May 2-6 Happenings

Please be sure to attend our High School Fine Arts Performance immediately following the Graettinger Open House at 7:00 in the Gym. The High School Band has been working very hard and will surely put on a great performance. Please come and cheer them on as they prepare to travel to Algona on Friday to perform at State Large Group Contest in hopes of a Division I Rating. That performance will be in the Algona Bishop Garrigan Gym at 5:25 on Friday evening with a $5 admission charge. The public is invited and encouraged to attend. If you have any questions please feel free to email me at: tpedersen@gtschools.k12.ia.us.

Middle School

5th Band

Objectives:

• Continue full octave Bb scales
• Continue Chromatic Scale
• Rehearse concert pieces

Warm-Up:

1. Page 40 Concert Bb #1, 2
1. Begin working in Concert Eb
2. Chromatic Scale

Music Rehearsal:

1. Dragons of Komodo
1. Reinforce triplet rhythms and practice counting and playing in percussion
2. Reinforce trumpet parts and full sound
3. Continue full runs
2. Rock, Roll, Row Your Boat
1. Reinforce melody sections
2. Perform in full runs
3. Sultan’s Saber
1. Continue playing in cut-time
2. Work to correct tambourine part
4. Mach Winds
1. Continue rehearsing in sections
2. Begin full runs
5. Kum-Ba-Yah
1. Read through
2. Begin rehearsing in sections
3. Discuss new elements

6th Band:

Objectives:

• Continue scale rehearsal
• Rehearse concert pieces

Warm-Up:

1. Play through Concert Scales: Bb, Eb, F, Ab in EE Pg. 40
2. Chromatic Scale

Music Rehearsal:

1. All the King’s Men
1. Perform full runs
2. Bay Town Festival
1. Rehearse syncopated rhythms in woodwinds/brass
2. Begin incorporating dynamics
3. Russian Sailor’s Dance
1. Begin correcting full ensemble rhythms
2. Perform in sections
4. Signed, Sealed, Delivered
1. Perform full runs

7/8th Band

Objectives:

• Continue scale rehearsal
• Rehearse concert pieces

Warm-Up:

1. Play through Concert Scales: C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab, G, and D
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. Loch Lomond
1. Rehearse 6/8 section for supporting parts
2. Continue rehearsal for entrances and rhythmic counting
3. Begin incorporating shaping
2. Tailspin!
1. Begin incorporating articulations and dynamics into passages
2. Work with upper woodwinds on unison passages
3. Begin increasing tempo and performing full runs
3. Eagle’s Triumph
1. Continue to build speed on opening section
2. Rehearse slow section and bring out melody
3. Perform full runs

High School

Objectives:

• Continue rehearsing major scales
• Rehearse Large Group Pieces and perform concerts
• Begin looking for Memorial Day Pieces

Warm-Up:

1. Play through all Major Concert Scales
1. Continue playing scales in cut-time
2. Play one key in 3rds
3. Play one relative-minor scale
1. Natural Minor
2. Harmonic Minor
4. Play Chromatic Scale 3x’s
1. Change articulation pattern

Tune

Music Rehearsal:

1. March King March
1. Incorporate proper dynamic contrast for sections
2. Begin rehearsing delayed stinger
2. Yorkshire Ballad
1. Reinforce listening for pitch
2. Work with flutes and bells on pitch for last chord
1. Discuss adding vibrato to flute parts
3. Continue incorporating shaping elements
4. Perform full runs
3. Celebration and Dance
1. Continue incorporating articulations and accents
2. Continue working with clarinets woodwinds on fast passages to improve rhythm and pitches
3. Reinforce dynamic contrast for sections
4. Continue working on sextuplet with upper-woodwinds
5. Work on all sixteenth note runs throughout for correct pitches and shape
4. Continue timing selections for Contest Performance
5. Continue reading possible marching pieces and begin reading Memorial Day pieces

Apr. 25-29 Happenings

Middle School

5th Band

Objectives:

• Continue full octave Bb scales
• Continue Chromatic Scale
• Rehearse full page pieces

Warm-Up:

1. Page 40 Concert Bb #1, 2
2. Chromatic Scale

Music Rehearsal:

1. Dragons of Komodo
1. Reinforce triplet rhythms and practice counting and playing in percussion
2. Reinforce tempo change for 4/4 to 2/4 change
3. Continue full runs
2. Rock, Roll, Row Your Boat
1. Reinforce melody sections
2. Perform in full runs
3. Sultan’s Saber
1. Continue playing in cut-time
2. Work to correct tambourine part
4. Mach Winds
1. Continue rehearsing in sections
2. Begin full runs
5. Kum-Ba-Yah
1. Read through
2. Begin rehearsing in sections
3. Discuss new elements

6th Band:

Objectives:

• Continue scale rehearsal
• Rehearse/Read Music

Warm-Up:

1. Play through Concert Scales: Bb, Eb, F, Ab in EE Pg. 40
2. Chromatic Scale

Music Rehearsal:

1. All the King’s Men
1. Perform full runs
2. Bay Town Festival
1. Rehearse syncopated rhythms in woodwinds/brass
2. Begin incorporating dynamics
3. Russian Sailor’s Dance
1. Begin correcting full ensemble rhythms
2. Perform in sections
4. Signed, Sealed, Delivered
1. Perform full runs

7/8th Band

Objectives:

• Continue scale rehearsal
• Begin Rehearsing New Spring Concert Pieces

Warm-Up:

1. Play through Concert Scales: C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab, G, and D
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. Loch Lomond
1. Rehearse 6/8 section for supporting parts
2. Rehearse transition on 6/8
3. Begin incorporating shaping
2. Tailspin
1. Begin correcting ensemble rhythms
2. Discuss drag triplet rhythms
3. Begin incorporating articulations and dynamics into passages
4. Begin increasing tempo and performing full runs
3. Eagle’s Triumph
1. Begin correcting ensemble rhythms
2. Begin rehearsing transition to the slow section and moving back to the beginning
3. Perform full runs

High School

Objectives:

• Continue rehearsing major scales
• Rehearse Large Group Pieces
• Begin looking for Memorial Day Pieces
• Discuss lettering and look for awards

Warm-Up:

1. Play through all Major Concert Scales
1. Continue playing scales in cut-time
2. Play one key in 3rds
3. Play one relative-minor scale
1. Natural Minor
2. Harmonic Minor
4. Play Chromatic Scale 3x’s
1. Change articulation pattern

Tune

Music Rehearsal:

1. March King March
1. Continue refining march style
2. Incorporate proper dynamic contrast for section
3. Begin rehearsing delayed stinger
2. Yorkshire Ballad
1. Continue working to control tempo and not rush
2. Reinforce listening for pitch
3. Work with flutes and bells on pitch for last chord
1. Discuss adding vibrato to flute parts
4. Continue incorporating shaping elements
5. Perform full runs
3. Celebration and Dance
1. Continue incorporating articulations and accents
2. Continue working with clarinets woodwinds on fast passages to improve rhythm and pitches
3. Reinforce dynamic contrast for sections
4. Continue working on sextuplet with upper-woodwinds
5. Work on all sixteenth note runs throughout for correct pitches and shape
4. Continue timing selections for Contest Performance
5. Arrange travel for Contest and prepare communication/letter

Apr. 18-22 Happenings

Reminder: Wednesday, April 20th our Club's Choice Orders will arrive in Terril. Students and parents need to make arrangements to pick up their items that day from the school between 3:00 and 4:00 from the lunch room. Many of the items are either refrigerated or frozen so please plan your deliveries accordingly. If you have any questions please feel free to email Mr. Pedersen at tpedersen@gtschools.k12.ia.us

Middle School

5th Band

Objectives:

• Continue full octave Bb scales
• Continue Chromatic Scale
• Rehearse full page pieces

Warm-Up:

1. Page 28 #147
2. Page 40 Concert Bb #1, 2
3. Chromatic Scale

Music Rehearsal:

1. Dragons of Komodo
1. Reinforce triplet rhythms and practice counting and playing in percussion
2. Reinforce tempo change for 4/4 to 2/4 change
3. Continue full runs
2. Rock, Roll, Row Your Boat
1. Reinforce melody sections
2. Perform in full runs
3. Sultan’s Saber
1. Continue playing in cut-time
2. Work to correct tambourine part
4. Mach Winds
1. Continue rehearsing in sections
2. Begin full runs
5. Kum-Ba-Yah
1. Read through
2. Begin rehearsing in sections
3. Discuss new elements

6th Band:

Objectives:

• Continue scale rehearsal
• Rehearse/Read Music

Warm-Up:

1. Play through Concert Scales: Bb, Eb, F, Ab in EE Pg. 40
2. Chromatic Scale

Music Rehearsal:

1. All the King’s Men
1. Perform full runs
2. Bay Town Festival
1. Rehearse syncopated rhythms in woodwinds/brass
2. Begin incorporating dynamics
3. Russian Sailor’s Dance
1. Begin correcting full ensemble rhythms
2. Perform in sections
4. Signed, Sealed, Delivered
1. Perform full runs

7/8th Band

Objectives:

• Continue scale rehearsal
• Begin Rehearsing New Spring Concert Pieces

Warm-Up:

1. Play through Concert Scales: C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab, G, and D
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. Loch Lomond
1. Rehearse 6/8 section for supporting parts
2. Rehearse transition on 6/8
3. Begin incorporating shaping
2. Tailspin
1. Begin correcting ensemble rhythms
2. Discuss drag triplet rhythms
3. Begin incorporating articulations and dynamics into passages
4. Begin increasing tempo and performing full runs
3. Eagle’s Triumph
1. Begin correcting ensemble rhythms
2. Begin rehearsing transition to the slow section and moving back to the beginning
3. Perform full runs

High School

Objectives:

• Continue rehearsing major scales
• Rehearse Large Group Pieces

Warm-Up:

1. Play through all Major Concert Scales
1. Continue playing scales in cut-time
2. Play one key in 3rds
3. Play one relative-minor scale
1. Natural Minor
2. Harmonic Minor
4. Play Chromatic Scale 3x’s
1. Change articulation pattern

Tune

Music Rehearsal:

1. March King March
1. Continue refining march style
2. Incorporate proper dynamic contrast for section
3. Begin rehearsing delayed stinger
2. As if On Wings
1. Make final decision for concert program
2. If selected, continue rehearsing in sections and discuss options for timpani solo at end
3. Yorkshire Ballad
1. Continue working to control tempo and not rush
2. Reinforce listening for pitch
3. Work with flutes and bells on pitch for last chord
1. Discuss adding vibrato to flute parts
4. Continue incorporating shaping elements
5. Perform full runs
4. Celebration and Dance
1. Continue incorporating articulations and accents
2. Continue working with clarinets woodwinds on fast passages to improve rhythm and pitches
3. Reinforce dynamic contrast for sections
4. Continue working on sextuplet with upper-woodwinds
5. Work on all sixteenth note runs throughout for correct pitches and shape

Apr. 11-15 Happenings

Middle School

5th Band

Objectives:

• Continue full octave Bb scales
• Continue Chromatic Scale
• Rehearse full page pieces

Warm-Up:

1. Page 28 #147
2. Page 40 Concert Bb #1, 2
3. Chromatic Scale

Music Rehearsal:

1. Dragons of Komodo
1. Reinforce triplet rhythms and practice counting and playing
2. Reinforce tempo change for 4/4 to 2/4 change
3. Continue full runs
2. Rock, Roll, Row Your Boat
1. Reinforce melody sections
2. Perform in full runs
3. Let’s Rock
1. Perform full runs
4. Sultan’s Saber
1. Begin playing in cut-time
5. Mach Winds
1. Read through
2. Begin rehearsing in sections
6. Possibly distribute new tunes

6th Band:

Objectives:

• Continue scale rehearsal
• Rehearse/Read Music

Warm-Up:

1. Play through Concert Scales: Bb, Eb, F, Ab in EE Pg. 40
2. Chromatic Scale

Music Rehearsal:

1. All the King’s Men
1. Perform full runs
2. Bay Town Festival
1. Rehearse syncopated rhythms in woodwinds
2. Solidify rhythms in percussion
3. Begin incorporating dynamics
3. Russian Sailor’s Dance
1. Begin correcting full ensemble rhythms
2. Perform in sections
4. Signed, Sealed, Delivered
1. Perform full runs

7/8th Band

Objectives:

• Continue scale rehearsal
• Begin Rehearsing New Spring Concert Pieces

Warm-Up:

1. Play through Concert Scales: C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab, G, and D
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. Loch Lomond
1. Rehearse 6/8 section for supporting parts
2. Rehearse opening 4/4 section and reinforce proper entrance points
3. Begin incorporating rubato
2. Tailspin
1. Begin correcting ensemble rhythms
2. Discuss drag triplet rhythms
3. Begin incorporating articulations and dynamics into passages
4. Possibly listen to the recording again
3. Eagle’s Triumph
1. Begin correcting ensemble rhythms
2. Read through the slow section

High School

Objectives:

• Continue rehearsing major scales
• Rehearse Large Group Pieces

Warm-Up:

1. Play through all Major Concert Scales
1. Continue playing scales in cut-time
2. Play one key in 3rds
3. Play one relative-minor scale
1. Natural Minor
2. Harmonic Minor
4. Play Chromatic Scale 3x’s
1. Change articulation pattern

Tune

Music Rehearsal:

1. March King March
1. Begin refining march style
2. Incorporate proper dynamic contrast for section
3. Begin rehearsing delayed stinger
2. As if On Wings
1. Begin looking at in sections as time allows
3. Yorkshire Ballad
1. Discuss proper balance of long-line vs. moving parts
2. Continue working to control tempo and not rushs
3. Discuss and reinforce listening for pitch
4. Begin incorporating shaping elements
4. Celebration and Dance
1. Continue incorporating articulations and accents
2. Continue working with clarinets woodwinds on fast passages to improve rhythm and pitches
3. Reinforce transitions
4. Continue working on sextuplet with upper-woodwinds

Apr. 4-8 Happenings

Please come and support our 5-12 Instrumental Students as they perform their solo selections and small ensemble pieces throughout the course of this week. Monday evening the 5th grade students will begin performing solos in the Terril Band Room at 5:00. Tuesday evening the 6-8th grade students will begin performing solos in Terril at 5:00 also. Finally on Saturday those high school students participating in solo/ensemble contest will travel to Ruthven and begin performing around 10:00. All performances are open to the public and a complete listing of Middle School performance times is available at the GT Band Website which is linked to this blog. For more information on the high school performance times please feel free to email me at: tpedersen@gtschools.k12.ia.us

Middle School

5th Band

Objectives:

• Continue full octave Bb scales
• Continue Chromatic Scale
• Rehearse full page pieces
• Perform Solo Contest

Warm-Up:

1. Page 28 #147
2. Page 40 Concert Bb #1, 2
3. Chromatic Scale
1. Begin playing as quarters up and down

Music Rehearsal:

1. Dragons of Komodo
1. Reinforce triplet rhythms and practice counting and playing
2. Reinforce off-beat entrances in percussion
3. Reinforce tempo change for 4/4 to 2/4 change
4. Begin full runs
2. Rock, Roll, Row Your Boat
1. Reinforce melody sections
2. Perform in Sections
3. Let’s Rock
1. Perform full runs
4. Sultan’s Saber
1. Begin playing in cut-time
5. Possibly distribute new tunes

6th Band:

Objectives:

• Continue scale rehearsal
• Rehearse/Read Music
• Perform Solo Contest

Warm-Up:

1. Play through Concert Scales: Bb, Eb, F, Ab in EE Pg. 40
2. Chromatic Scale

Music Rehearsal:

1. All the King’s Men
1. Perform full runs
2. Bay Town Festival
1. Read through and begin working in sections
1. Identify any new rhythms or markings
3. Russian Sailor’s Dance
1. Continue reading through
4. Begin discussing possible concert selections

7/8th Band

Objectives:

• Continue scale rehearsal
• Read and Begin Rehearsing New Spring Concert Pieces
• Perform Solo Contest

Warm-Up:

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

Music Rehearsal:

1. Loch Lomond
1. Rehearse 6/8 section for supporting parts
2. Begin incorporating rubato
2. Mambo Cubano
1. Begin rehearsing syncopated sections and isolating problem rhythms
2. Reinforce percussion parts with counting and performing technique
3. Tailspin
1. Read through and discuss
4. Brandon Bay
1. Read through and discuss

High School

Objectives:

• Continue rehearsing major scales
• Soloists rehearse with accompanist
• Continue rehearsing with Solo Contest Ensembles
• Percussion Ensemble Rehearsal
• Sax Ensemble Rehearsal
• Solo/Ensemble Contest
• Rehearse Large Group Pieces

Warm-Up:

1. Play through all Major Concert Scales
1. Continue playing scales in cut-time
2. Play one key in 3rds
3. Play one relative-minor scale
1. Natural Minor
2. Harmonic Minor
4. Play Chromatic Scale 3x’s
1. Change articulation pattern

Tune

Music Rehearsal:

1. March King March
1. Begin refining march style
2. Incorporate proper dynamic contrast for section
3. Begin rehearsing delayed stinger
2. As if On Wings
1. Begin looking at in sections as time allows
3. Yorkshire Ballad
1. Discuss proper balance of long-line vs. moving parts
2. Begin incorporating shaping elements
4. Celebration and Dance
1. Continue incorporating articulations and accents
2. Continue working with clarinets woodwinds on fast passages to improve rhythm and pitches
3. Begin isolating the middle slow section for shaping