Hello Bytown Band Musicians!
What a healthy sound you are producing already, with a full and steady tone! We are off to an excellent beginning!
Rehearsal Notes:
This week, we reviewed EE lines 9,7,5,3 and 1 (also known as Do Re Mi Fa So), as well as lines 8 and 10 with repeats! We also played lines 14, 17, and 22. In our band pieces, we tackled measures (aka bars) 1-27 in Sanctus, (based on a theme of Franz Schubert). R.W. Smith created this arrangement, and he has arranged and written over 600 pieces. We also worked on Crusade mm 1-9 and we played together the last note of The Hanging Tree.
For Next Week:
In preparation for next week, continue to review the long tones in the first lines of EE, and the lines we played this week, with particular attention to correct posture (feet flat on the floor, sitting at the edge of the chair), hand position (hamburger!) and embouchure (corners of the mouth firm, center more relaxed … reread pages 2-3 in your book). You may wish to look ahead to 18,22,23,25,28 , and refer to the fingering chart at the back of your book. We STRONGLY encourage you to listen to and to play along with the professional recording (you can either order the CD or access the pieces online: http://www.halleonard.com/ee2000Band.jsp
Sanctus: Measures 1-27, and measures (the oboe and saxophones have a solo section from mm 27- 35, so start preparing by listening to the recording (follow the link below), and figure out the fingerings.
The Hanging Tree The focus on October 4 will be mm25 – 28, and 33 – the end.
Crusade mm 36-45 and 64- the end
If you have a Facebook account, you are invited to join our (closed group) Facebook page by following this link
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1719505518263938/
Announcements:
Safety tip: – cases and personal items need to be stowed to the sides of the room to avoid blocking exits and so we they are not a tripping hazard at the back
Elevator: – heavy instruments and percussion gear need priority access to the elevator as do those people with special mobility needs or tubas – otherwise, please take the stairs at the beginning and end of the evening when percussion is being moved.
Listening – Please try to limit talking as much as possible, so that all can hear.
Equipment: – help setting up and and putting away percussion is appreciated!
Footwear – when rain (or snow) is in the forecast, please pack a pair of shoes or slippers, and leave your wet footwear along the hall upstairs, or in the vestibule/coat area at the entrance. Please never leave valuables in a coat pocket… money or car keys, for example!
Rehearsal Note excerpts for September 20 (For anyone who missed them!) :
Practice Tips:
10 – 15 minutes at a time is the best way to practice for the first weeks… but you could practice twice a day if you wish!
Pick up your instrument with the correct hand position at every commercial during your favourite TV show. Move your body to proper playing posture at the edge of a straight chair with no arms (or stand), and play a long steady note, with a consistent stream of air.
Play, or take a break and “do the fingering” without blowing, for two different pitches (like C – D – C – D), alternating back and forth, to get the feel of your fingers (or the slide) moving efficiently. If playing, the tone of the pitches should sound clear, supported with strong, steady air.
Rehearsal Notes:
For anyone who missed our first week with our instruments, we had one hour of clinics, and then met in full band and played lines 1 – 11. Musicians who have previous experience played line 14 for us. We also took a look at the first 9 bars of Sanctus, our first band piece!
Listening Links
We have three charts selected for this session. Go ahead and listen! These pieces represent a range of difficulty, but are definitely doable! For some instruments, there is an easy part and a more challenging part… you have a choice!
Sanctus (In 3) R W Smith http://www.jwpepper.com/sheet-music/media-player.jsp?&type=audio&productID=10280805
Hanging Tree – arr Robert Longfield http://www.jwpepper.com/sheet-music/media-player.jsp?&type=audio&productID=10521227
Crusade (with gong) http://www.jwpepper.com/sheet-music/media-player.jsp?&type=audio&productID=10011666
We may select one other piece from the following pieces. It is so hard to choose! Do you have a favourite? (Can you guess which one is the easiest to play?)
- Calypso Bells by Todd Phillips http://www.jwpepper.com/sheet-music/media-player.jsp?&type=audio&productID=10280807
- Or(if it comes in within the next week or two): Chant de Noel (Medieval Carol – Sing We Noel) arr Michael Story http://www.jwpepper.com/sheet-music/media-player.jsp?&type=audio&productID=10601484
Announcements:
You are invited to contribute $2 – $5 for juice and cookies for this session. The basket will be set out for three weeks. If you wish to bring fruit, home baking or cheese and crackers to share sometime, it will undoubtedly be appreciated!
Volunteer Positions:
Social Sparkplugs (2 – 3 musicians) Thank you Anne… we need one or two more!
Refreshment pack up: Cathy/Felicia and one more!
Refreshment buying: Thank you, Suzanne!
Potsdam NH Band Invitation to play music together; Dinner provided by Potsdam NHB: October 29 1 – 7
Band Rep (We will select a band rep in October)
When you have time, check out the New Horizons International Music Association at http://newhorizonsmusic.org/
