John McAllister
Composer, Educator
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First Fundamentals

Let's Get Started.

Set #1 - Whole Notes and Whole Rests

In this first set, you have whole notes and whole rests. Here we take the first five pitches learned (in most band methods) and practice them in various combinations. This is an opportunity to practice sitting with proper posture, holding the instrument correctly, setting the embouchure, etc. (Pro Tip: hit play on the Youtube video to free yourself to walk around the classroom and make adjustments). Most importantly, this is where to set the AIRFLOW. I always like to say use "steady air" in order to produce an even, consistent tone. This is also a great opportunity to teach students to release the air on count ONE (not around it...ON it). My theory is that students read music better if they're active about where they release notes, not just starting them.
set #1
(score & Parts)

Set #2 - Whole Notes/Rests (part 2)

In this second set, you have whole notes and whole rests, but mixing them up a little more. Now we have two consecutive whole notes, allowing for longer sustained airflow AND articulation of the second note (without space/resting). It also moves into consecutive note changes. The snare part also becomes more complex and adds some variety (especially if you use the advanced portion). Suggestion: consider having percussion play bass drum line on an aux. instrument (i.e. triangle, tambourine, etc). 
set #2
(score & Parts)

Set #3 - Half Notes & Whole Notes

In this third set, we add half notes. We start using them in different combinations as we develop the various finger patterns. By the last exercise, we're playing five consecutive half notes. Set #3 gives a great opportunity to develop consistency of articulation and air, reinforcing the fundamentals (musical and physical) of proper playing. 
set #3
​(score & parts)

What's Next?

fundamentals
scales & Technique
Rhythm studies
chorales
sight-reading

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  • Start Here
    • Search Site
    • Blog
  • Music
    • Concert Band - Marches
    • Concert Band - B
    • Concert Band - VE
    • Concert Band - E
    • Concert Band - ME
    • Concert Band - M
    • Adaptable Duets
    • Adaptable Trios >
      • Adaptable Trios SAB
      • Adaptable Trios Mix Match
    • Adaptable Quartets
    • Adaptable Quintets >
      • Adaptable Quintets - Classical
      • Adaptable Quintets - Pops
      • Adaptable Quintets - Folk & Traditional
      • Adaptable Quintets - Patriotic
      • Adaptable Quintets - Originals
    • Etudes and Exercises
    • Marching Band >
      • Marching Band - Stands Tunes
      • Marching Band - Community
    • Video Games
    • Jazz
    • Christmas/Holiday
    • Strings
  • Instruments
    • Flute >
      • Flute Warm-Ups
      • Flute Scales & Technique
      • Flute Duets
      • Flute Trios
      • Flute Choir
      • Flute Choir Christmas
    • Oboe >
      • Oboe Warm-Ups
      • Oboe Scales & Technique
      • Oboe Duets
      • Oboe Trios
    • Bassoon >
      • Bassoon Warm-Ups
      • Bassoon Scales & Technique
      • Bassoon Duets
      • Bassoon Trios
    • Clarinet >
      • Clarinet Warm-Ups
      • Clarinet Scales & Technique
      • Clarinet Duets
      • Clarinet Trios
    • Saxophone >
      • Saxophone Warm-Ups
      • Saxophone Scales & Technique
      • Saxophone Duets
      • Saxophone Trios
    • Trumpet >
      • Trumpet Warm-Ups
      • Trumpet Scales & Technique
      • Trumpet Music
      • Brass Trios
    • Horn >
      • Horn Warm Ups
      • Horn Scales & Technique
      • Horn Duets
      • Horn Trios
      • Brass Trios
    • Trombone >
      • Trombone Warm Ups
      • Trombone Scales & Technique
      • Trombone Duets
      • Trombone Trios
      • Trombone Ensembles
      • Brass Trios
    • Euphonium >
      • Euphonium Warm-Ups
      • Euphonium Scales & Technique
      • Euphonium Duets
      • Euphonium Trios
    • Tuba >
      • Tuba Warm-Ups
      • Tuba Scales & Technique
      • Tuba Music
    • Percussion
  • Free Resources
    • Let's Read Music
    • Ensemble Theory
    • Warm-ups >
      • First Fundamentals
      • Foundation Warm-Ups
      • Young Ensemble
      • Symphonic Warm-Ups
      • Comprehensive Warm-Ups
      • Advanced Warm-Ups
      • Build A Warm-Up
      • Chorales
      • Seasonal
    • Warm-Ups Symphony
    • Fundamentals
    • Scales and Technique
    • Rhythm
    • Arrangements
    • Sight-Reading
    • Breathing
    • Jazz Center
    • Games
    • Strings!
    • Recruitment Materials
    • Posters
    • Free Christmas
  • Cinematic Series
    • Complete Warm-Ups Sets
    • Long Tones
    • Flexibility
    • Articulation
    • Scales
    • Page of Patterns
    • Counting
    • Play Alongs
    • Arbans
    • Pop Rhythms
    • Classical Improv
    • LoFi
    • Music Humor
  • Contact