Danger Scales 1

Danger Scales 1

Target Grades 6-8

Danger Scales focuses on the four common band keys of Bb, Eb, Ab, and F.   Each of the scales is extended to cover the danger notes that are commonly played outside of the eight note scale.   For example, a clarinet player may learn the Bb scale and miss the low B in a piece of music.  Both B’s (or the 7th scale degree) are covered in the scale.

Danger Notes – All Danger Notes are marked with an arrow ▼ in the score and student part.

Transposing Instruments – In the student part, explanations and details are given on the Danger Notes and how they relate to their key signature.

Fingerings – Fingerings are provided for the Danger Notes on the student part.

Percussion – Students should begin with mallets; however, adding the snare and bass drum parts will add rhythmic stability while working on fundamental rhythms.   The Snare Drum Part adds a base line to help developing percussionists work on their rolls and counting.

Chords – At the end of every scale pattern, a V-I cadence will help develop tone, balance, and key understanding.

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.

Rehearsal Tips – Use the Key Relations Fingering Chart when beginning to teach a new scale.   A good starting tempo would be 70bpm and increase it from there.   F Major includes a two octave scale.   Depending on the grade level or ability, you may omit measures 2 and 3 or repeat 1 in reverse.

You may also choose to have certain instruments start at measure 2.

You can view a sample score and listen to an audio file here.