AS 214 : Beginner Fundamentals Timeline

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In this episode we talk about what beginner fundamentals we are focusing on this semester and planning when to approach them with each of our classes.

Fundamentals to be addressed:

  • scales
  • dynamics
  • staccato
  • legato
  • vibrato
  • tuning
  • trombone slurs
  • Remingtons
  • enharmonics
  • new rule (stagger breathing)
  • range extension
  • recognizing keys
  • 2 count breaths
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AS 132 – Instrument Placement

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By popular request, we talk about how we design our beginner instrument placement. In this episode we cover:

  • selling our program
  • parent contact
  • physical set up
  • our process
  • assigning instruments
  • creating a balanced beginner program

Below are the files we discuss in the episode.

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This is our very official flier that we deliver to all of our feeding elementary campuses.
This is our very official flier that we deliver to all of our feeding elementary campuses.

 

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This is the instrument placement form that we used this year.

 

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Here is a sample of the Google Sheets shared file that Jenna and Darcy use as they check students out at the end of instrument placement. Because the file updates dynamically, both of them can see as the instrument slots fill up and so both can see where they need to steer students to keep balanced numbers.

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AS 130 : Overly Committed

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In this episode we talk about kids that are too involved to be in band… or stay in band.

If you enjoy our podcast, take 2 seconds to share it with a friend or 15 seconds to review us on iTunes… Okay maybe a solid minute for the review. Your word of mouth helps band directors like you find our voice with which to commiserate, learn, and just relax.

Thank you for sharing your car, band hall, and earbuds with us. #trypod

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AS 012 – Flute Flexibility and Vibrato

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Jenna teaches half of the flute class, and the spring semester is all about vibrato in the flute world! In this episode Jenna expressed her concern about teaching vibrato when (as a horn player) that is not a skill she’s ever had to perform. The beginners are also incorporating octave slurs into their fundamental time, and the flexibility required to slur without over-blowing is not something her brass face has yet. In this episode we cover vibrato techniques and discuss exactly what a good flute face should do when changing octaves. An I-Play-You-Play demonstration is provided! 🙂

CHECK OUT OUR FACEBOOK PAGES FOR A LIVE FEED VIDEO OF DARCY & JENNA’S I-PLAY-YOU-PLAY FLUTE FLEXIBILITY!

Or, watch the same (but less amusing) basic premise on this YouTube Video.

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AS 008 : Prepping Kids for NEXT Year

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The last 12 weeks of school is 100% prep time for next year’s bands. While we definitely are still teaching beginner classes, we have split most of those periods amongst the three of us into two speeds: those who who need 12 more weeks to master Essential Elements book one and fundamental skills (ex. one octave scales), and those who are ready to potentially finish most of Essential Elements book two as well as more advanced skills (ex. unmetered vibrato, two octave scales, focus on musicality). Our number one goal is ensuring that 100% of our beginner students are prepared for 7/8th grade band, and that means meeting the kids at the level that they currently are at. Continuing to teach all students at the same pace denies the reality that kids learn at different speeds and sets some up for failure and others for boredom. We speak specifically about what that split looks like in the podcast.

In our full band classes, we are creating next year’s leaders. Whereas 8th graders might have been assign the majority of first parts most of the year, we are now pairing a 7th grade first part with an 8th grader so that they can learn to confidently take on harder roles while still with the safety of their older partner.

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AS 006 : Post UIL Breakdown

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On March 9th and 10th, Alex and Jenna’s respective bands went to UIL Concert and Sightreading Contest. Both bands did a fabulous job. Alex’s band played “Forward March”, “Storm Mountain Jubilee”, and “Phantom Ship.” Jenna’s performed “Alamo March”, “Broken Bow”, and “Moscow, 1941.”

Sitting in our office decompressing, Jenna and Alex had many thoughts on what brought their bands to this point this year and where they will be pushing their kids for the spring concert. While the kids might see the spring concert as their final concert of the year, we see it as the building blocks for next year’s bands.

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