1. ARE BASICS NECESSARY EVERYDAY? REALLY???? Ron Hufstader, Ph.D. Director of Bands University of Texas at El Paso

2. WHAT ARE THE BASICS? Tone Quality Intonation Rhythm Ensemble Precision Articulation Balance Blend

3. FOCUS TIME Better known as a Warm-Up Stretches Breathing Exercises Scales Intonation Studies Chorales

4. TONE QUALITY Development of Individual Tone Quality Development of Ensemble Tone Quality

5. INTONATION Requires a characteristic, focused tone Requires listening, not looking at a tuner

6. RHYTHM Rhythm is objective, not subjective Counting system is necessary

7. ENSEMBLE PRECISION Attacks and releases Note length Accurate rhythms Breathe together—Play together

8. ARTICULATION Match the front end of notes Match the release Practice various articulations

9. BALANCE Has a great deal to do with your concept of ensemble sound. Balance within sections Balance within families Balance the ensemble

10. BLEND Blend occurs when two or more tones come together to achieve unity of sound. Within the ensemble, blend is used to achieve specific tone colors.

11. MISCELLANEOUS CRACKED NOTES, GAKS, CHIPS SQUEAKS MISSED NOTES

12. QUESTIONS