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Welcome to Band Class!

Your First Lesson

Welcome to the world of music! You should feel privileged to be learning a musical instrument. Although practicing your assignments every day is an extra responsibility in your life, you will find that the assignments will go by quickly. Keep in mind that you will not be playing songs for the first few weeks; be patient and understand that it takes time to master the basics of playing. Remember to finish all of your homework before you practice.

Practice Tips:

1. You should practice every day. You should practice the specific assignment your band teacher gives you. It is fine to experiment on your instrument after you have completed your given assignment.

2. You are already multi-tasking when playing a musical instrument; therefore, you should minimize distractions and tell your goldfish to keep it quiet!

3. You should play in front of the mirror every day. You should practice in a well-lit room and use a music stand.

4. Band Brilliance is designed for you to play all duets, trios, and rounds with any other musician friends, regardless of instrument.

You should make a firm commitment to practicing your instrument. Successful musicians practice, practice, practice!

Your First Assignment:

Log on to www.bandbrilliance.com

Click the "First Assignment" link and click your instrument. Have fun!

Band vocabulary you should learn:

Embouchure: The formation of lip muscles, chin muscles, and placement of the lower jaw and teeth with the mouthpiece

Articulation: The attack (beginning) and release (end) of individual notes that are controlled by the tongue

Air stream: The steady and continuous flow of air necessary to play groups of notes

www.bandbrilliance.com