“To achieve great things, two things are needed;
​a plan, and not quite enough time.” 
​- Leonard Bernstein
Consider this page your DAILY REHEARSAL.  We will start with our Daily Drill (Warm-up - Ensemble Development), followed by Repertoire, Sight-Reading, and other musical extensions to challenge you and help us grow as an ensemble.  This is also a great format to follow as a daily practicing regime.  If you want more information about how to practice, check out the PRACTICE FOR SUCCESS! page.
REHEARSAL ETIQUETTE...
The success of the ensemble depends on the work and dedication of each and every member.  We have established the following expectations in order to maintain discipline and achieve a quality that will reflect positively on every member of the ensemble, the music program as a whole, and the Mt. Hebron community.
What you can expect of the director:
  • I will be prepared for each class.
  • I will arrive on time and cover all material thoroughly.
  • I will display professionalism and enthusiasm for teaching and music.
  • I will reinforce the fundamental skills, techniques and concepts required to be an outstanding musician
  • I will assist you in learning all aspects of music, including appreciation.
  • I will take a vested interest in your success, development and well-being as a person and a musician.
What I expect of you:
  • You will adhere to all Mt. Hebron and HCPSS Policies and Procedures.
  • You will be prepared for each class, having practiced your music at home.  Class should be review / application of what has already been rehearsed - not a substitute for practicing.
  • You will number all measures and mark your music using accepted practice.
  • You will actively engage in the learning / rehearsal process.
  • Rehearsal will begin 3 minutes after the bell.  Students should be in their seats ready to play at this time.
  • You will sit or stand as appropriate (with good posture) at all times.
  • PODIUM PROTOCOL! - Do not talk while the conductor is on the podium unless instructed to do so.
  • Stop playing immediately after a cut off and listen attentively for congratulations, corrections, or instructions.
  • Be on time for every rehearsal/performance. (In your seat, mentally focused when class begins!) This include all materials as outlined in this handbook.
  • Instruments and music go home every day!​
  • It is ultimately your responsibility to master the music. We will assist you, but mastery will involve true effort on your part. Do not settle for “good enough!”
  • Respect your classmates and their belongings. Education is about teamwork. Do Not touch any equipment other than your own.
  • Display professional behavior and dress in appropriate attire at all times.​
  • Act in a safe and respectful manner. Condescending or derogatory comments towards anyone in the program will not be tolerated.
  • Students should sit quietly during PA announcements.
  • Bring a Great Attitude EVERY DAY! 
  • (PDA) Public Displays of Affection are not permitted while in uniform or while participating in a school related function. 
  • No food, drinks, or gum in the rehearsal rooms or performance spaces.
  • No cell phone or electronics use during rehearsal. Exceptions will be made for the Tonal Energy App or Tempo App if we are working on this as an ensemble.
  • The Rehearsal Room is not a locker room. Please keep all jackets, gym bags, lunches, etc. out of the Rehearsal Room. 
  • Play your best and actively participate in rehearsal. Always.
THE REHEARSAL CYCLE
How to have a Successful & Productive rehearsal
DAILY DRILL...
​WARM-UP - ​The purpose of the warm-up is to physically and mentally prepare yourself to perform.
Physical Preparation
In a sporting event an athlete cannot expect to do their best without a proper warm-up and training.  They risk physical injury, reduced endurance, and mental defeat.  Playing a musical instrument is only different in that we use different muscle groups.  These muscle groups need to be conditioned and strengthened in order to grow as a musician.
Mental Preparation
When you practice/rehearse, you should relax and focus your thoughts on what you are doing.  Block out any distractions that interfere with your playing.
​ "Avoid playing too high, too loud, too long, too soon."
STEP #1:  Silence
A proper warm-up begins with focus.  Silence your body and your mind so you can accomplish your goals.
STEP #2:  Proper Posture
The manner in which we approach sitting or standing to play a musical instrument is the foundation for mastery.  Proper posture ensures that 1) the body is aligned, 2) we maximize space for breathing, and 3) we eliminate tension. 
Have you stretched?
Posture Reminders...
  • ​Sit on the front edge of the chair
  • Sit with both feet flat on the floor
  • Lengthen the spine & widen the shoulders
  • Head is relaxed and floating
  • Hold instrument with proper hand & finger placement
  • Music stand is an extension​ of posture
STEP #3:  Breathing
​The key to playing any wind instrument well is having great breath control.  We will focus on the two fundamental aspects of breathing: inhalation and exhalation.  The whole breathing process is similar to a sigh or yawn… a large, full, relaxed, steady inhale (expansion) followed by an immediate full, relaxed, and steady exhale (release).
Breathing Reminders...
​I​NHALATION - “How” Breath
  • Breathe down and from the diaphragm
  • Stay relaxed at all times
  • Keep the throat open
  • 2-Step inhalation (Half - Full - Reverse)
EXHALATION - “Ho” Breath
  • Do not hold or “cap” the breath
  • Air is always moving - in or out!
  • Stay relaxed at all times
  • Keep the throat open
  • The air should have a warm sound and texture.​
TONAL ENERGY TUNER APP
You will need to access your Tonal Energy Tuner App for the next section.
Click the TONAL ENERGY GUIDE for a reference manual.
DRONES PAGE
Using the SOUND (DRONE) feature...
  • ​Select Sound from the bottom menu
  • Select Instrument Sound
  • Select appropriate Octave
  • Toggle on/off the Sustain
  • Select instrument Pitch from the wheel or keyboard
Using the TUNER feature...
  • ​Select Tuner from the bottom menu
  • Select Temperament - Equal / Just
  • Under Wind... Select IN-TUNE RANGE
NOTE:  You can toggle a drone on/off from this screen by holding the pitch on the wheel or keyboard.
​Using the METRONOME feature...
  • ​Select Metro from the bottom menu
  • Follow the on screen prompts to select Tempo. Meter, Subdivision, etc.
WINDS
PERCUSSION
STEP #4:  Sing, Buzz, Play
This is when we begin to connect the sounds we hear to the sounds that we create.
  • ​​Set the TE Tuner App to a drone of Concert F or Concert Bb
               (Select your instrument sound)
  • Sing/Match the pitch on "Oh"
  • Sing/Match the pitch while buzzing (Brass Only!)
  • Match the pitch on your instrument​
NOTE:  Repeat this process on other notes, simple scale sequences, etc.
STEP #4:  Stretch
This can be combined with STEP #3.
STEP #5:  Long Tones, Remington, Flow Studies
​This is when we apply our fundamental skills towards producing the best possible sound on our instrument.
  • ​​Set the TE Tuner App to your starting pitch (Concert F or Bb)
​               (Select your instrument sound)
  • ​​Set the TE Tuner App to mm. = 80
REMEMBER:  Stay relaxed, take a full breath, move the air, and play with a beautiful sound.
STEP #5:  Legato Strokes
​This is when we start to move our hands.
  • Legato Strokes (Single Hand, Hand to Hand, Double Stops)​
REMEMBER:  Stay relaxed, use a full stroke, and play with an evenness/consistency of sound.
LONG NOTE COMPETITION
​See how long you can sustain your tuning pitch (with good tone/intonation).  Use a stopwatch to record your time and try everyday to match/beat your last time.
LONG ROLL COMPETITION
​See how long you can sustain a single stroke roll (with evenness/consistency of sound).  Use a stopwatch to record your time and try everyday to match/beat your last time.
STEP #6:  Instrument Specific Concepts
This is when instrument specific skills and techniques are used to complete an individual warm-up routine.
  • Flute - Octave Studies, Harmonics
  • Oboe/Bassoon - Octave Studies
  • Clarinet - Register Studies
  • Saxophone - Octave Studies
  • Brass - Flexibilities, Range Expansion
STEP #6:  Instrument Specific Concepts
​This is when instrument specific skills and techniques are used to complete an individual warm-up routine.
  • Snare - Rudiments
  • Timpani - Tuning, Rolls
  • Mallets - Scale Patterns
​ENSEMBLE DEVELOPMENT - ​These are the concepts, techniques, and exercises that help students grow individually and as an ensemble.
STEP #7:  Note Length, Articulation, Rhythmic Studies
This is when we begin to open our ears beyond our own sound and begin to focus on the sound of the ensemble.
Exercises include:
  • Note Length/Articulation Exercise​
  • Check Patterns
  • ​Rhythmic Sight-Reading
Sight-Reading Factory is an online resource that allows you to create both rhythmic and melodic sight-reading examples.  These examples are great for rehearsing Note Lengths, Articulation, and Rhythms.
STEP #8:  Scales - Scale Patterns
This is when we continue to develop our technique.
Exercises include:
  • Mini Scales - Tonic Arpeggios
  • Major/Minor Scales (Scale Pattern #1, Scale in Thirds, "Krause" Scales)
  • Chromatic Scales​
  • Check Patterns
​NOTE:  This is where you can also apply a bit of Music Theory.  Use the Circle of Keys as a guide.
CAN YOU...
  • play all 12 Mini Scales w/Tonic Arpeggios?
  • play all 12 Major Scales?
  • play all 12 Minor Scales? in 3 forms?
  • play the Chromatic Scale the full range of your instrument?
  • play all scales from memory?
  • play all scales in 1, 2, or 3 octaves?
STEP #9:  Tuning
We have been listening and adjusting throughout this warm-up process, but now it is time to fine tune.
  • ​​Set the TE Tuner App to a drone of your tuning pitch (Concert F, Bb or A)
               (Select your instrument sound)
  • Hum the pitch
  • Sing the pitch on "Oh"
  • Match the pitch on your instrument​
MR. SMILEY COMPETITION  (Use the Tuner setting on the TE Tuner App...)
  • Set the in-Tune Range to Wide (Intermediate), Medium (Advanced), Fine (Professional), or Ultra-Fine (Insane).
  • Set the Temperament to "Equal"
  • Match your tuning pitch (while watching) and try to get Mr. Smiley to stay on the screen for as long as possible.  Use a built in timer to record your time and try everyday to match/beat your last time.
  • VARIATION #1:  Work with a partner.  Match your tuning pitch (without watching) and try to get Mr. Smiley to stay on the screen for as long as possible.
  • VARIATION #2:    Set the Temperament to "Just" and adjust the key area to any major key.  Play each scale degree working to center the intonation on each pitch.  Repeat this Variation using a drone, matching without looking.
STEP #10:  Chorale
We have been listening and adjusting throughout this warm-up process, but now it is time to fine tune.
  • ​​Set the TE Tuner App to a drone of the concert key.  (Select your instrument sound)
  • Play through any of chorale setting. 
REPERTOIRE...
PART ASSIGNMENTS
​ENSEMBLE DEVELOPMENT - ​Rehearsing repertoire with your ensemble should be an extension of your ensemble development. Consider how your ensemble development time supports the repertoire to be rehearsed.
SIGHT-READING...
Sight Reading, or the ability to read music at first sight, is a skill that can be developed just like any other musical skill.
​
AUDITIONS...  Due to Covid-19 restrictions, all 2020-2021 auditions will be pre-recorded videos.
NOTE:  ALL students are welcome in the Band Program.  Auditions are for placement only.  These auditions ensure that you are scheduled in the ensemble that best fits your educational needs and musical proficiency.

  • All returning students have the option to audition for placement into the Symphonic Winds or Wind Ensemble.
  • All returning students that do not audition will be placed into the Symphonic Band or Percussion Ensemble.
  • Students interested in the Jazz Ensemble/Combo...  Auditions are held in the fall.  More information will be posted as school begins.
  • Students interested in the MtH Marching Unit...  The MtHMU is open to all students.  No audition is required!  More information will be posted in the spring.​

Below you will find a list of core skills and fundamentals that students must demonstrate with proficiency in addition to the formal audition.  This is an important list because over time it is not uncommon for poor habits to become ingrained in muscle memory.  As a result, significant time and practice is needed to reinforce proper technique.  Students should be focusing on these points of technique every day.  Returning students should keep in mind, the audition happens every day in class and via demonstrated progress throughout the year.  The Formal Audition is only one component of a complete audition.

Prerequisite Skill Set
  • Proper (fundamental) playing position and posture\
  • Full, resonant and consistent tone production
  • Clear articulations and note-lengths
  • Mastery of all current ensemble music
  • Mastery of all current ensemble Daily Drill Exercises
  • Daily demonstration of a positive attitude, positive participation, work-ethic, and a desire to grow & learn
  • Daily demonstration of maturity and proper rehearsal etiquette

​Given the nature of large group musical instruction, every individual need is not easily addressed on a regular basis.  Because of this, I am always willing to meet with individual students during Viking Time or before and after school (as schedules permit).  Private lessons provide even more focus for students to achieve their individual goals.  The vast majority of Wind Ensemble members have engaged in consistent private study at some point in their musical development, and most are currently taking lessons.  I would be happy to provide additional information and help find a teacher with whom you will work well.  I want to help every student achieve their musical goals.  Please keep in close contact so that we can put together a plan with an appropriate and achievable timeline.  Never hesitate to ask for feedback as you prepare for an audition or playing test.
Please complete the following steps to submit an audition video.​
  1. Review, Print, and rehearse the AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
  2. Complete the STUDENT INFORMATION FORM
  3. Submit your video HERE!​
Audition Videos
are due no later than...
Thursday, January 28th
AUDITION GUIDELINES
  • Record in landscape and be sure that you can see your instrument, hands, and posture in your recording.​
  • Be sure to have a metronome audible during your recording.​​
  • Record all requirements in ONE VIDEO!
  • Label your video file...  Last name, First name - Instrument
2021-2022 - REGISTRATION GUIDELINES
  • Students currently enrolled in band should register for the same ensemble when completing their course registration materials.
  • Students not currently enrolled in band should register for
    • Woodwinds/Brass...  MU - 500 (Symphonic Band)
    • ​Percussion... MU - 480 (Percussion Ensemble)
AUDITION TIPS
  • Tune your instrument before you record.
  • Make time to record your audition prior to the due date so you have time to review your submission.​
  • Try to record with a solid colored background and with as little extra noise as possible.
  • Check the recording BEFORE submitting to ensure proper audio and video.