March 2, 2026 Rehearsal Recap
What a satisfying rehearsal! There were so many small victories today that added up to real progress.
Learning Session
Rhythm Success!
We finally had stronger success with our hand clapping exercises — and you could feel it in the room. Using pre-printed sheets and the metronome app, we worked through six different rhythm exercises in 4/4 time. Some of them were tricky, but when the group locked in together, the smiles said it all.
It’s amazing how good it feels to get it right.
Next Week: We’ll return to note reading on the treble clef
Musical Form – Hearing the Pattern
We talked about how music is often organized into patterns like A | B | A — the simplest example being Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. From there, we discussed more complex structures like The Stars and Stripes Forever, which contains multiple sections and repeats.
As you listen to music this week — and as you practice — start noticing patterns. When you recognize that a section repeats, you realize you’ve already learned part of the piece. That recognition builds confidence and speeds up practice.
Next Week: We’ll restart our topic rotation and revisit safety — both in rehearsals and performances.
Instrument of the Week: Tuba & Euphonium
Alan gave us a wonderful overview of the history and development of both instruments. We discussed:
The difference between valved and rotary systems
How to visually distinguish a tuba from a euphonium
Their roles in the ensemble
And yes — we all had the chance to pick them up!
Heavy… but not as heavy as you might think.
Next Week: Tuned percussion (bells and more!)
Rehearsal Highlights
Fandango Festival
Played through three times.
Practiced the rhythm in measure 11 (and similar spots) using our new clapping skills.
Reviewed jumping from the coda sign to the coda — be comfortable finishing measure 30 and going straight to the first note of the coda.
At home: practice measures 55–58 slowly and carefully — accuracy matters here.
Part 4 players: crisp staccato quarter notes at measure 17.
Pirates of the Caribbean
Such a fun piece!
Part 1 players: notice that measure 2 has a different rhythm than measure 1.
Measure 26: play softly so the low voices can shine.
Measures 67–71: as soft as possible at 67, then a strong crescendo through 71 — our big finale moment. Give it your best full sound there!
New Orleans Strut
Listen for the melody of When the Saints Go Marching In — first heard in the low brass at measure 25 and again at measure 49.
Here’s the recording if you’d like to listen this week: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rifA_-am6rA&list=PLlvM0WCg7k7fdGCBPhrhIcTbxXpEvu9JY&index=4
Shining Moments
We focused on tempo changes:
Watch carefully for rit. and molto rit.
Follow my conducting in those spots as we slow down and then restart tempo.
Pay attention to slurs — no tongue in those sections. Think connected, flowing sound rather than separated notes.
Beginners Rock!
This piece has come a long way — and it shows. The second time at measure 13 (with Parts 2 & 3 repeated eighth notes) was noticeably improved.
We discussed possibly opening that section up for solos. If you’d like to improvise, try a solo, or even just learn how — let me know. It could be a really fun addition, especially if several people want to participate.
Next Week’s Rehearsal Order
Celebratory Fanfare
New Orleans Strut
Shining Moments
Beginners Rock!
Go With the Flow
Fandango Festival
Pirates of the Caribbean
Spring Showcase
Here’s the Facebook event link in case you’d like to share with friends and family: https://www.facebook.com/events/915413524758467
Don’t Forget!
We’ll be in Daylight Savings Time next week — be sure your clocks are adjusted so you arrive on time.
Every week I see more confidence, more listening, and more teamwork. The growth is real — and it’s exciting.