Band Practice Tips
Playing in the band is not only a fun opportunity to make music of
many types; it is also a chance to perform and bond with a group of students
who work together as a team. Practicing makes your experience that
much more enjoyable! Try these suggestions to help you achieve more
success!
3 Essential Things needed for Practice:
1) Music Stand 2) Pencil 3) Your music
Beginning Level
1. Develop a daily routine. Choose a time of day when you will
be able to practice without interruptions or distractions. Choose
a place that is quiet, comfortable, and free from distractive conditions.
2. Use a music stand to hold the music so that you can develop good
posture and proper
hand positioning.
3. Make sure you are putting your instrument together properly!
4. Try this 3-step way of practicing:
*
Step One - Say/sing the name of each tone to yourself using the correct
rhythm (correct length of time using a steady beat). Do not go
to Step Two until Step One is done well.
*
Step Two - Repeat step one and practice the fingerings as you say/sing
the tones. Do not go to Step Three until Step Two is done well!
*
Step Three - Now try to play the song. Keep a steady beat (Tempo)!
Go slowly at first, then speed up only when you can play the whole song at
a slow, steady pace.
4. While practicing, if you make a mistake do not stop!! Remember,
in full band rehearsal the rest of the band is not going to stop because
you do! If you stop, you will fall behind in the music. After
you have finished the song go back to where you made the mistake and practice
only that section of music several times until you can play it without a
mistake, and without stopping!
Grades 5 - 8
1. These are CRITICAL years in the development of an instrumentalist!
Be sure to continue good practice habits, even though you're not a "beginner"
anymore.
2. Start learning to play in different key signatures. Try
to play scales, adding more sharps and flats as you can handle them.
By 8th grade, you should be able to play with up to 4 sharps (the key of
E) or 4 flats (the key of Ab.)
3. Try adding a metronome to your practice routine! Start slowly
and increase your speed on scale studies. When you become used to moving
your fingers quickly, faster songs seem less difficult!
4. This is also a good time to get private lessons. Your band
instructors can recommend the names of several people in your area who give
lessons on your instrument.
5. Even if you are taking private lessons, you MUST practice your
band music at home! You will improve more if you vary the types of music
you play. You can purchase extra books with jazz, pop, or Broadway
songs to learn more styles of music.
6. As you become a better player, you will find that you'll need
to INCREASE your practice time! When you have more music to play,
it takes longer to practice all of it.
High School
1. When you have reached this level, you are probably going to continue
to play through your senior year, and maybe even in college. Your
level of commitment should now be at its highest! There will be more
performances during these years than before, and all will require your attendance.
2. As you get older, you will also have more commitments academically
and socially. However, you should still put in some practice time
at home to maintain your musical skills.
3. Your music becomes more challenging in high school. You
should try adding some difficult scale exercises, sight-reading, and memorization
training to your practice routine. Using advanced skill building books
in combination with some fun solo repertoire books (some with CD accompaniments)
can prevent boredom!
4. If you find yourself interested in exploring more about music,
try taking a music theory class or attend a summer music camp. These
can sometimes spark a new interest in playing your instrument.
5. Browse the internet to find out more about your instrument's history,
or look for famous players with tips on performance. It may give you
a new perspective on what it takes to be your best.
Related Links:
Music Home Page
/ Pine-Richland School District
Home Page / Elementary Music
/ Middle School Music / High School Music /
Music Faculty / Student
Resources / Parent Resources
