Begin each rehearsal with a warm-up routine that focuses on some basic playing. This will develop good tone, intonation, blend and balance, technique, and it will engage the students to develop deeper listening skills. There are many good ensemble method books that can be incorporated to help a director initiate this phase. All in all, this could be 10-15 minutes of the most important time spent at each rehearsal. Everything done during this time period will transfer to other portions of the rehearsal.
Jeremy D. Schutter
Aberdeen Central High School
Aberdeen, SD
Submit your PLAYING TIP online at sboplus.net or email
it to editor Mike Lawson at mlawson@timelesscom.com.
Winning entries will be published in School Band & Orchestra
and the contributor will receive a prize compliments of
EPN Travel Services, Inc.
