April 27, 2026 Rehearsal Recap
Music Theory: Chords & Triads
During our music theory time, we explored the basics of chords, focusing on how a triad is formed using the 1st, 3rd, and 5th notes of a scale.
We also discussed:
Where chords appear in written music
How chords support a melody
How to listen for chord progressions in music
A chord progression is simply a sequence of chords that supports a melody.
Listening tip:
A great place to start identifying chord progressions is early rock and roll or rockabilly. These styles often use simple, highly repetitive progressions that are easy to hear once you start listening for them.
How to Band: Musical Roadmap Vocabulary
We focused on key terms found in our new piece Alamo:
Repeats – Play the section again between repeat signs
1st & 2nd Endings – Play the first ending, repeat, then skip to the second ending
D.S. (Dal Segno) – Go to the sign and continue (ignore repeats/endings)
D.C. (Da Capo) – Return to the beginning (ignore repeats/endings)
Coda – A final ending section, typically after D.S. or D.C.
Articulations & Effects:
Trill – Rapidly alternate between a note and the next note up
Glissando (gliss) – Slide quickly through the notes between two pitches
Cesura – A pause; watch the conductor for timing. Marked as two parallel lines at a slight angle between two notes.
March Form Terms:
Trio – A lyrical, often quieter third section (usually in a new key)
Fun fact: Historically named because it was once written for three instruments
Dogfight – A loud, energetic “battle” between sections
Fun fact: Named after aerial combat—fast, chaotic, and exciting
Instrument of the Week: Saxophone
This week we featured the saxophone!
We discussed:
It’s a woodwind instrument made of brass
Sound is produced using a reed
How the instrument is assembled
How to tell the difference between:
Alto sax (straighter neck)
Tenor sax (distinct curved neck)
Special shoutout to Ed, who had great success producing sound on his first try!
Rehearsal Pieces
We worked on:
Fandango Festival
Shining Moments
Blue Rock
Pirates of the Caribbean
Go With the Flow
Star-Spangled Banner
Looking Ahead
Instrument of the Week: Non-pitched percussion
Setlist for next Week
Celebratory Fanfare
Beginners Rock!
Pirates of the Caribbean
Go With the Flow
Celebration for Winds
Alamo