing intonation
• Continue rehearsing Winter Concert Pieces

Warm-Up:

• Perform major scales: Concert C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab, G, D
• Perform selected key in thirds
• One octave Bb chromatic scale in eighth notes

Lesson:

1. Le Sabre
1. Work to develop accented/spaced march style
2. Isolate upper woodwinds in B Section
3. Continue to work to increase tempo
2. Roswell 1947
1. Refine opening measures for increased vocal volume
2. Continue rehearsing slow middle section for chordal balance
3. Do You Hear What I Hear
1. Isolate melody and echo passages
2. Reinforce transition leading into key change
3. Begin work in new key

HS

Objectives:

• Begin reading music for Winter Concert and Veteran’s Day

Warm-Up:

• Selected Major Scales, two daily
• One major key in thirds
• One relative-minor
• Chromatic
• Selected Bach Chorale

Lesson:

1. Distribute and read through new pieces