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

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

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

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

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

RHYTHM Rhythm is objective, not subjective Counting system is necessary

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

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

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

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.

MISCELLANEOUS CRACKED NOTES, GAKS, CHIPS SQUEAKS MISSED NOTES

QUESTIONS