Nov. 1-4 Happenings

Middle School

5th Band

Objectives:

• Rehearse Notes in Review
• Add new note (Concert G) to the top
• Rehearse on EE pages 7-9
• Covering Quarter, Half, and Whole Notes and Rests
• Refresh and rehearse new note (C) on Pg. 9

Rehearsal:

1. Begin with Notes In Review on EE Pg. 6
1. Up and down
2. Begin on Pg. 7 on March Steps
3. Refresh on counting quarter, half, and whole notes
4. Play through all exercises on Pages 7-9
1. Percussion rotate between pieces
2. Assign playing Page 9-10 for lessons
3. Encourage students to begin playing eighth note exercises on Pg. 10-11

6th Band

Objectives:

• Continue rehearsing concert music
• Perform full runs of pieces, incorporate dynamics
• Continue rehearsing Major Scales and Chromatic, goal of 3 minutes
• Discuss deciding on pieces for the Winter Concert

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. Work to make the second note of the slur short
2. Play chromatic scale
1. Goal of 3 minutes for everything including chromatic

Music Rehearsal:

1. Apollo March
1. Work for dynamic contrast
2. Perform full runs
2. The Sound and the Fury
1. Work with saxes on keeping their part moving and not over-playing
2. Work for dynamic contrast (More Clarinet Throughout)
3. Perform full runs
3. Variations on a French Carol
1. Work on eighth note entrances in upper woodwinds
1. Encourage clarinets to keep the right hand down in passages
2. Identify counter lines
3. Play full runs
4. Christmas Decorations
1. Work with trumpets on eighth note run
2. Isolate percussion parts for accuracy
3. Perform full runs
5. Distribute Little Drummer Boy
1. Reinforce counting and distinguishing between entrances on beat 1 and 2
2. Perform full runs

7/8th Band

Objectives:

• Continue scale rehearsal, goal of 4 minutes
• Rehearse Winter Concert Music

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. Refine articulations in unison ensemble rhythms
2. Incorporate appropriate dynamics
3. Perform full runs of the piece
2. A Still, Silent Night
1. Rehearse steady beat to avoid rushing
1. encourage looking up and foot tapping
2. Begin incorporating dynamics
3. Perform full runs
3. Deck the Halls With Old Composers
1. Isolate sections with off-beat entrances
2. Work with Trumpets, Saxes, Clarinets, and Flutes on sixteenth rhythms
3. Perform full runs
4. Distribute Silver Bells
1. If time read after the key change

High School

Objectives:

• Rehearse Winter Concert Music
• Rehearse Armed Forces on Parade and Star-Spangled Banner
• Continue rehearsing major scales
• Possible Pep-Band Friday

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
1. Natural Minor
2. Harmonic Minor
4. Play Chromatic Scale 3x’s

Tune

Music Rehearsal:

1. Sleigh Ride
1. Begin rehearsing at letter C
1. Work with Clarinets/Flutes on the rhythm of trills
2. Look up any trills as needed
3. Work on trumpet melody
2. Continue incorporating dynamics and explaining markings
3. Procure a whip or slapstick
4. Perform full runs
2. Russian Christmas Music
1. Refresh on counting in the cut time section
2. Rehearse from beginning working on appropriate dynamic shaping
3. Discuss proper legato style for piece
4. Continue working with woodwinds on the off-beat section at the end
1. Force foot tapping on the beat
3. In the Christmas Mood
1. Refresh on the intro through Rudolph
1. Reinforce proper counting and articulation length
2. Begin looking at next sections identifying melody people first
1. Encourage waiting students to look at their parts and determine how they fit while other sections are rehearsing
3. Perform sections identifying articulation patterns
4. Armed Forces on Parade and Star-Spangled Banner
1. Perform Full Runs

Oct. 25-29 Happenings

Middle School

5th Band

Objectives:

• Rehearse Notes in Review
• Rehearse on EE pages 6-8
• Covering Quarter, Half, and Whole Notes and Rests
• Refresh and rehearse new note (A) on Pg. 8

Rehearsal:

1. Begin with Notes In Review on EE Pg. 6
1. Up and down
2. Begin on Pg. 6 on #14
3. Refresh on counting quarter, half, and whole notes
4. Play through all exercises on Pages 6-7
1. Perform fingerings/note names beginning on March Steps
2. Assign playing Page 8 for lessons

6th Band

Objectives:

• Continue rehearsing concert music
• Perform full runs of pieces, incorporate dynamics
• Continue rehearsing Major Scales and Chromatic, goal of 3 minutes

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. Work to make the second note of the slur short
2. Play chromatic scale
1. Goal of 3 minutes for everything including chromatic

Music Rehearsal:

1. Apollo March
1. Work for dynamic contrast
2. Refresh the road map of the piece
3. Perform full runs
2. The Sound and the Fury
1. Work with saxes on keeping their part moving and not over-playing
2. Work for dynamic contrast
3. Perform full runs
3. Variations on a French Carol
1. Work on eighth note entrances in upper woodwinds
2. Identify counter lines
3. Play full runs
4. Christmas Decorations
1. Continue rehearsing in sections
2. Work with trumpets on eighth note run
3. Isolate percussion parts for accuracy
4. Perform full runs
5. Distribute Little Drummer Boy
1. Re-read completely through

7/8th Band

Objectives:

• Continue scale rehearsal, goal of 4 minutes
• Rehearse Winter Concert Music

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. Refine articulations in unison ensemble rhythms
2. Incorporate appropriate dynamics
3. Perform full runs of the piece
2. A Still, Silent Night
1. Work the transition between 4/4 and 3/4 for consistency
2. Begin incorporating dynamics
3. Perform full runs
3. Deck the Halls With Old Composers
1. Isolate sections with off-beat entrances
2. Work with Trumpets, Saxes, Clarinets, and Flutes on sixteenth rhythms
3. Perform full runs
4. Distribute Silver Bells
1. Rehearse the chorus section for proper counting
2. Rehearse opening section

High School

Objectives:

• Rehearse Winter Concert Music
• Refresh on pep band pieces and read new pieces
• Distribute and read through Veteran’s Day Music (Armed Forces on Parade)
• Honor Band nominations
• Continue rehearsing major scales

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
1. Natural Minor
2. Harmonic Minor
4. Play Chromatic Scale 3x’s

Tune

Music Rehearsal:

1. Sleigh Ride
1. Begin rehearsing at letter C
2. Perform full runs
2. Russian Christmas Music
1. Continue playing from beginning to the cut-time section
2. Begin rehearsing cut-time section
3. In the Christmas Mood
1. Rehearse unison saxophone lick in into and last measures
2. Perform sections identifying articulation patterns
4. Distribute Pep-Band Teasers
1. Read through
5. Distribute Armed Forces on Parade
1. Read through
2. Identify different sections/meters/keys

Oct. 18-22 Happenings

Middle School

5th Band

Objectives:

• Rehearse Notes in Review
• Rehearse on EE pages 6-7
• Covering Quarter, Half, and Whole Notes and Rests

Rehearsal:

1. Begin with Notes In Review on EE Pg. 6
1. Play through the notes low to high
2. Then high to low
3. Finally up and down
2. Begin on Pg. 6 on #14 say the notes and perform the fingerings/slide positions through the entire piece before playing it
3. Refresh on counting quarter, half, and whole notes
4. Play through all exercises on Pages 6-7, look forward to Page 8
1. Assign playing Page 8 for lessons

6th Band

Objectives:

• Continue rehearsing concert music
• Perform full runs of pieces, incorporate dynamics
• Continue rehearsing Major Scales and Chromatic, goal of 3 minutes
• Distribute Little Drummer Boy

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. Work to make the second note of the slur short
2. Play chromatic scale
1. Goal of 3 minutes for everything including chromatic

Music Rehearsal:

1. Apollo March
1. Work for dynamic contrast
2. Refresh the road map of the piece
3. Perform full runs
2. The Sound and the Fury
1. Work with saxes on keeping their part moving and not over-playing
2. Work for dynamic contrast
3. Perform full runs
3. Variations on a French Carol
1. Work on eighth note entrances in upper woodwinds
2. Identify counter lines
3. Play full runs
4. Christmas Decorations
1. Continue rehearsing in sections
2. Isolate percussion parts for accuracy
5. Distribute Little Drummer Boy
1. Read through

7/8th Band

Objectives:

• Continue scale rehearsal, goal of 4 minutes
• Rehearse Winter Concert Music

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. Refine articulations in unison ensemble rhythms
2. Work for more clarinet sound
3. Perform full runs of the piece
2. A Still, Silent Night
1. Work the transition between 4/4 and 3/4 for consistency
2. Begin incorporating dynamics
3. Work with Brass on interval training for the melody
3. Deck the Halls With Old Composers
1. Isolate sections with off-beat entrances
2. Work with Trumpets, Saxes, Clarinets, and Flutes on sixteenth rhythms
3. Perform full runs
4. Distribute Silver Bells
1. Continue reading through in sections

High School

Objectives:

• Distribute potential Winter Concert Pieces
• Read through pieces and possibly continue looking for pieces
• Refresh on pep band pieces
• Speak with possible Honor Band Students about nomination
• Continue rehearsing major scales

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
1. Natural Minor
2. Harmonic Minor
4. Play Chromatic Scale 3x’s

Tune

Music Rehearsal:

1. Sleigh Ride
1. Look over piece and discuss performance needs
2. Read
3. Begin Rehearsing
2. Russian Christmas Music
1. Look over piece and discuss performance needs
1. Watch for meter changes
2. Read
3. Begin Rehearsing
3. In the Christmas Mood
1. Look over piece and discuss performance needs
1. Stylistic interpretation with swing eighth and articulations
2. Read
3. Begin Rehearsing
4. Refresh Pep Band Pieces
1. Build Me Up Buttercup
1. Play through
2. Play That Funky Music
1. Distribute to the rest of the band as needed
2. Rehearse in sections

Oct. 12-15 Happenings

Middle School

5th Band

Objectives:

• Continue Individual lessons
• Begin full band
• Explain expectations
• Continue note reading practice

Full Band Expectations:

1. Do not play while director is speaking
2. Listen to instructions
3. Bring all materials
4. Take care of music
5. Be on-time
6. Watch the director while playing and watch for a cut-off
7. Be ready to play and have fun

Rehearsal:

1. Begin with Notes In Review on EE Pg. 6
1. Play through the notes low to high
2. Then high to low
3. Finally up and down
2. Goal to play through all exercises on Pg. 4-5 and 14 on Pg. 6
3. Begin on Pg. 4 and play through pieces
4. Once on Pg. 6, say the notes and perform the fingerings/slide positions through the entire piece before playing it

6th Band

Objectives:

• Continue rehearsing concert music
• Perform full runs of pieces, incorporate dynamics
• Continue rehearsing Major Scales and Chromatic
• Possibly distribute Little Drummer Boy

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
1. Goal of 3 minutes for everything including chromatic

Music Rehearsal:

1. Apollo March
1. Work for dynamic contrast
2. Work percussion on the off-beat sections between bass drum and snare
3. Refresh students on dotted quarter and eighth note rhythms
2. The Sound and the Fury
1. Work with percussion on the section with congas
2. Work with saxes on keeping their part moving forward
3. Work section with trumpets and saxes playing counter lines
4. Work for dynamic contrast
3. Variations on a French Carol
1. Continue rehearsing in sections
2. Work on eighth note entrances in upper woodwinds
3. Play full runs
4. Christmas Decorations
1. Continue rehearsing in sections
2. Isolate percussion parts for accuracy

7/8th Band

Objectives:

• Continue scale rehearsal
• Rehearse Winter Concert Music

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. Continue syncopated rhythms in low brass and alto sax
2. Work clarinet and trumpet parts during syncopated low brass section
3. Perform full runs of the piece
2. A Still, Silent Night
1. Work the transition between 4/4 and 3/4 for consistency
2. Begin incorporating dynamics and legato style
3. Deck the Halls With Old Composers
1. Isolate sections with off-beat entrances
2. Perform full runs
4. Distribute Silver Bells
1. Continue reading through in sections

High School

Objectives:

• Rehearse Fall Concert Pieces
• Refine ensemble intonation
• Perform Fall Concert
• Collect Fall Concert Music/Distribute possible Winter Concert Pieces
• Continue rehearsing major scales
• Perform at Football Game

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
1. Discuss Natural vs. Harmonic Minor
2. Perform both Natural and Harmonic Relative-Minor Scales
4. Play Chromatic Scale 3x’s

Tune

Music Rehearsal:

1. Kinmount Overture
1. Rehearse tempo transition between the slow section and the a tempo near the end of the piece
2. Incorporate more dynamic contrast
3. Perform full runs
2. Follow the River
1. Perform full runs
1. Dynamic shaping
2. Watch director at tempo change areas and rit./rall.
3. Glory and Triumph
1. Perform full runs addressing appropriate style and dynamics
1. Don’t allow band to rush at 17 and 40 during forte dynamics
2. Sectional with trumpets and trombone for opening section Wednesday
4. Collect Concert Music Friday
5. Listen to recordings of the concert
6. Distribute pieces to read next week for Winter Concert

Oct. 4-8 Happenings

Middle School

5th Band

Objectives:

• Continue Individual lessons
• Begin full band next week
• Explain expectations
• Continue note reading practice

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

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 rehearsing concert music
• Perform full runs of pieces
• Discuss proper band balance/blend
• Continue rehearsing major scales and Chromatic
• Possibly distribute Little Drummer Boy

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. Work for dynamic contrast
2. Work percussion on the off-beat sections between bass drum and snare
3. Refresh students on the CODA and Perform full runs
2. The Sound and the Fury
1. Work with percussion on the section with congas
2. Work with saxes on keeping their part moving forward
3. Work for dynamic contrast
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. Continue rehearsing in sections

7/8th Band

Objectives:

• Continue scale rehearsal
• Rehearse Winter Concert Music
• Distribute Silver Bells

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. Refresh unison rhythms beginning in measure 5
1. Identify other places where these rhythms take place
2. Work syncopated rhythms in low brass and alto sax
3. Work clarinet and trumpet parts during syncopated low brass section
2. A Still, Silent Night
1. Begin discussing proper balance and blend of parts
2. Work the transition between 4/4 and 3/4 for consistency
3. Begin incorporating dynamics
3. Deck the Halls With Old Composers
1. Isolate sections with eighth/sixteenth rhythms in flute/clarinet/sax/trumpet
4. Distribute Silver Bells
1. Read through the piece

High School

Objectives:

• Rehearse Fall Concert Pieces
• Refine ensemble intonation
• Elongate and connect phrases, especially during section changes in pieces
• Continue rehearsing major scales

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. Kinmount Overture
1. Rehearse eighth note passage 5 before 64 and bring this out during performance
2. Flute/Clarinet parts beginning 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. Perform full runs
2. Follow the River
1. Begin incorporating dynamic shaping into phrases
1. Bring out one measure dynamic changes
2. Work for elongated phrases and possibly cut some tenor sax sections down to only one player
3. Make sure percussion dynamics are correct and drive the band
3. Glory and Triumph
1. Perform full runs addressing appropriate style and dynamics
2. Arrange a sectional with trumpets and trombone for opening section
1. Continue to rehearse in band
3. Rehearse clarinets at 48
1. encourage use of a da or duh tonguing instead of a ta for speed of articulation
4. Perform full runs