May 4, 2026 Rehearsal Recap
We started by reviewing last week’s topic: how chords are built. We looked at the basic triad, which is formed using the 1st, 3rd, and 5th notes of a scale. From there, we explored how the same chord can be rearranged by placing different notes on the bottom—this is called an inversion. For example, when the 3rd is on the bottom, that’s called first inversion.
The key takeaway is that it doesn’t matter where the notes appear on the staff—what matters is that all the chord tones are present.
This led to a discussion of where we encounter chords in music reading. In concert band music, we don’t often see full chords written out. However, each player is typically performing one note of a chord, and together we create the full harmonic sound as an ensemble.
Based on the group’s interest, next week we’ll begin connecting this to the early stages of improvisation—looking at it from a technical perspective vs. playing “by ear.”
We also had an instrument feature on the oboe. We discussed how sound is produced by two reeds vibrating against each other, which is why it’s part of the double reed family (along with English horn and bassoon). Everyone got a close look at the reed, how it’s made, and heard both the “reed-only squawk” and the full sound once the instrument was assembled.
Rehearsal Highlights
We worked on:
Celebratory Fanfare
Beginners Rock!
Pirates of the Caribbean
Go with the Flow
We also introduced:
Celebration for Winds – We listened to a recording and then played through it for the first time. Great job capturing the style right away!
And revisited:
Alamo – We listened to a different recording this week at a more reasonable tempo. Playing from the updated parts made a big difference—we stayed together and made it all the way through the piece! A huge improvement from last week. Excellent work, everyone!
Next Week’s Focus
Beginners Rock!
Pirates of the Caribbean
Shining Moments
Fandango Festival
Celebratory Fanfare
New Orleans Strut