I am working on a series of “creativity” projects to present to Scott Rush and GIA to coincide with a project that they already have underway. I am putting a bit of a twist on it, by directly tying it in with warm ups and other essential parts of the curriculum you already teach you students. “Danny Boy” is a good example. Doubling as a chorale to warm up with, it is also a study in key signatures and sight reading different keys. The first part of the chorale is targeted for students at the 8th grade level. There is a second chorale that can be played separately, or as “part of a whole.” This second half is for more likely at the level of your 7th graders and possibly second semester 6th. It uses however the soprano (and possibly the alto part) to be featured as solo or duet as the rest of your band performs their four parts. You can use your more advanced students at these younger grade levels to act as soloists, allowing them to be challenged and featured, as you begin working with the rest of the class on balance and blend, both with and without soloists. “The Danny Boy” chorale(s) and duet, will be eventually arranged in all seven junior keys. Concert “Bb” and “C” are completed at this time.

An additional “Reading Key Signature” supplemental sheet was created to introduce or review the four basic rules of reading key signatures. Different exercises are also written in all seven of the junior audition keys. My suggestion is select a scale, play it, do the “Reading Key Signature” line that corresponds to that key, and finally play the “Danny Boy” chorale(s) / duet (also in that key). All three steps can be done in a reasonably short period of time and (as you can see) target several key areas you already cover in your daily warm ups. The “creativity” aspect of the lesson is actually a “side product” of the process. I am attaching the lesson plan for that as well, in case you would like to add that dynamic to the mix. If you have any questions on any “how’s” or “why’s”, just give me a call.

Sincerely,

Rich Moon