THE IMPORTANCE OF ATTITUDE

PRACTICE IS EXPECTED AND REQUIRED

The greatest single factor that will determine the success of any individual or organization is attitude.  The “right attitude” must be present along with sincerity, concentration, and dedication.  Such an attitude makes an artistic performance inevitable and is the factor, which makes the difference between a winning organization and a mediocre group.  You, who are in band, are a favored few.  The band can do much for you.  Make the most of it in every rehearsal and performance.

The better you play, the better the entire ensemble plays.  Individual practice is necessary and should be viewed and encouraged with the same enthusiasm as homework in other subjects.
The following suggestions are vital to receiving a satisfactory grade in class and becoming a better musician.
​See Daily Practice Routine.

• Pick a set time each day (or every other day).  Have a set place to practice.  Spend a few minutes on tone production.
• Play a variety of scales at every practice session.
• Take a short break after 15 minutes.
• Practice sight-reading.
• Work on technique such as tonguing, slurs, intervals, etc.  Work on musicianship (listen and be aware of the details).
• Work to increase your endurance.
• Work to increase your range.  Play up to your top note, and then hold the note.  When that note becomes easy to produce and sounds good, add the next chromatic note higher.  Continue this process, but be patient – it may take a while.
• Set specific goals for yourself.  Be realistic.
• Remember: a few quality minutes of proper rehearsal is better than hours of unstructured playing or random “squawking.”
• Practice the whole score, not just the technically difficult parts.
• Practice technically difficult sections at a slower tempo until correct, and then speed up the tempo a little until the normal performance tempo is reached with accuracy.