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Session Handout
Here is the 3-page handout that outlines the things I discussed and shared about helping both your bands and orchestras to thrive.
Cinematic Scales Warm-Up
The "Cinematic Series" composed by John McAllister features a stunning orchestral accompaniment that travels through all 12 keys with 4 measures of each. You can download the accompaniment and his original scale exercise by clicking this link:
www.johnmcallistermusic.com/cinematic-series.html
Here I have an easier version of the scale exercise using only the first 3 notes of each scale, intended for use in the 2nd or 3rd year of band. I call it "Exercise 2" because eventually I will create an Exercise 1 that uses only the first note of each scale. Exercise 3 will use the first 5 notes, and Exercise 4 will go: "1---5---6-7-8-". After going through these 4 beginning exercises students will be better prepared to tackle the full-octave scales that are available on John McAllister's website.
If anyone would like to finish creating Exercises 1, 3, and 4 for me, please use the Finale file below to do so. I would also welcome having someone create progressive Timpani and/or Snare Drum parts for these exercises.
www.johnmcallistermusic.com/cinematic-series.html
Here I have an easier version of the scale exercise using only the first 3 notes of each scale, intended for use in the 2nd or 3rd year of band. I call it "Exercise 2" because eventually I will create an Exercise 1 that uses only the first note of each scale. Exercise 3 will use the first 5 notes, and Exercise 4 will go: "1---5---6-7-8-". After going through these 4 beginning exercises students will be better prepared to tackle the full-octave scales that are available on John McAllister's website.
If anyone would like to finish creating Exercises 1, 3, and 4 for me, please use the Finale file below to do so. I would also welcome having someone create progressive Timpani and/or Snare Drum parts for these exercises.
Band Start-Ups: Automatic Warm-Up Exercises with Accompaniment
This series of "Start-Ups" for band includes the following elements in a 10-minute daily warm up drill: 1) Breathing, 2) Mouthpiece Pitches, 3) Long Tones, 4) Slurs & Technique, 5) Tonguing, 6) 3-Part Chorale, 7) Scales, 8) Circle of Fourths, 9) Chromatic Fingering Exercises. Plus, each set comes with two play-along recordings: one with useful explanations about each exercise, and a second with minimal explanations for when the students know what they're doing. The UMEA coupon code will allow you to download the full set of 3 Start-Up Exercises for free from the Store tab.
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Breathing Sample
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Chorale Sample
Fingering, Note Name, and Rhythm Worksheets
Right-click on "Music Theory Worksheet Bundle" to download 11 pages of worksheets I use in our Music Binders. Place each worksheet in crystal clear (non-matte) sheet protectors so that students can use them over and over again with dry erase markers. I buy markers from Amazon or Office Depot like the ones shown here.
Don't forget that you can also download the instrument fingering worksheets using the free download coupon code I provided in the UMEA session. These are found in the Store as "Band Ultimate Note & Fingering Worksheet Bundle" and "Orchestra Ultimate Note & Fingering Worksheet Bundle". Also, don't forget to download the "Band Complete Printable PDF Flashcard Set" using the free coupon code.
Don't forget that you can also download the instrument fingering worksheets using the free download coupon code I provided in the UMEA session. These are found in the Store as "Band Ultimate Note & Fingering Worksheet Bundle" and "Orchestra Ultimate Note & Fingering Worksheet Bundle". Also, don't forget to download the "Band Complete Printable PDF Flashcard Set" using the free coupon code.
Circle of Fourths Transposition Handout
This handout featuring the circle of 4ths makes it quick and easy for transposing instruments to find concert pitch. For example, those who play B-flat instruments can hear you say, "Play a concert D" and move two "notches" or two notes counterclockwise to find the note they play to sound like a concert D (which would be an "E"). This handout explains the process, and also provides all the other benefits of the circle of fourths or fifths, such as showing how many accidentals are in each key and the order of flats and sharps.
Blank Fingerboard Worksheets for ALL Strings
These blank fingerboard/note name worksheets (levels 1 & 2) are perfect for Violin, Viola, Cello, AND Bass! I put these in clear plastic sheet protectors so the kids can fill them out over and over with fine-point dry erase markers. Every note in 1st position is given a blank circle allowing students to write in the note names, with boxes to mark the finger that is used for each note. Through the school year you can have your students just fill out the notes on only one string, or fill out only the notes on the "tapes", or fill out the entire sheet. Great for quizzing AND testing. Answer keys are included - totally FREE!
Rhythm Analysis and Counting Chart
This chart can be placed in clear plastic sheet protectors so students can use dry erase markers on it over and over again. It allows a teacher to help students analyze any rhythm (with 8th note subdivision) in 3 ways:
1 - Notation - how the rhythm is written
2 - Duration - the relative length of each note
3 - Counting - how the rhythm is counted
1 - Notation - how the rhythm is written
2 - Duration - the relative length of each note
3 - Counting - how the rhythm is counted