Sept. 27-Oct. 1 Happenings

Middle School

5th Band

Objectives:

• Continue Individual lessons
• Hold sectional rehearsals during full band time
• Push students to move to page 6 and 7
• Begin teaching note reading and staff identification
• Reinforce practice requirements

Woodwind Sectional:

1. Check reed/mouthpiece setup for saxes and clarinets
2. Discuss Posture, Breathing, Articulation, and Toe Tapping
3. Continue playing exercises from Essential Elements and assign for next rehearsal
4. Demonstrate proper cleaning of the instruments

Brass Sectional:

1. Reinforce proper holding of instrument and hand/finger placement
2. Discuss Posture, Breathing, Articulation, and Toe Tapping
3. Continue playing exercises from Essential Elements and assign for next rehearsal
4. Demonstrate oiling valves and trombone slide care

Percussion Sectional:

1. Refresh proper stick and mallet grip
2. Continue playing exercises from Essential Elements and assign for next rehearsal
3. Begin looking and playing from the mallet side of the book
4. Toe Tapping

6th Band

Objectives:

• Continue reading concert music, and distribute Christmas Songs
• Begin full performances of select pieces
• Continue rehearsing major scales and Chromatic

Warm-Up:

1. Play through EE Pg. 40 Concert Bb, Eb, F, and Ab #1, and 2
1. Work articulations on number 2 and push tempos
1. Quiz students over key signatures
2. Play Chromatic Scale

Music Rehearsal:

1. Apollo March
1. Reinforce counting on dotted quarter-eighth note rhythms
2. Reinforce tied/slurred quarter note eighth note sections
3. Work percussion on the off-beat sections between bass drum and snare
4. Refresh students on the CODA and Perform full runs
2. The Sound and the Fury
1. Attempt a full read through
2. Work with percussion on the section with congas
3. Work with clarinets on tied rhythms
4. Work with saxes on keeping their part moving forward
3. Variations on a French Carol
1. Work with trumpets on their melody
2. Begin rehearsing in sections
4. Christmas Decorations
1. Identify the different tunes throughout the piece
2. Begin rehearsing in sections

7/8th Band

Objectives:

• Continue scale rehearsal
• Rehearse Winter Concert Music
• Possibly distribute new pieces to read

Warm-Up:

1. Play through Concert Scales: C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab, and G
1. Continue playing scales in cut-time
2. Play one major scale in a 3rds pattern
3. Play Chromatic Scale
4. Tune

Music Rehearsal:

1. Copper Mountain Legend
1. Work with trumpets on their melody sections
2. Work unison rhythm beginning in measure 5
3. Work syncopated rhythms in low brass and alto sax
4. Attempt a full run
2. A Still, Silent Night
1. Begin discussing proper balance and blend of parts
2. Begin incorporating dynamics
3. Deck the Halls With Old Composers
1. Refresh on sections worked last week
2. Begin working new sections, especially sixteenth passages
3. Attempt a full run
4. Distribute other pieces and read through

High School

Objectives:

• Distribute more Pep Band Pieces
• Rehearse Fall Concert Pieces
• Perform at Coronation, Parade, and Game
• Continue rehearsing major scales
• Meet with small ensemble participants

Warm-Up:

1. Play through all Major Concert Scales
1. Begin playing scales in cut-time
2. Goal of all scales in 4 minutes
2. Play one key in 3rds
3. Play one relative-minor scale
4. Play Chromatic Scale 3x’s

Music Rehearsal:

1. Play that Funky Music
1. Read through with band as time allows
2. Rehearse in sections
2. Kinmount Overture
1. Rehearse eighth note passage 5 before 64
2. Flute/Clarinet parts beginning 4 before 106
3. Rehearse tempo transition between the slow section and the a tempo near the end of the piece
4. Incorporate more dynamic contrast
5. Attempt a full run
3. Follow the River
1. Begin incorporating dynamic shaping into phrases
2. Work for elongated phrases
3. Make sure percussion dynamics are correct and drive the band
4. Glory and Triumph
1. Arrange a sectional with trumpets and trombone for opening section
1. Continue to rehearse in band
2. Rehearse clarinets at 48, then add alto and tenor saxes
3. Address proper dynamic contrast needed
4. Perform full runs

Sept. 20-24 Happenings

Middle School

5th Band

Objectives:

• Continue Individual lessons
• Hold sectional rehearsals during full band time
• Reinforce practice requirements

Woodwind Sectional:

1. Refresh on proper instrument assembly
2. Check reed/mouthpiece setup for saxes and clarinets
3. Cover proper holding and hand/finger placement of instruments
4. Discuss Posture
5. Discuss Breathing
6. Discuss Articulation
7. Begin playing exercises from Essential Elements and assign for next rehearsal
8. Toe Tapping

Brass Sectional:

1. Cover Instrument Assembly and General Care
2. Cover proper holding of instrument and hand/finger placement
3. Discuss Posture
4. Discuss Breathing
5. Discuss Articulation
6. Begin playing exercises from Essential Elements and assign for next rehearsal
7. Toe Tapping

Percussion Sectional:

1. Refresh proper stick and mallet grip
2. Begin playing exercises from Essential Elements and assign for next rehearsal
1. Explain mallet and drumming expectataions
3. Toe Tapping

6th Band

Objectives:

• Continue reading concert music, and distribute Christmas Songs
• Continue rehearsing major scales and Chromatic

Warm-Up:

1. Play through EE Pg. 40 Concert Bb, Eb, F, and Ab #1, and 2
1. Work articulations on number 2 and push tempos
1. Quiz students over key signatures
2. Play Chromatic Scale

Music Rehearsal:

1. Apollo March
1. Reinforce counting on dotted quarter-eighth note rhythms
2. Work percussion on the off-beat sections between bass drum and snare
3. Perform a full run
2. The Sound and the Fury
1. Attempt a full read through
2. Work with percussion on the section with congas
3. Work with clarinets on tied rhythms
3. Variations on a French Carol
1. Read through
4. Christmas Decorations
1. Read through

7/8th Band

Objectives:

• Continue scale rehearsal
• Rehearse potential concert pieces

Warm-Up:

1. Play through Concert Scales: C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab, and G
1. Continue playing scales in cut-time
2. Play one major scale in a 3rds pattern
3. Play Chromatic Scale
4. Begin discussion of tuning and the procedure

Music Rehearsal:

1. Copper Mountain Legend
1. Work with trumpets on their melody sections
2. Work unison rhythm beginning in measure 5
3. Work syncopated rhythms in low brass
2. A Still, Silent Night
1. Run through
2. Begin discussing proper balance and blend of parts
3. Chorale and Bell Carol
1. Continue reading through 3/4 section
2. Look at the opening Chorale
4. Distribute other pieces and read through

High School

Objectives:

• Distribute more Pep Band Pieces
• Rehearse Fall Concert Pieces
• Continue rehearsing major scales
• Finalize small ensemble plans for Fall Concert Yes/No?

Warm-Up:

1. Play through all Major Concert Scales
1. Begin playing scales in cut-time
2. Goal of all scales in 4 minutes
2. Play one key in 3rds
3. Play one relative-minor scale
4. Play Chromatic Scale 3x’s

Music Rehearsal:

1. Build Me Up Buttercup
1. Rehearse key change to the end
2. Play through several times will full band
3. Continue to demonstrate proper swing eighth fell
2. Louie Louie
1. Distribute and Read Through
3. Kinmount Overture
1. Isolate rhythms 7 before 35 for accuracy and identify like parts
2. Rehearse eighth note passage 5 before 64
3. Rehearse different rhythmic parts beginning at 80
4. Flute/Clarinet parts beginning 4 before 106
5. Attempt a full run
4. Follow the River
1. Distribute harmon mutes to the rest of the trumpet section
2. Begin incorporating dynamic shaping into phrases
3. Work for elongated phrases
4. Finalize percussion assignments and rehearse percussion
5. Glory and Triumph
1. Arrange a sectional with trumpets and trombone for opening section
1. Continue to rehearse in band
2. Rehearse clarinets at 48, then add alto and tenor saxes
3. Rehearse trumpets 7 bars from the end
4. Work with dotted quarter/sixteenth pattern people in measure 20
5. Perform full runs

Sept. 14-17 Happenings

Beginning the week, all middle school band students are required to fill out a practice log to track their weekly practice time as well as to fulfill a requirement for their class grade. These were given to the students Tuesday in band and are also available for download from the GT Band Website, which can be accessed from the link above with the same title. These must be signed by a parent weekly and completed at each lesson in order to receive credit.

Middle School Bands

5th Band

Objectives:

• Begin Individual lessons
• Hold sectional rehearsals during full band time
• Cover instrument assembly and care
• Explain practice requirements

Woodwind Sectional:

1. Discuss the parts and names of instruments
2. Cover Mouthpiece and Reed Assembly
1. Discuss Reed Care
2. Reed alignment
3. Ligature placement
3. Cover Instrument Assembly
4. Cover proper holding and hand/finger placement of instruments
5. Discuss Posture
6. Discuss Breathing
7. Discuss Articulation
8. Toe Tapping

Brass Sectional:

1. Discuss the parts and names of instruments
2. Cover mouthpiece buzzing
3. Cover Instrument Assembly and General Care
4. Cover proper holding of instrument and hand/finger placement
5. Discuss Posture
6. Discuss Breathing
7. Discuss Articulation
8. Toe Tapping

Percussion Sectional:

1. Discuss the different instrument and their locations
2. Discuss proper care and handling
3. Explain proper stick and mallet grip
4. Toe Tapping

6th Band

Objectives:

• Continue reading through pieces
• Begin looking for Winter Concert Music
• Continue rehearsing major scales

Warm-Up:

1. Play through EE Pg. 40 Concert Bb, Eb, F, and Ab #1, and 2
1. Work articulations on number 2 and push tempos
2. Play Chromatic Scale

Music Rehearsal:

1. Apollo March
1. Reinforce counting on dotted quarter-eighth note rhythms
2. Attempt a full run of the pieces without stopping
3. Work percussion on the off-beat sections between bass drum and snare
2. The Sound and the Fury
1. Attempt a full read through
2. Work with percussion on the section with congas
3. Continue working with saxes on increasing tempo
3. Begin Distributing Winter Concert Options
1. Read through pieces as time allows

7/8th Band

Objectives:

• Continue reading through Winter Concert Music
• Continue scale rehearsal
• Begin rehearsing distributed pieces

Warm-Up:

1. Play through Concert Scales: C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab, and G
1. Begin playing some scales in cut-time
2. Play one major scale in a 3rds pattern
3. Play Chromatic Scale
4. Begin discussion of tuning and the procedure

Music Rehearsal:

1. Loch Lomond
1. Collect from Students
2. Copper Mountain Legend
1. Attempt a full run of piece
2. Work with trumpets on their melody sections
3. Identify any repeated sections or shared rhythms and rehearse
3. A Still, Silent Night
1. Distribute and read through
4. Distribute and Read Other Pieces as Time Allows

High School

Objectives:

• Refresh Pep-Band Music, Distribute more Pieces
• Continue reading through Fall Concert Music, try to decide on three pieces
• Continue rehearsing major scales
• Discuss possibility of small ensemble performances at Fall Concert

Warm-Up:

1. Play through all Major Concert Scales
1. Begin playing scales in cut-time
2. Play one key in 3rds
3. Play one relative-minor scale
4. Play Chromatic Scale 3x’s

Music Rehearsal:

1. Build Me Up Buttercup
1. Rehearse key change to the end
2. Play through several times will full band
3. Continue to demonstrate proper swing eighth fell
2. Don’t Worry Be Happy
1. Distribute
2. Read through
3. Work select areas as needed
3. Star-Spangled Banner
1. Play through refreshing on phrasing and balance/blend
4. Kinmount Overture
1. Continue to rehearse upper-woodwind rhythms
2. Work with trumpets on unison section areas
3. Attempt a full run
5. Follow the River
1. Rehearse shared melody sections between tenor sax and clarinets
2. Soften entrances at the beginning
3. Work for elongated phrases
6. Continue Reading Pieces

Sept. 6-10 Happenings

Middle School Bands

5th Band

Objectives:

• Finalize instrument choices
• Hold instrument Demo Night
• Establish final count for 5th Band
• Develop a beginning lesson schedule

6th Band

Objectives:

• Continue reading through pieces
• Begin looking for Winter Concert Music
• Continue rehearsing major scales

Warm-Up:

1. Play through EE Pg. 40 Concert Bb, Eb, F, and Ab #1, 2, and 3
2. Play Chromatic Scale

Music Rehearsal:

1. Apollo March
1. Work unison rhythms beginning in measure 5
2. Attempt a full run of the pieces without stopping
3. Work select areas as needed
2. The Sound and the Fury
1. Attempt a full read through
2. Work with saxes on counting and not over-playing with volume
3. Possibly distribute another piece

7/8th Band

Objectives:

• Continue reading through pieces
• Begin looking for Winter Concert Music
• Continue scale rehearsal
• Begin rehearsing on distributed pieces

Warm-Up:

1. Play through Concert Scales: C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab, and G
2. Play one major scale in a 3rds pattern
3. Play Chromatic Scale
4. Begin discussion of tuning and the procedure

Music Rehearsal:

1. Loch Lomond
1. Attempt a full read through
2. Begin working select sections and discuss layering of rhythms
3. Discuss and begin playing the 6/8 section
2. Faculty Vs. Band
1. Continue working rhythms and speed in the 1812 Overture section
2. Discuss and play at letter D in cut-time
3. Play through entire piece
3. Copper Mountain Legend
1. Continue rehearsing syncopated rhythms
2. Read through the second half of the piece
3. Identify any repeated sections or shared rhythms

High School Band

Objectives:

• Continue reading through pep band pieces
• Explain concert band format and expectations
• Begin distributing and reading through Fall Concert Music
• Continue rehearsing major scales

Warm-Up:

1. Play through all Major Concert Scales
2. Play one key in 3rds
3. Play one relative-minor scale
4. Play Chromatic Scale 3x’s

Music Rehearsal:

1. Build Me Up Buttercup
1. Rehearse key change to the end
2. Play through several times will full band
3. Continue to demonstrate proper swing eighth fell
2. Play that Funky Music
1. Finish distributing
2. Read through in sections
3. Work select areas as needed for pitch and rhythmic accuracy
3. Don’t Worry Be Happy
1. Distribute
2. Read through
3. Work select areas as needed
4. Distribute and read through prospective Fall Concert Pieces