Welcome to Band!
Everything we learn in music falls into one of these six categories:

Announcements:

​Band Listening Assignment Sign Up Dates:
To start each class, Mrs. McDowell has been showing videos of Concert Bands and Orchestras that feature a specific instrument from out band. Now it's your turn!
Use YouTube to find a performance you like that features your instrument.
Searching Tip: type in the name of your instrument plus one of: Concerto, Ensemble, Solo – to help you find professional pieces that feature your instrument.
Cue Card must Include (example below):
  1. Name of the Performer/Ensemble & Song.
  2. Copy the URL link so we can watch it in class.
  3. Why you chose this piece.
  4. Describe the story you think the music is trying to tell.
Your song Cue card is due the class before you present. Please give this to Mrs. McDowell one class before your presentation date so she can have the video ready to show on the Smart board.
Write down your presentation date – Make note of the class before this date to hand in the cue card by!

Navigating this page:

Band Safety Protocols - Yellow section
Instrument Rentals, Accessories & Supplies - Pink section
Habits Method Book - Green section
Guide to Practicing and Warm Ups - Orange section
Tuning - Yellow section
Links to Recordings of Songs played in class - Green Section
Famous Artist Recordings  - light Blue section
Online Music Games - Purple section
How to join Google Classroom - dark Blue section
​Cool things to check out - Yellow Section

Band Safety Protocols:

  1. Students will be required to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer upon entering and exiting the music room.
  2. Students must maintain social distancing  of 6 feet with the teacher and as much distance as possible with classmates.  Please arrive on time to set up your own chair and music stand (which will be sanitized after each class).
  3. Students will be asked to wear masks when not playing their instruments (you may pull it down to play, and then return it to your face after) and have bell covers on their instruments when playing. 
  4. ​The teacher will have a mask on and maintain 2 meters of distance with students. The teacher will also be using a microphone so they don't have to raise their voice and project more droplets. Students will also be instructed to keep their voices quiet.
  5. Students will ENTER the Band room in the morning through the outside Band room doors at the North end of the building. Please wait here until the Teacher opens them in the morning!
  6. Students will be assigned a seating plan that will be distanced as best as possible to fit the Music Room and classroom make up.
  7. Each student will be assigned a cubby in the instruments storage room. Students are only to use their assigned cubby for the year.
  8. Students will be required to bring a Pencil with them to each class along with their music, method book, instrument and instrument accessories.
  9. Brass players must blow out condensation outside.  Each student will need to blow out one at a time. 

​​For an extensive list of the Protocols set out in the "Guidelines for music education in British Columbia during COVID-19" please see
http://www.bcmusiced.ca/uploads/2/4/3/6/24360110/guidance_for_music_classes_in_bc__2_.pdf

​Instrument Rentals, Accessories & Supplies:

Due to COVID-19, it is strongly recommended that all Wind instruments have bell coverings. RMS will place a bulk order for bell covers once the instrument selection process for beginner band has been completed. One Bell cover per student will be provided by the District. If a student should misplace their bell cover, they will be responsible for acquiring a suitable replacement.

Method Books:

Intro Band 2021/2022

*RMS will place a group order for method books this year and the cost will be attached to School Cash Online
​ (~$15-20)
Intermediate Band 2021/2022

​Students should have a copy from last year.

Rental Information:

Rental Company Websites:

RMS Instrument Rental Agreement Form:
Students wanting to rent from RMS, please speak with Mrs. McDowell to ensure instrument selection is available. Instruments will be prioritized to students who played the previous year, and then on a first come, first serve basis.
Once contacted, Mrs. McDowell will send home the below contract with your student for signatures.
instrument_rental_agreement_school_instrument_2021-2022.pdf
File Size: 169 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
INTRO BAND FIRST CLASS - Introduction to the Instruments PowerPoint with Rental info and Supply list!
intro_band_first_class_introduction_to_the_instruments.pptx
File Size: 2335 kb
File Type: pptx
Download File
Instrument Selection Form:
for after watching the above PowerPoint.
instrument_selection_form.pdf
File Size: 62 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Accessories:

Students who require instrument accessories for class will be provided with supplies (Reeds/Oil/Cork Grease, etc.) as long as I have some in stock. A charge will be added to School Cash Online under "instrument accessory" along with the amount. 
All Instruments:
  • Recommended: A music stand will be very helpful to have for home practice. You can get a wire stand at most music stores, online, or make one yourself out of cardboard by following these instructions:                       https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/12lmhR53OPsAUBHs2IJUTOOZ9ZZoeKKiQO-fAIm-xpZ8/mobilepresent?slide=id.g35f391192_00


​
Flutes:
  • Cleaning rod and cleaning cloth – standard with instrument rental
  • Method Book for their instrument

Trumpet/French Horn/Euphonium/Baritone/Tuba:
  • Valve oil, tuning slide grease – standard with instrument rental
  • Method Book for their instrument

Trombone:
  • Slide oil, tuning slide grease, cleaning rod/snake  - standard with instrument rental
  • Mini spray bottle for water – (Spray bottle $2 from Mrs. McDowell – Can be purchased in class)
  • Method Book for their instrument

​Percussion:
  • Orchestral Bell Kit (rent from Wentworth or Tapestry) Kit should include an Orchestral Bell kit and stand, a Practice Pad, a set of rubber ball mallets and a set of 5A Vic Firth wooden tipped drum sticks.
  • Recommended: Stick Bag to carry sticks back and forth to school.
  • Method Book for their instrument                              Intro Band = Habits: Percussion (we will do a group order)                                                                                Intermediate Band = SOE: Drums & Mallet Percussion)
  • A yearly $50 fee to RMS for all Percussionists allows students to use the percussion instruments at RMS and helps cover replacements, repairs and additions as needed. Students will be asked to bring their own sticks back and forth to school.
​​Clarinet/Saxophone:
  • Cleaning cloth and cork grease – standard with instrument rental - Typically rentals will come with 2 sized 2.0 reeds which will be good for the first ~3 weeks of playing. Students will need to purchase additional reeds sized 2.5 for after that time.
  • Minimum 3 Reeds sized 2.5 (Rico Royal (Not Rico), Vandoren, Juno, are all good reed brands) *Please don’t buy flavored/colored reeds, reeds from Amazon as their storage facilities effect the quality of the cane or plastic reeds right now. While many pro players use plastic, they are harder for beginners to start on. A reed lifespan is typically 6 weeks if treated well and rotated through, that's why we ask students to have 3 on the go at all times. 
  • Method Book for their instrument
  • Teeth Savors - $3 from Mrs. McDowell – can be purchased in class)
*Reeds from Mrs. McDowell are $4.00 each and should only be used in emergencies. It’s a good idea to buy a pack of 10 or split a pack with a friend who plays the same instrument and share. At the first sign of a crack, chip or split, a reed is no longer usable and should be thrown out, which is why its important for all reed players to have a minimum of three working reeds they rotate through at all times.

​Bass:
  • Bass, Amp and patch cord – standard with instrument rental (rent from Wentworth or Tapestry)
  • Method Book for their instrument
  • A yearly $50 fee to RMS allows students to use a school bass, amp and patch cord so you don’t have to bring your extra equipment back and forth.

Habits Universal

INTRODUCTORY BAND STUDENTS

We will be using Habits of a Successful Beginner Band Musician as our method book this year. There are many great resources on their online site including instrument clinic videos which show you how to set up your instrument!

https://habitsuniversal.com/

Please look for the code on the inside front cover of your method book to access your very own E-book and Clinic Videos.

Okanagan Music Classroom

More awesome resources from local teachers:

https://sites.google.com/view/the-okanagan-music-classroom/home?authuser=0​

BASS Resources:

ALWAYS TUNE FIRST! EADG = Eddie Ate Dynamite...Goodbye! - Use a tuner from the below (yellow section) options!

Electric:

SETTING UP AMP:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGhX_4p6oYY 

Double Bass:

FINGERGIN CHART:
string_bass_online.pdf
File Size: 1007 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
SETTING UP END PIN
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riGXE6o40Yg
 Technique & Exercises:
https://sites.google.com/view/the-okanagan-music-classroom/concert-band/bass-guitar?authuser=0

Follow this link and watch video #2 - Technique and Exercises.
Holding and Handling the Bass:
​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyCklDHeHj0
German Bow Hold:
​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ub7nSnmYbDs
French Bow Hold:
​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsFQMHaHg9U
How to Rosin Bow:
​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bwxJP-QIMU
Bowing Technique:
​1) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5szcQX7htU&t=122s
2) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhIHWoYTplk
Pizzicato (Plucking):
​1) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaGhL-3ctOc
2) ​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMZZtQ1v1fc
Double Stops:
​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEtJ3iwhvJU

 Guide to Practicing & Warm Ups:

The difference between Practicing, Playing, Rehearsing, and Performing; 5-10-10-5 Practice Sessions; 7 Steps to Success in Music

guide_to_practicing_pdf.pdf
File Size: 452 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

7 Steps to Success in Music:

Mouthpiece Notes:

WOODWINDS - Hold steady watching a tuner for as long as you can.

​Flutes on Head joint = Concert A

Clarinets on Mouthpiece & Barrel = Concert F#
Tips for Clarinets if Flat: 
https://banddirectorstalkshop.com/clarinets-playing-flat/

Alto Saxophones on Mouthpiece & Neck = Concert Ab/G#

Tenor Saxophone on Mouthpiece & Neck = Concert E

______________________________________________________
BRASS: Buzz holding each note with a tuner.

Low Brass Instruments - Start on a Bb -> C -> D -> Eb -> F -> G -> A 

Trumpets - Start on E going up to  F - G - A - B - C; Start back on E going lower to D - C - B.
____________________________________________________
RHYTHM SECTION
Bass - Finger Warm ups starting on 5th Fret
Level 1 - Fourth String, 5th fret (first finger), 6th fret (second finger) alternating index/middle plucking, same on Third String, second string and first string. Slide hand down one fret to start on 6th fret first string and walk back down to fourth string. Continue this pattern until you reach the ninth fret. Move on only when it is smooth and can be played at a consistent tempo - use a metronome to check. 
Level 2 -  Fourth String, 5th fret (first finger), 7th fret (third finger) alternating index/middle plucking, same on third String, second string and first string. Slide hand down one fret to start on 6th fret first string and walk back down to fourth string. Continue this pattern until you reach the ninth fret. Move on only when it is smooth and can be played at a consistent tempo - use a metronome to check. 
Level 3 - Fourth String, 5th fret (first finger), 8th fret (fourth pinky finger) alternating index/middle plucking, same on third String, second string and first string. Slide hand down one fret to start on 6th fret, first string and walk back down to fourth. Continue this pattern until you reach the ninth fret. Move on only when it is smooth and can be played at a consistent tempo - use a metronome to check. 
Level 4 - Fourth String, 5th fret (first finger), 7th fret (third finger), 6th fret (second finger), 8th fret (fourth finger). Alternating index/middle plucking, same pattern on third String, second string and first string. Slide hand down one fret to start on 6th fret first string and walk back up to fourth.Continue this pattern until you reach the ninth fret. Move on only when it is smooth and can be played at a consistent tempo - use a metronome to check. 


Percussion Warm Ups - Red Book back of book Rhythm Exercises with a Metronome on.  Practice each exercise with a Right hand start and then again with a left hand start.

Rhythm Randomizer:

http://www.rhythmrandomizer.com
​
Go into the "Note Options" and pick Whole Notes, Half Notes, Quarter Notes and Quarter Rests to practice with first until you are comfortable adding other rhythms.
"General Options" Will change the time signature and how many measures are shown at a time.
Say counting out loud, while clapping the notes for practice. 

Speed Test Practice:

treble_clef_speed_tests.pdf
File Size: 241 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
bass_clef_speed_tests.pdf
File Size: 230 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Music Theory.net has some great exercises, Including Note Identification practice! Don't forget to adjust the settings to only include the clef, note range, and accidentals you want to practice!
​https://www.musictheory.net/exercises
Every Good Band Deserves Fudge
Good Burritos Don't Fall Apart
Space rhymes with FACE
 Picture
All Cows Eat Grass
Ledger Lines - Get added above or below to continue the musical alphabet pattern - Alternate Line - Space - Line - Space = ABCDEFG ABCDEFG

Circle of Fifths

Tuning:

Free Online Tuner & Metronome:

Tuner: https://theonlinemetronome.com/instrument-tuner 
​
​Metronome: https://theonlinemetronome.com/online-metronome

Apps to take on the go!

BandMate, A Free Tuner App for All Band Students
Pro Metronome, A Free Metronome App to help keep time. 
Tonal Energy Tuner, A Paid App that combines Metronome and Tuner in one plus more! (Approx $5-6)
If purchasing a Tuner/Metronome from a music store/online - make sure it is a chromatic tuner.
At RMS we use Korg TM-60 Tuner/Metronome Combos

Links to Recordings of Songs:

Introductory Band:
Beethoven's Ninth Symphony - Paul Lavender
https://www.jwpepper.com/Beethoven%27s-Ninth/2326577.item

Enchantment - Brian Balmages
https://www.jwpepper.com/Enchantment/10369922.item
Intermediate Band:
Jupiter from the Planets
https://www.jwpepper.com/Jupiter-from-the-Planets/10031464.item

March of the Dragons
​https://www.jwpepper.com/March-of-the-Dragons/10907723.item

Celtic Air & Dance 3
https://www.jwpepper.com/Celtic-Air-and-Dance-No.-3/10281842.item

Nightsong - Richard Saucedo
https://www.jwpepper.com/Nightsong/2475626.item
Links to our recordings (April 19) for festival preparation:

March of the Dragons:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1B5_tlrPzd7i0MnDBJL11ZU-QQO4Fp1ju/view?usp=sharing

Jupiter:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/19LVWpwmpxVxzCnVlbzwyZaUUjLRueWT-/view?usp=sharing

Pirates of the Caribbean:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KvpdmHY7rn_3O2T0zKUu2e1o_5mOifRM/view?usp=sharing
Marching Band:
All Star:
https://www.jwpepper.com/All-Star/2473934.item#/

Louie Louie:
​https://www.jwpepper.com/Louie%2C-Louie/2225910.item#/

Hooked On a Feeling:
https://www.jwpepper.com/Hooked-on-a-Feeling/10681436.item#/

Famous Instrumental Artist Recordings

This list contains links to recordings done by famous instrumental artists in each Instrument area! Have a listen to some famous people who play the same instrument as you!

​https://www.dallasbrass.com/resources

https://banddirectorstalkshop.com/instrumental-recordings-list-for-band/

Band students have been sharing their favorite musical excerpts featuring their instruments in class.
Here is a list of the ones we have watched so far!

​Online Games:

A Free Note naming flash card generator that lets you choose your clef and your difficulty level.
​
https://www.richmanmusicschool.com/products/name-that-note 

Beginner = notes inside the staff with a 10 second timer

Intermediate = adds notes outside the staff on/above/below 1 ledger line with a 6 second timer

Virtuoso = adds notes outside the staff up to 3 ledger lines with a 4 second timer!
 Picture
Staff Wars, a game designed to help beginners and intermediates learn note names. $1.39 in the app store.
Full Scale Attack, a game to learn the notes of a scale for Intermediate students
Music Racer is an online game where students can choose to practice note names,  instrument fingerings and music terms! https://www.musicracer.com/
Classics for Kids is an online website that has listening examples, history of composers, note naming and rhythm identification games for students to explore. https://www.classicsforkids.com/

Google Classroom Codes:
Introductory Band - Google Class Code: Coming soon!
Intermediate Band Google Class Code: Coming soon!

*YOU MUST BE LOGGED IN TO GOOGLE WITH YOUR FIRST.LAST.STU@LEARN.SD23.BC.CA ACCOUNT!
**See below instructions on how to join Google Class 



How to Join Google Classroom:

Step 1: Sign in to Google using your  first.last.stu@learn.sd23.bc.ca account

If students have not used this account yet this year, your password should be the same as your network login at school. (The password you use to sign in to laptops)

If you are still unable to log in, email me to reset your password.
Step 2: Click on the rubics cube icon in the top right corner and click on "Google Classroom"
Step 3: Once in Google Classroom, Click on the + sign and Join Class using the class code provided above.
Step 4: Complete the first introduction assignment to show me you have logged in and can navigate the site!
Optional Step 5: If your child is using a phone/tablet device for most of their work, I highly recommend downloading the FREE Google Classroom App from the app store. 

Cool things to check out:

The Berlin Philharmonic has some free concerts in their Digital Concert Hall!
Check out one of the best Symphonies in the world!
https://www.digitalconcerthall.com/en/home

Some of my favorite pieces if you search by Composer under the "Concert" Tab are:
 1. Mussorgsky, Modest = Pictures at an Exhibition
2. Mahler, Gustav  = Symphony #1 - All, but especially movement III - See if you can hear the tune "Frere Jacques" but in a minor key
3. Mahler, Gustav  = Symphony #2 - All, but especially movement I - Count how many upright basses are playing!
4. Mendelssohn, Felix = Midsummer's Night Dream - Overture 
5. Berlioz, Hector =  Symphonie Fantastique - movement V
6. Dvorak, Antonin =  New World Symphony - All of it! Seriously, it sounds like movie music but if you only listen to part - try mvt II
7. Grieg, Edvard = Peer Gynt Suite - I bet you will recognize parts of all movements - especially Movement IV
8. Dukas, Paul = The Sorcerer's Apprentice
9. Ravel, Maurice = Bolero - Its a one movement, 15 minute piece. Listen for the repetition, how does the composer keep it from becoming tedious?
10. Bizet, George = Carmen: Excerpts - Found in the Dec 31 2018 New Years Concert conducted by Daniel Barenboim 

You don't have to listen to the whole concert, if you scroll beneath the video you can click on the piece you want to listen to; and on the video the yellow markers show the different movements if you want to listen to only a specific one. Movements are usually written in roman numerals.

The New York Philharmonic Another amazing ensemble to check out!
https://nyphil.org/playson



The Metropolitan Opera sometimes streams Opera's for FREE!
https://www.metopera.org/



The Wonderful World of Jazz

Coming soon!
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