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Band Directors Talk Shop

Scale of the Week! (Quick Tip)

16 Sep

Looking for a way to rotate through the scales and improve technique? Consider assigning a scale of the week. Teach or review it on Monday, practice it Tues/Wed/Thur and assess it on Friday.

Ideas for assessments:

  • Hear one section at a time.
  • Play “drop out.“
  • Play “drop out” speed version (speed up the met until you have 1-2 “winners.”
  • If you are lucky enough to have 2 directors, send kids out one at a time to perform.
  • Draw names for individuals to play in class. (See the Jar of Dooooom article.)
  • Have kids buddy up in groups of 2-3 and perform for each other.
  • Play only up or only down if time is an issue.

The “Bonus” Scale can be offered as a challenge to more advanced students and displays a differentiation opportunity.

Want the awesome watercolor posters in the picture?
You can grab them HERE.

Other Reading:
The Jar of Dooooooom (Changing Up Your Scale Routine)
Teaching the Individual Student in A Classroom Setting
How Using Lanyards Can Help You Listen to Every Student in Beginning Band

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Band Directors Talk Shop is all about helping you be a better band director so your students can be better musicians.  It is a collaborative effort of band directors, former band directors, private lesson teachers and fine arts administrators. Learn.  Posts will strive to teach you something you can use in your classroom today. ... Read More about About Us

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