Scale Entry and Practice

Richard Shields
rshields@kwajalein-school.com
Kwajalein School System

TI:ME Technology Areas Addressed:

Notation

Level:

High School

Class:

Instrumental

Equipment:

Internet access, home computer, band instrument, scale booklet

Duration:

10 Minutes

Prior Knowledge and Skills:

Students must know hoe to install free software on their home computer.

MENC Standards Addressed:

MENC 2: Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
MENC 5: Reading and notating music.
MENC 7: Evaluating music and music performances.

Materials:

Scale helper worksheet, and band handbook

Objectives:

At the conclusion of the home drill, the student will be able to enter scales in Notepad, play them back, and play along with them on the student’s band instrument.

Procedures:

In band rehearsal, take ten minutes to walk students through Notepad download, entry of scales in the notation software, adjustment of volume and tempo, save to a folder, and playback while playing their instrument. Throughout the school year, students will copy each of the eighteen required scales from the band handbook, verifying accuracy, save them to a single folder, to be e-mailed to the teacher for extra credit.

Evaluation:

Completed scale folder will be evaluated for note accuracy and set-up. Scales will be played in class on Fridays, and scores will be compared to previous years when Notepad was not being used.

Follow Up:

Encourage students to use Notepad technique for practicing difficult performance literature and to write their own music.

Items to Purchase:

none

When budget should be submitted:

n/a