Rehearsal Notes 2.23.13

Hello! I know it's been awhile since I've updated our blog. We had great attendance today and some great progress on American Spirit March. The word for that portion of the rehearsal was speed! Well, counting too. Thanks for working hard and doing what I asked. Your behavior control was much better today. Talking was minimal while I was giving instructions, and I expect it to only improve from there. Thanks! The second part of the rehearsal was spent learning to make up 1 measure melodies using DO, RE, and MI for your instrument. Flutes, oboe, low brass, and percussion are DO = B flat, RE = C, and MI = D. Clarinets and trumpets are DO = C, RE = D, and MI = E. Alto saxophones are DO = G, RE = A, and MI = B. French horn is DO = F, RE = G, and MI = A. After that was settled, we didn't talk about notes as letters but as DO, RE, and MI for our common language. I played a 4 beat melody using those pitches, and the band echoed. Then we did the same process playing over a groove track I created on GarageBand on the iPad. Next was students composing their own 4 beat melodies in groups of like or unlike instruments. They played, and we echoed. At the end of rehearsal, each group played in turn with the groove track. Next week, we'll expand on this. Come with your creative juices flowing! Great rehearsal, everyone!