We had another great week and we are making some good
progress. We have learned a new note on
page 8 and are learning lots of new songs.
I would like everyone to practice Hot Cross Buns, Rolling Along, Listen
to Our Sections, Au Claire de la Lune and Mozart Melody. If the songs on page 6 are still a little
challenging, they should try to get those under their fingers quickly. Here are some more helpful tips we have
talked about in class:
Flutes – Think about which fingers are changing. On a song like Mozart Melody, there are not a
lot of fingers that move around.
Sometimes it is only one finger.
Also, use plenty of air on the high notes, which means you will need to
take a big breath!
Clarinets – Try to keep the fingers you are not using close
to the instrument, so you can quickly put them down when you need to. Feel the circle under your finger so you can
cover the whole key. Do not let your
right hand rest of the four side keys.
You need to use your thumb to hold the instrument.
Saxophones – Keep your hands round so you don’t touch other
keys. Feel like you are dropping your
jaw when you are playing low notes and be careful not to blow too hard. Sometimes, I like to use a little more mouthpiece to play low
notes. It makes it easier without
overblowing.
Trumpets – If anyone is still having trouble playing high
notes, you can practice this by playing our five note scale going up. Make sure each note is higher than the
previous one. You may need to feel like
you are squeezing your lips as much as you can and bring your teeth closer
together instead of dropping your jaw.
That makes squeezing your lips easier.
Also, practice the first four notes of Mozart Melody. It should sound like Twinkle Twinkle Little
Star.
Trombones – The easiest part of some our songs are the ones
that move on the scale. Find where these
scales are and think about your starting note.
If the scale starts on F, move the slide down each position we know: 1,
3, 4, 6. Move your slide quickly from 6th
position to 1st.
Percussion – Practice these songs one or two measures at a
time. It may help to memorize the songs
or parts of the songs. It can be tricky
to look up at the book and back down to the bells. Use both hands; it will make it easier.
Here is a schedule reminder for next week:
Belmont - Clear Creek
- Riverview
Brass (Trumpets, Trombones) Percussion – All Mondays and
Thursdays
Woodwinds (Flutes, Clarinets, Saxophones)– All Tuesdays and
FridaysWednesday, October 30 – Flute
Mize
Brass (Trumpets, Trombones) – All Mondays and Thursdays
Woodwinds (Flutes, Clarinets, Saxophones) and Percussion– All
Tuesdays and FridaysWednesday, October 30 – Flute
Horizon
Brass (Trumpets, Trombones) Percussion – All Tuesdays and Fridays
Woodwinds (Flutes, Clarinets, Saxophones)– All Mondays and Thursdays
Wednesday, October 30 – Flute
I would still like everyone to practice for 60 minutes a
week. It really helps when they are able
to take their instrument home and spend some time to get these songs under
their fingers. All the classes are
getting better and I’m looking forward to getting on to some new music. If you have any questions, please feel free
to email me.
Mr. Harvey