Penguin Promenade
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Correlates to Foundation Warm-Ups Set #1
Penguin Promenade is a lively and fun beginning band piece perfect for first-year concerts or classroom learning. My goal in writing this piece was to give an easy and fun way to apply beginning concepts to very young players. Also, penguins are fun and a provide great imagery for young band studnets. To emphasize the light-hearted feel, I added cabasa and recommend xylophone for the mallet parts. Penguin Promenade is an excellent choice for introducing young bands to ensemble playing while maintaining a fun and energetic atmosphere. |
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Amazon Explorers
Correlates to Foundation Warm-Ups #2
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This is a piece that utilizes only the first six (typically) notes learned in beginning band. When writing this. I wanted to go for a different "feel" than a lot of typical beginning band music, which usually resides in Bb major. For this piece, I explored some modal harmonies and melodies while incorporating various "wooden" sounds in the percussion section. This also gives the students a chance to use their imagination and really start thinking about the amazing possibilities in programmatic music. It can also be a nice segue into a cross-curricular discussion on geography! Hope you enjoy exploring the Amazon Jungle!! (not the marketplace)
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Building Blocks
Correlates to Foundation Warm-Ups #2
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The whole premise of the "Foundation Warm-Up Series" is to build confidence in the notes/rhythms/patterns/etc that eventually make music. This piece really plays into that notion. I took many of the patterns seen in Foundation Set #2 and turned them into music! This is a fun, light-hearted piece to put the elements together. Each section has its time to shine, playing both melodically and as an accompaniment. This is a perfect piece to start applying fundamental skills into music making.
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Marching Along
Correlates to Foundation Warm-Ups #1
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This is a beginning band composition that utilizes the first five notes learned (in the typical band method). It also correlates with Foundation Warm-Ups 1. It is an optimistic, joyful piece complete with melodies passed around from group to group. There is a mixture of instrument combinations to help young players hear each section and how they can combine to make different timbres. Sometimes it's high voices vs. low voices, sometimes its brass vs. woodwinds. Though it may be too early to get into the specific techniques of "march style" for players this young, this piece is definitely march-like and will be a good intro to the type of piece.
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Majesty of the Mountains
Correlates to Foundation Warm-Ups #2
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Majesty of the Mountains is a majestic and triumphant piece for beginning band. It utilizes the first six notes learned (Do-La) in most beginning band methods. It uses full major chord sounds (mostly I, IV, V) to give the optimistic drive to the piece. The band plays tutti throughout allowing players to hear the harmonies and practice matching with the other instruments and timbres. Both the upper voices and lower voices get melodic passages. There is only one dynamic written at the beginning for ensembles that have not reached dynamics at the time of performance. If desired, add some in! This piece is specifically meant to give full ensemble, full length music for younger players.
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The Forgotten Grove
Correlates to Foundation Warm-Ups #3
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Writing music in a minor key can be difficult when you only have seven notes. Especially if we don't have Concert Ab yet. BUT, I've got a tune for you here! With a mysterious and almost ominous feel, here is The Forgotten Grove. Right from the beginning, we start with a minor third (also a good chance to apply the half note slur from the warm-up set). After this "call" we get into standard quarter/eighth rhythms and melodies in an A-B-A plus coda format. Don't get lost in the Forgotten Grove!
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Island Breeze
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Island Beeze is a light and fun piece for beginning band. Using only basic combinations of quarter and eighth notes, this piece is quite achievable by young players. The melodies and harmonies give a very “island” sound and the percussion really sells the fun. Island Breeze utilizes cabasa, claves, maracas, and congas--all common instruments found in band rooms. If needed, substitue instruments (i.e. tom drums instead of congas). Every section gets to play melodic passages, including the low brass. There is also a short percussion break with clapping to change things up a bit. Note: there is only one dynamic written at the beginning. If the performing ensemble is ready for more, add some! This piece would be a great addition to brighten up a young band concert!
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The Galleon Returns
Correlates to Foundation Warm-Ups #3
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The Galleon Returns is a triumphant piece for beginning band. In the key of B-flat major, it only uses the (typically) first seven notes learned. Using scalar and arpeggio patterns, the piece has an optimistic sound, one depicting the awaited return of a magnificent galleon. Imagine a ship sailing into port with people gathering, waving and cheering. This piece is written to be a developmentally appropriate, full length musical work for young performers. Note: there is only one dynamic marked at the beginning. If the performing ensemble is ready for more, add some more dynamics in! The Galleon Returns offers a great opportunity to make music for beginning-level musicians.
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Moose March
Correlates to Foundation Warm-Ups #4.
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Moose March is a semi-programmatic piece that uses beginning band techniques to depict a moose cheerfully marching along. Featuring leaps of a fifth and the use of wood blocks, it paints a playful picture of a jovial moose on the move. Each section of the band has the opportunity to play both melodic and harmonic elements, encouraging independence among players and sections. The piece also incorporates slurs between notes, directly reinforcing techniques practiced in Foundation Warm-Ups Set #4. Moose March makes a delightful addition to any young band concert—or simply a fun way to apply recently learned skills.
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Adventure Awaits
Correlates to Foundation Warm-Ups #4.
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Adventure Awaits captures the wonder and awe of the cinematic soundscape using less than an octave for the individual player. It begins slow and bold, letting the musicians practice a resonant, full sound on long notes. After building to a climax, the tempo kicks up to a faster, more articulated style. For the up-tempo section, idiomatic rhythms and and patterns are used to make it accessible to younger plaeyrs. This piece also focuses on changing dynamics throughout, creating excitement and teaching opportunities. Have fun with the piece. Maybe even let the students create their own storyline to go with the musical drama! This piece directly correlates with the Foundation Warm-Up Series #4.
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