This is the “go to” document for the series.   Younger ensembles will benefit from keeping this on their stand, not just for rehearsing, but also for reference.  

Teaching Tip – Begin with the “Bracket”.   After successfully playing the bracket with all the correct notes, begin to add the “Extensions”.   You do not have to add the entire bracket at one time.  Keep in mind the student have the “Danger Note” marked with an arrow ▼.

Teaching Tip for Younger Ensembles – When reading a new piece in the basic band keys (Bb, Eb, Ab, F) have students match the key signature with the piece.  Continue to have them identify the key and look up the Danger Notes for the key.  

Teaching Tip for Younger Ensembles – When adding extensions, let them know that it’s ok if they don’t reach the higher notes.   Encourage them to try and use good fundamentals and they will eventually reach their goal.

The Middle School Extended Scales add the Danger Notes that are outside of the 8 note scale.

Teaching Tip – Use the Key Relations Fingering Chart when beginning to teach a new scale.   A good starting tempo would be 70bpm and increase from there.   F Major includes a two octave scale.   Depending on the grade level or ability, you make omit measures 2 and 3 or repeat 1 in reverse.  You may also choose to have certain instruments start at measure 2. 

Teaching Tip – The V-I cadence is an opportunity to have students watch and practice dynamic changes.

The High School Extended Scales is a continuation from the Middle School Extended Scales with more major and minor keys.  

Teaching Tip – The minor scales do not have arrows (▼) to mark Danger Notes.  Since the minor scale is in melodic form it doesn’t work the same way.  You can ask them however to reference the relative major key if needed.

Advanced Octaves – Several instruments will include cue notes for additional octaves.  You may assign these when you feel they are ready or ask students to self-promote themselves.

The Advanced Extended Scales should be used with your top high school ensemble and secondary groups when ready.  They will challenge the ranges of your players. 

Teaching Tip – Not every section has the same numbers of octaves for each scale.  Harmony will be created as sections move up and down.   Remind sections to decrease their dynamic when transitioning to the drone and work on air support at quieter levels.

The Chromatic Scales are meant to be used as a full ensemble exercise but can also work individually by omitting the rests.

Teaching Tip – Remind them to count their rests carefully.   If range becomes an issue for a player, ask them to play up to their current maximum while encouraging them to add a note every rehearsal.  Measure 9 is the percussion transition measure that sends the scale back down.   You should always include a snare drum and bass drum player in this exercise.

Teaching Tip – The Advanced Chromatic Scale also makes an easy-to-use fingering chart.