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.
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:
|
What I expect of you:
|
|
THE REHEARSAL CYCLE
How to have a Successful & Productive rehearsal
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.
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.
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...
|
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...
|
You will need to access your Tonal Energy Tuner App for the next section.
Click the TONAL ENERGY GUIDE for a reference manual.
|
Using the SOUND (DRONE) feature...
|
Using the TUNER feature...
|
Using the METRONOME feature...
|
WINDS
|
PERCUSSION
|
STEP #4: Sing, Buzz, Play
This is when we begin to connect the sounds we hear to the sounds that we create.
|
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.
|
STEP #5: Legato Strokes
This is when we start to move our hands.
|
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.
|
STEP #6: Instrument Specific Concepts
This is when instrument specific skills and techniques are used to complete an individual warm-up routine.
|
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:
|
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:
|
CAN YOU...
|
Music Theory
|
Recording
|
Notation
|
STEP #9: Tuning
We have been listening and adjusting throughout this warm-up process, but now it is time to fine tune.
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)
- 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...)
|
STEP #10: Chorale
We have been listening and adjusting throughout this warm-up process, but now it is time to fine tune.
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 chorale setting.
EXERCISES - WARM-UPS...
<<<<< Click the title of the exercise for downloadable .pdf files!
|
|
<<<<< Click the title of the exercise for downloadable .pdf files!
|
<<<<< Click the title of the exercise for downloadable .pdf files!
|
<<<<< Click the title of the exercise for downloadable .pdf files!
|
<<<<< Click the title of the exercise for downloadable .pdf files!
|
<<<<< Click the title of the exercise for downloadable .pdf files!
|
<<<<< Click the title of the exercise for downloadable .pdf files!
|
<<<<< Click the title of the exercise for downloadable .pdf files!
|
<<<<< Click the title of the exercise for downloadable .pdf files!
|
<<<<< Click the title of the exercise for downloadable .pdf files!
|
<<<<< Click the title of the exercise for downloadable .pdf files!
|
RESOURCES...
WINDS
|
GENERAL
|
PERCUSSION
|
REPERTOIRE...
|
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.
|
PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE
|
DUETS - Mallets
Songs Of Eden |
CHAMBER
Pads in Isolation (Josh Gottry) |
SYMPHONIC BAND - WINDS
|
SOLOS - Snare Drum
Time On My Hands Let's Get Ready to Rhumba Intermediate Snare Drum Studies SOLOS - Multi The Multi-Etude Collection |
WIND ENSEMBLE
|
SOLOS - Multi
Music for Multi Percussion SOLOS - Mallets Wooden Storybook Mainstream Mallets DUETS - Mallets Songs Of Eden |
THIS WEEK IN BAND...
|
WEEK #12 (4/19- 4/25)
|
SYMPHONIC BAND - WINDS
Circle of Keys - A Major (Foundations of Music Mastery)
Scale Etude - Rhythm Etude #5 - F Major Drawing Mars ASSIGNMENTS - Monday Team Building / Solo-Duets
|
WIND ENSEMBLE
Circle of Keys - A Major (Foundations of Music Mastery)
Scale Etude - Rhythm Etude #5 - F Major The Free Lance March ASSIGNMENTS - Monday Team Building / Solo-Duets
|
PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE
Circle of Keys - A Major (Foundations of Music Mastery)
ASSIGNMENTS - Monday Team Building / Solo-Duets
|
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
|
Audition Videos
are due no later than... ASAP! |
AUDITION GUIDELINES
2021-2022 - REGISTRATION GUIDELINES
|
AUDITION TIPS
|