Classical Chorales Volume #1
Classical Chorales is a set of five “classical music” pieces arranged in a chorale/teaching style for concert band. This set includes: New World Symphony (Dvorak), 1812 Overture (Tchaikovsky), Piano Concerto No. 5 (Beethoven), Abendfeier in Venedig (C. Schumann), Ave Corpus Verum (Mozart). The dynamics and specific musical markings have been stripped away to give the director/teacher the most leeway. For example, maybe you want to work only at softer mp-p-pp dynamics. Another customizable option would be to have the ensemble follow the conducting: dynamics, style/articulation, tempo, etc.
This series aims to assist both young and old musicians in connecting with classical music. Studying and practicing these pieces can establish a sense of familiarity that may spark interest in the original compositions. And while Bach’s chorales are exceptional (the industry standard!), these new arrangements can add some variety to the repertoire.
I recommend listening to the chorales in their original setting and having a conversation about musicality and interpretation. Encouraging young musicians to listen to various recordings can help refine their listening skills. Music educators understand that music is multi-layered, and one can spend their entire life listening, learning, and reflecting. These chorales can serve as a valuable tool for developing a rich ensemble sound and further, instilling a lifelong love of music.
This series aims to assist both young and old musicians in connecting with classical music. Studying and practicing these pieces can establish a sense of familiarity that may spark interest in the original compositions. And while Bach’s chorales are exceptional (the industry standard!), these new arrangements can add some variety to the repertoire.
I recommend listening to the chorales in their original setting and having a conversation about musicality and interpretation. Encouraging young musicians to listen to various recordings can help refine their listening skills. Music educators understand that music is multi-layered, and one can spend their entire life listening, learning, and reflecting. These chorales can serve as a valuable tool for developing a rich ensemble sound and further, instilling a lifelong love of music.
30 Progressive Exercises for Band (or individual study)
(Beginner to Very Easy)
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This is the first iteration of a series of exercises that follows musicians as they progress through learning an instrument. The series generally follows the progression of what is used in most beginning band books.
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50 Progressive Exercises for Band (or individual study)
(Advanced)
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This resource is one of the few ones that I don't offer for free, largely because it has been a "labor of love" many years in the making. I don't care to think of the amount of hours logged into its creation. Originally, I set out to write sight-reading exercises that I could work on with the full band. My process:
- Give the students a fixed time to study - Have them perform (cacophonously) on their own - Count through the exercise together - Sing or tizzle/sizzle - Then play as an ensemble I then found that this also works well just as a "method book" type resource for an advanced band. Sort of similar Claude T Smith's Warm-Ups (which are awesome!!) I tried to include as many keys, rhythms, tempos, styles, etc as possible. This can be a great resource to add to the band director's toolbox for sight-reading practice, rhythm studies, etudes. It also works great for individual instruments, as it is designed to work seamlessly as both. |
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Folk Song Chorales
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This music is a set of warm-up chorales for concert band, offering variety when warming up one's band. Bach is the standard when it comes to chorales, and folk song chorales can add a new melodies and harmonies to the fundamentals taught during warm-up. In arranging these chorales, harmonies more idiomatic to the modern day concert band scoring are used, especially at the Grade II/III level. The folk songs included are Loch Lomond, The Parting Glass, Slumber My Darling, and Scarborough Fair.
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