Junior High Band
Rehearsal Tips

Teach Rhythm Challenges as Part of Warm-up

When a piece of music had a difficult rhythm pattern in it, I found it helpful to isolate the rhythm pattern and practice it during the warm up. By clapping the rhythm, playing it on one note, and then playing it over a scale (See the instructions at the beginning of Rhythm Exercises) we saved time when the rhythm appeared in the music.

Video Disclaimer

The attached videos are not perfect examples of how each tune should be played. They are recordings of junior high students, some of whom have had their instruments for only a few months. Also, they are not professional recordings. They were taken by band parents using home equipment and naturally focusing on their own children.

I include them for two reasons: (1) To give you an idea of what the arrangements are like, and (2) To illustrate the kind of performance you can expect from your junior high students.