A Page of Patterns
A page of patterns is a full page of scales, arpeggios, four-note patterns, thirds, and more. It is designed to develop technical facility, specifically through learning common patterns. The second half of the purpose is that all twelve keys are the same. This way, students can start connecting the dots of how each key relates. I highly recommend thinking in terms of scale degree when practicing these.
Playing in all twelve major keys is essential. This resource is to get students playing all their scales as soon as possible. The range is made as easy as possible and is designed to work for the full band.
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These exercises are designed to accompany wind/mallet players playing scales. Whether it be long tones or more rhythmic exercises, the snares will have plenty to do. These also work as an individual percussion study as well.
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Making band directing possible since the beginning. Actually, I was just playing around in Adobe Illustrator and decided to try and draw a cup of coffee.
It came out alright |
Crush Your Scales - Full File
I've been developing the "Crush Your Scales" idea over quite some time. It started back when I taught middle school and wanted to create a "pass-off" style method for students to learn their audition scales. I liked the progressive idea that they must demonstrate competency of essential techniques, while also building the scale knowledge and skills. I used to be very a very dry: "you can either do this, or you can't.. when you can, you're ready for that next step." This took FOREVER to write, but it's worked quite well with my students over the years. Hopefully you can get some use out of it too!!
I wrote "Cinematic Scales" to give some variety of ways to practice scales. I certainly wouldn't play them this way every day, but I've found it helps to change things up. Even jus the weekly check-up of reviewing through all 12 scales. The tempo stays at a steady 100 bpm throughout, helping to practice tempo/pulse control. It also helps practice centering pitch, since the music follows progression through the keys. (with the exception of E Major and A Major, they may sound slightly funky but I couldn't resist going where I went, harmonically speaking)
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