The documents on this page may be used at some point during your Middle School Band experience at CMS. Just about all of these documents were created/composed/organized by Mr. Verderese with the exception of maybe a few documents which were found on Google.
The best way to use this page is to "Search" for the type of document you want by clicking "Control F." Then type in the concept you are looking for - for instance, searching for "Lip Slurs," "Articulations" or "Scales" will take you directly to any documents that I have related to those topics.
Some links will take you directly to a single document that works for all instruments. Other links will take you to a folder of files of which you will need to select the proper one for YOUR instrument. For instance, a trumpet player would search for the 'Bb" version while a tuba player would search for the "Bass Clef' version. In other cases, the documents in the folder are labeled by the actual instrument name.
If you have any questions, feel free to email me at jverderese@cboek12.org.
If you find any errors/typos/formatting issues in any of the documents that need to be fixed, please consider bringing them to my attention by filling out THIS FORM so I can update the files.
Syllabus - 7-8 Grade Band - Most recent class syllabus and grading outline for 7th and 8th grade band
Full Collection of Rhythm & Scale Syllabus - Click here to take you to a page to access the entire Rhythm & Scale Syllabus as well as supplemental materials to go along with it.
Practice Concepts - Breakdown of the different portions of your warm up and practice routines for winds, strings and percussion.
Practice Recommendations - Tips about how to make your practice session more successful
Setting Practice Goals - This document can be used to develop goals for your practice session. Setting goals will help you be more efficient and effective in your practicing.
Anatomy of Music Notation - Click to view a video explaining the parts of written notation (Stems, note heads, beams, Flags, etc.)
Circle of 5ths - Click to view the circle of 5ths (or 4ths) document
Tuning Note/Instrument Key Chart - Tuning note chart tells you what "Concert pitch" will sound when you play any note on your instrument. Instrument key chart will tell you which key your instrument is pitched in (Bb, Eb, Bass Clef, C, etc.)
Articulations - Click to see definitions and examples of common articulations used in music.
Dynamics - This file goes through dynamics starting from very soft and going through very loud.
Dynamics Part 2 - (CLICK HERE for video tutorial on Dynamics) (CLICK HERE for a slideshow about dynamics.
Enharmonics - Check out this file to understand which notes can be labeled 2 different ways. (E#=F)
FINGERING CHARTS - Open this folder to find the fingering chart that applies to your instrument. There are also trill charts for appropriate instruments to help you understand how to trill between 2 different notes.
Long Tone Information Sheet - This document includes information about how to play long tones, why to do them, a video demonstration & tutorial, videos from professional musicians about long tones, a link to the full range sheet of long tones for each instrument and more!
Long Tone Tutorial Video - Click for a detailed explanation about how and why to do long tones.
Long Tones - Full Range Worksheet - In this folder, you will find a recommended order of long tones for each instrument - starting in the mid-range of your instrument going to the very lowest note. Then starting at that same mid-range note, you will go up to the upper register of your range. This is recommended to be done each day. Take your time to develop your tone quality by doing long tones as often as possible!
Long Tones & Tonguing - Bb Chromatic Scale (1 octave) - This folder contains an exercise using the concert Bb Chromatic scale to combine long tones (whole note) and tonguing (4 quarter notes) as an abbreviated warm up option when you are short on time.
One important aspect of your daily warm up should include tonguing/bowing. The great thing about this part of your warm up is that you can totally choose your own adventure. Here is what you need to do:
1 - Choose a rhythm - this can be any rhythm you want, but it's certainly helpful to choose one that may be helpful for the music you are about to practice
2 - Choose an articulation - when practicing tonguing/bowing, make sure you are aware of what type of attack you are trying to do and stick to it!
3 - Choose a tempo - I recommend setting a metronome to a tempo and staying at that tempo. This way you sneak in some practice in tempo control while doing your tonguing/bowing exercises.
Tonguing/Bowing Practice Options - Click here to see a list of various ways you can work on your tonguing exercises including a list of articulations and speeds
JV's Warmup Process - This sheet is designed for beginners to start developing strong warm up patterns from the very beginning.
2 Note Slur Examples - includes "Low 2 Note Slurs" and "Middle 2 Note Slurs" in all 7 positions/finger combinations
JV's Brass Workout - This sheet will guide you through long tones and lip slurs that can be used forever! It is to be used after an explanation and some experience with long tones and lip slurs.
Lip Slur Demo Video - This video will take you through a majority of the lip slurs on "JV's Brass Workout" as shown on the worksheet above. (Video edit by Tim Hayward)
TAPS - various documents to help you sound "Taps." This is a must-know for trumpet players
Scale Test Schedule, Ranges & Grading Information - This document includes the most updated list of scale testing dates for the year as well as the general idea of how scale tests are graded. Additionally, the link will bring you to a chart telling you how many octaves you are expected to be able to perform for each of the 12 major scales, on each instrument, throughout 7th and 8th grade.
12 Scale Final Test Requirements & Rubric - This document tells you all about the end of the year 12- scale test.
Chromatic Scale Range Requirements - This sheet tells you the range requirements for the end of year 8th grade chromatic scale test.
Major Scales - 1 octave - Use this folder to find your scale sheet for 12 major scales. This sheet shows you the "easiest" octave for each scale on your instrument.
Major Scales - Full Range - Use this folder to find your scale sheet for 12 major scales. This sheet shows you the octave requirements for the "Full range" of each scale on your instrument.
Scale Practice Patterns (Written in Concert Bb) - This sheet includes 11 different scale practice patterns you can use to practice your scales/keys. These exercises will help you work on memorizing the scale, playing in the key and also will help with your finger speed and dexterity.
Scale Practice Patterns Instructions Sheet - Read this document for tips on how to use the Scale Practice Patterns
Scale Practice Patterns Tutorial Video - Watch this video to hear a demonstration of each of the scale practice patterns on the sheet above and to hear a little discussion regarding the exercises.
Interval Exercises Tutorial Video - Watch this video to see how to do the "interval" exercises as half notes, 8th notes, Triplet 8th notes and 16th notes.
Concentration Exercise Demo Video in Concert G - Watch this video to see how to do the "concentration" exercise.
1, 1-2-1 Demo Video in Concert G - Watch this video to hear how the "1, 1-2-1" exercise is played. This video uses the key of Concert G.
Dorian Scales - This folder contains scale sheets for each instrument - 1 octave Dorian mode in all 12 keys
Mixolydian Scales - This folder contains scale sheets for each instrument - 1 octave Mixolydian mode in all 12 keys
Diatonic Scales/Modes - This sheet explains the 7 modes and their relation to the major scale. COMING SOON
Rudiments Sheet (Includes 40 main drum rudiments)
Multiple Bounce Stroke Info/Exercises/Video Tutorial - Includes file with instructions and links to exercises, videos and other info about Multiple Bounce Strokes
Roll Rudiments Info/Exercises/Video Tutorial - Includes file with instructions and links to exercises, videos and other info about Rolls
Diddle Rudiments Info/Exercises/Video Tutorial - Includes file with instructions and links to exercises, videos and other info about Diddles
Flam Rudiments Info/Exercises/Video Tutorial - Includes file with instructions and links to exercises, videos and other info about Flams