Musichouse Idea Exchange
Bandroom Basics
Bandroom Basics is where you will find items collected for you by us, or written by us on everything from the things to know when just starting up an instrumental band program, to balanced ensembles structures, how to tune your band like a pro and so much more. We are continually searching for more and better items for this library so if you have a specific topic that you would like to see information about please let us know and we will happily search it down or write it up.
General Band Resources
Before We Get Started - What's Your Philosophy? (article by MIE)
If you are a bonafide band geek like me, there is nothing more exciting than the first day of class when a fresh group of students enters the music room. At this point there is nothing but a room full of potential waiting to be unleashed on the world of music. Students are excited because they are going to try something completely new and challenging, and you are full of expectations and the anticipation that you will be able to shape all of this raw energy and excitement into a beautiful sounding ensemble. You are committed to making sure that each child reaches their full potential and has a blast doing it. It really is the best feeling in the world. This article was written by the Musichouse Idea Exchange.
However, at this point we as teachers have to ask ourselves, if the students bring to our classroom their excitement and expectations, their energy and their infinite potential for achievement, what have we brought to share with them in the experience that is about to unfold?
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One Space, Two Classrooms: the beginning band room. (article by MIE)​
Over time you will discover that although there is only one physical space in which you stand there are actually two classrooms in which you work. One is the Physical classroom and one is the Cultural classroom.
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Selecting Instruments for Students - Part A: Preparing for Success (article by MIE)
This article deals with setting the stage with your class so that they are prepared to participate in the ensemble-building exercise that involves testing suitability for instruments. Having students put the ensemble first, ahead of themselves is key to successful instrument selection.
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Selecting Instruments for Students - Part B: Setting Up for Success (article by MIE)
Actively engaging students in the adventure of finding their perfect instrument match. ;)
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Creating Musically Functional Seating Arrangements (article by MIE)
This article outlines one line of thought on what factors should guide your beginning band seating arrangement.
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Instrument Specific Beginning Band Tips (PDF link)
This is a great little 14 page publication that gives very useful instrument-specific tips to first time band teachers. Issues dealt with include posture, embouchure, holding the instrument correctly and so on. This is brought to you by the folks at www.smartmusic.com. Enjoy.
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How to Cultivate a Great Beginner Band (online article)
This fantastic article written by Anthony Mazzocchi for the National Association of Music Educators in the United States, lays out some really sound fundamental understandings that we can all learn from. While you are there at the article, look around the NAFME website. There's lots to see and even though membership to this American organization is required to access much of the materials, there are still some useful things to see and it's kind of interesting to take a peek at what our friends to the south are doing in their classrooms.
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Correct General Posture - (video)
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Good Playing Posture - (Article by MIE)
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Fingering and Trill Charts for every instrument. (website)
A great collection with links to every fingering chart in PDF format.
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Surviving the Beginning Band Concert (online article)
The wonderful article by Randy Navarre was originally written for School Band and Orchestra magazine and is found shared with permission on the www.childrensmusicworkshop.com website. The information provided by Mr. Navarre gives very clear instructions on when to do that first concert and how to choose appropriate repertoire. You will also read about how to use that performance to educate your parent community about why your students are playing what they are playing.
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Survival Tips and Instructional Materials for Junior Band Directors (website)
Based on wisdom shared in a book by Larry Hill, this page by him, contains links to information on a myriad of topics such as observing other directors, avoiding burnout, basic musicianship skills, intonation, balance, method books, mouthpiece warm-ups, listening, ear training and so much more. Definitely worth a visit if you are new to teaching band or just want some advice from the voice of experience.
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Tuning Your Band in Short Rehearsals (online article)
Clinician: Charlotte Royall Sponsor: TEXAS BANDMASTERS ASSOCIATION
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Band and Orchestra Intonation: Teaching an Ensemble Skill (online article)
Dr. James South, Southwestern Oklahoma State University
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Intonation: Band Training (online article)
Written by Bruce Gale
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Tuning for Beginner Bands - First-year Players (online article)
This article by Mr. Fred J. Allen, Director of Bands ar SFA School of Music (www.music.sfasu.edu) asks "Tuning in the beginner year? Are you crazy? Why would I take the time to do something that complicated?". And then he answers with a simple four step process that is easy to implement from the very beginning. This article is found at the Texas School Music Project website. While you are there take a look around and you will find all sorts of useful information. Look here for pages specifically dedicated to tips for teaching all of the basic band instruments - flute, clarinet, saxophone, oboe, bassoon, trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium/tuba as well as percussion. The following two articles are also by Fred J. Allen and taken from the Texas School Music Project website.
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Band Repertoire (online article)
This article includes four PDF docs that list recommended charts for Young Band, Advanced Band, Core Repertoire for Bands and Chamber Music for Winds.
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A Prehistoric Suite by Paul Jennings - Are you working on this classic chart with your students? If so, here are a couple great online resources we've found for you.
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Conductor's Checklist: A Review for the Public School Teacher (online article)
Although “teaching” occupies a greater portion of the time spent in public school rehearsals, teachers who conduct clearly and expressively can save valuable time. A prepared conductor-teacher exudes more confidence on the podium, not only in performance, but also in rehearsals.
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Improving The Sound Of The Band (online article)
by Walter Beeler
This version first appeared in the WASBE Newsletter, reorganized and edited by Mark Fonder.
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Tone Quality Models: from Westfield Community School website. (webpage)
This is a fantastic resource for any band teacher trying to point students towards great examples of proper instrumental tone on all of the common concert band instruments.
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Instrument Demonstration for Beginning Band (video)
This twenty minute video has members of The United States Army Field Band demonstrating and briefly discussing the instruments of the concert band.
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Rehearsing the Very Young Band - Part One (online article)
"As directors, we are stewards of our rehearsal time and have the responsibility to allocate our rehearsal time where it can be used most effectively. One basic question requires an answer — are we going to use our time to build skills or to rehearse the music? Obviously, both need our attention. I believe, however, the younger the band - the more rehearsal time that should be devoted to skill building." This article found at www.brucepearsonmusic.com. At this website you will find other articles on everything from creating correct saxophone embouchure to A + E = T (Air + Embouchure = Tone).
Published in Kjos Band News, Spring 2002, Volume 5 Copyright © 2009 Neil A. Kjos Music Company
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Middle School Band Rehearsal: Tools and Techniques for Your Middle School Band Classroom (online PDF article)
This work by Roderic Vanscoy provides some sound basic knowledge on many useful topics for the young band teacher. From teaching tonguing to tuning, rehearsal preparation to keeping a steady tempo, it's all here in 40 pages.
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Beginning Band - A Guide to Success (PDF file)
This course from www.beginningbandproject.com is intended for a Music Teacher, or anyone with a musical inclination, who is brave and selfless enough to lead Beginning Band. There are Appendices that contains information about musical basics like conducting and clefs which are meant to be a resource for you if teaching music, or teaching music other than one-on-one, is a new experience.
Other than instruments, there is nothing to buy - for you or your students. This free course is distributed as a .pdf.
All necessary teaching and student material can be printed as you need it. Everything is included. This course is FREE.
You may copy and distribute it for non-commercial, educational use.
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Ontario Music Festivals Association (website)
Looking for information about festivals happening in your area?
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Nice Examples of Ensemble Sound and/or Performance
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Concert Band / Wind Ensemble
Irish Tune from County Derry by Percy Grainger by Royal Northern College of Music Wind Orchestra
Rhapsody from the Low Countries - Henk van Lijnschooten Some traditional Dutch Folk songs.
Declaration Overture by Claude T. Smith
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Brass Resources
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How to Clean Brass Instruments
Play Brass:Common Useful Alternative Fingerings (webpage)
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Trumpet
Improve your Trumpet Sound! The Basics of BUZZING the Mouthpiece
How To Form a Trumpet (brasswind) Embouchure in Four Steps, by Charlie Porter
Exercise Database for Trumpet Players
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French Horn
French Horn - Playing The First Five Notes
Beginners French Horn Tutorial
Wynton Marsalis takes the Sarah´s Music Horn Challenge
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Trombone
Trombone Lesson 1: Assembly, Disassembly, & How to Hold
Trombone - Proper hand position
How To Play Trombone For Beginners
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Euphonium (Baritone Horn)
How to Play the Euphonium Baritone
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Tuba
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Woodwind Resources
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Finger Charts for your phone - Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Sax (website)
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Oboe
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Bassoon
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Flute
Pro Tips - Alternate Fingerings For Flute
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Clarinet
How to Play the Clarinet : How to Begin Playing the Clarinet
Clarinet Basics: Embouchure by Jonathan Jones
Beautiful Clarinet Tone and Intonation Tutorial by Alexey Gorokholinsky
Tips for Throat Tones: Short article from the International Clarinet Association.
Bass Clarinet: The basics for clarinet or saxophone players
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Saxophone
How to get started on the saxophone!
Saxophone Lessons For Beginners
Saxophone - 10 bad habits that hold back beginning saxophone players - and how to avoid them!
Saxophone Fingering Chart - BIG BANG studio. (webpage)
A fantastic resource for sax players at all levels.
Top 5 Apps For Saxophone Players
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Percussion Resources
Beginning Snare Drum: Lessons (Grip and Basic Strokes)
The Single-Stroke Roll (April 2009 Issue of Modern Drummer Magazine)
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Drum Kit Resources
How To Play Drums - Your Very First Drum Lesson
How to Play Basic Rock Drum Beats | Drumming
Jazz Rhythm Section 101: Latin Styles
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Concert Bass Drum Resources
Concert Bass Drum 1: Characteristics & Maintenance / Vic Firth Percussion 101
Concert Bass Drum 3: Playing Techniques / Vic Firth Percussion 101
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Timpani Resources
Timpani 1: Characteristics and Maintenance / Vic Firth Percussion 101
Timpani 2: Setup / Vic Firth Percussion 101
Timpani 3: Grip & Basic Stroke / Vic Firth Percussion 101
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Auxiliary Percussion
How to Play Auxiliary Percussion : How to Play a Tambourin
Easy Latin Drumming Ensemble - Congas, Bongos, and More
Cajon Basics Tutorial Lesson - How to play the Cajon
Conga Hand Technique Demonstration
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String Resources
Beginner Bass Guitar Lesson - First Lesson: Absolute Basics
How to Play Bass Guitar - Rhythm 101 - Bass Guitar Lessons for Beginners - Jump Start
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Great Examples of Individual Instrumental Performances that demonstrate a broad palette of colours in tone and incredible ability. Always worth sharing with students for inspiration purposes and to demonstrate the diversity that exists even within the world of individual instruments. Please always be sure to preview all video content to ensure that it is age appropriate for your students. ;)
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Instruments Common to Beginning School Bands
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Flute
Ibert Flute Concerto, Mvt. 3 - Annie Wu, flute
Moe Koffman Plays Bach - Koff Drops (Allegro Sonata II)
Three Beats For Beatbox Flute - Annie Wu
Clarinet
Blagojce Trajkovski - The greatest clarinet solo ever!!
Han Kim plays Solo de Concours by H.Rabaud
Imagine Dragons - Radioactive. Clarinet cover. By Ferenc Clarinet
Flight of the Bumblebee
Prelude from Cello Suite No. 1 by J.S. Bach - Bass Clarinet
Michel Pilz 1977 - Amazing Jazz Bass Clarinet Solo
Saxophone
Georgia On My Mind | Marty Paoletta | Alto Sax
Tower of Power, Tom Politzer Sax Solo
The Best of Baritone Sax Playing
Trumpet
Hummel Trumpet Concerto 3rd Mvt - Alison Balsom
Wynton Marsalis Improvised Trumpet Solos
Louis Armstrong - Someday
Mahler 5 Opening Trumpet solo (Gabor Tarkovi, BPO)
French Horn
Tchaikovsky's 5th Symphony Horn Solo
Nocturno Op. 7 French Horn Solo, Steve Park, Horn
Vienna Horns Back to the Future
Trombone
Best Bolero Trombone Solo
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
Wycliffe Gordon - Trombone Legend
Euphonium
David Childs - Carnival of Venice
Matthew White gives the euphonium a new voice
Tuba
Parable XXII for Solo Tuba. Vincent Persichetti. Tuba: Isaac Rodríguez Cotrofe.
Oystein Baadsvik and his incredible composition "Fnugg Blue" performed on the Tuba.
Fred Dupin - Tuba Jazz - Doctor Jazz
Percussion
Marimba solo -- "A cricket sang and set the sun" by Blake Tyson
"The Tragedy of a Young Soldier" by Christopher D. Walker
Snare Drum Solo by John Wooton - Drumeo
Marching Band - Blast! - Drumline - Battery Battle
Bass
Marcus Miller - Hard Slapping
Adam Ben Ezra - AWESOME UPRIGHT BASS SOLO
Jamiroquai - Time Won't Wait [Bass Cover]
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School Ensembles worth listening to
Ascentium
Balladair-Frank Erickson
Japan 2009's top elementary school symphonic band performance
Korean Elementary School Wind Ensemble!!
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Unique Instruments
Less Common Instruments
My Little Suede Contrabass Clarinet
Glass Harmonica
The only Contrabass French Horn ever made!
Contrabass Saxophone
Attilio Berni plays the giant J'Elle Stainer sub-contrabass saxophone
Up Close With A Curator: Octobasse
The Wanamaker Organ - Inside the world's largest operating musical instrument
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Home-made Instruments just for fun
Monster Tubulum: Time to Start II [thejerrymobile classic]
My PVC Instrument, DRS Talent Show (Original)
Carrot clarinet & Mr Curly
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Unique Performances
Street musician with unbelievable instrument! (Daniel Waples)
Amazing Street drummer - One of the best I've seen.
Insane Street Musician in Washington D.C.
AKI-RA sunrise !!! Water Drum Improvisation
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Cool Videos Recommended by MIE
Liked by us here at MIE, the following list of videos contains everything from home-made instruments to the Pentatonix. These are mostly videos that we have used with music classes as discussion starters, inspiration pieces, fun class closers etc. All part of the "JOY" quotient. again, please preview anything you use from here to check content for appropriateness. Enjoy!
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Dixieland Jazz
Preservation Hall Jazz Band - "Tailgate Ramble" at Preservation Hall This is a wonderful video and a must-show if you do a lesson on Dixieland jazz. And this too - Original Dixieland Jazz Band® "odjb" Fidgety Feet. Oh and yah, you will have to include this too - Jazz for Cows
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Canadian Folk Music
Gordon Lightfoot Canadian Railroad Trilogy live in concert bbc 1972. A wonderful example of real contemporary Canadian folk music. Also very good for discussion about changes in tempo, meter and mood.
"The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" - Gordon Lightfoot. As above.
Stan Rogers - "Northwest Passage". Stan holds a very unique place as a story-teller of Canadian stories and experiences. This is a classic example as is Bluenose.
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Collaborations
Wynton Marsalis & Eric Clapton - Layla When shared along with the original Layla recording this video shows how reaching out and sharing with others is so beneficial. This is a great conversation starter when talking about partnerships and collaborations. Bringing together people, musical styles and ideas that are so different can lead to something that is truly remarkable.
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Justin Hines
Justin Hines at the MTN Awards. This video too is a wonderful prompt for conversation, and mature student groups are literally moved to tears once they look into Justin's story, his message and his beautiful music. A truly moving Canadian story that lets our students know that life is so full of potential no matter what cards you are dealt, and music is a language that they can use to make a statement. Other useful links: Justin Hines "Courage", Say What You Will, Justin Hines inspiring life story and CBS Sunday Morning
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Ragtime
If you do a unit or lesson Ragtime be sure to include these two wonderful examples.
Maple Leaf Rag Played by Scott Joplin and
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Fugue
If you are looking at the fugue form them these two might be handy and fun as well.
Bach, Fugue in C Major, WTC I, BWV 846,
Bach, Toccata and Fugue in D minor, organ,
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What is Good Music?
Musical tastes always tend to lead students to opinions about what is 'good' and what is not. This little piece by Homestar Runner provides a great kick-off for the discussion. does it accomplish what it was created for? Does it create a response in the listener? A great way to get it going and kids actually love this little tune. They actually hang on every note.
Secret Song by Homestar Runner
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The Science of Music - Home made Instruments. Linsey Pollak has a whole pile of videos showing how to make some incredible insturments. We guarantee you, a quick look at just a couple and you will be hooked as will your students. Carrot clarinet Carrot Clarinet & Mr Curly, Watering Can Clarinet Quartet and Mr Curly (contra bass clarinet) A MUST SEE!
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Suppliers
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For a useful list of businesses that provide sales and services for music programs in Ontario please click here.
Before you leave this page...
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Here's a real favourite of ours that we have used to initiate discussion about 'roles in an ensemble'. Fantastic! Enjoy!