Yesterday during "Coffee with Ren" I suggested using backing tracks as you practice. Students in jazz have talked about this in rehearsal before, but the applications extend far beyond just playing the blues or working on improv. As an example, check out this pop/rock backing track in concert D major. These backing tracks do several different things as you practice.
I turned this on and was playing my concert D major scale. I started by playing half notes, quarters, and eighths, but then I started making up patterns. Here is a sample scale practice routine that you can try with this track: ⭐ Play the concert D major scale in half notes, up and down, repeating the top note. ⭐ Next, play the same scale but this time in eighth notes. Always play with the beat. ⭐ Now, make up your own rhythm patterns as you play along with the backing track. ⭐ Finally, make up your own patterns of rhythms and notes. See if you can make it sound melodic, like someone is singing along with the backing track.
We call that improvisation. You are now an improviser. Go sign up for jazz band. All students interested in auditioning for the Wind Ensemble for next school year will submit a video audition. A few of the positive reasons we are using video auditions:
With all of the snow days, we weren't able to establish a consistent audition timeline, so this is out next best option. All video auditions must be submitted to Mr. Renneke no later than Wednesday, March 20. Please be aware that this is in the middle of spring break. Any auditions that are time-stamped after March 20 will not be considered. Video Audition Requirements
Follow the links below to listen to the recordings from rehearsal on Tuesday.
You will need to be logged in with your @chipfalls.org login to be able to listen. For starters, I thought it would be nice to share out some great recordings of different instrumental ensembles. Listening to musicians play YOUR instrument at a very high level can help develop your own understanding of characteristic sound. Flute
Clarinet
Saxophone
Horn
Trombone
Euphonium/Tuba
Percussion
TUESDAY 9/5 (A)
THURSDAY 9/7 (A)
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