Tuning for Beginner Bands

Tuning for Beginner Bands
(First-year Players)

Tuning in the beginner year? Are you crazy? Why would I take the time to do
something that complicated?

Of course, you should tune in the first year of instruction! It is not as difficult as it may sound and well worth the time. After all, you have to listen to them every day, don't you? Do you really want to stand in front of a group of students who are perpetually out of tune? No, of course not! And students who get used to hearing good intonation won't be
satisfied with bad intonation.

Step 1. In the first week that the students are assembling the instruments for beginner band, the teacher should begin to make some "ballpark" adjustments. Most flutes can start with the headjoint pulled out about a quarter of an inch. Most clarinet barrels can be pulled enough to stick your thumbnail between the barrel and the upper joint. Most brass should have the tuning slide pulled about a quarter to one-half inch. Use your ear, or if you are uncertain, use a tuning mechanism.

Step 2. Teaching good tone must be a priority in the beginner year or none of this matters! Students who play with good tone will be close to being in tune, not withstanding other factors (range, dynamics, etc.). Students who play with good tune can also learn to adjust pitch without sacrificing tone quality. Good tone has to be important from the first time the students begin to actually make sounds on the instruments.

Step 3. When "tuning," students must be absolutely quiet so they can hear accurately and without distraction.

Step 4. Teaching students what "in tune" sounds like. [For me, this demonstration usually happened after students had been playing for about a month. Then follow up weekly, at least.] This is most easily done by using a pair of players. Have player "A" hold a note steady. Have player "B" play the same note and adjust pitch until the waves disappear. This is what "in tune" sounds like.

Try this!

Many teachers will use two trombonists for the first demonstration of intonation, because the slide is so easily manipulated while sustaining the tone.

Teacher: "Trombonist A, play and hold your third-position E-flat. Trombonist B, start with your slide in fourth position and move it slowly into third until the waves disappear. Class, listen closely and raise your hands when you hear the waves disappear."

You may ask, "Does this really work? Can players in the beginner year really hear the difference? Is it worth the time it takes to stop and do this?" YES, YES, YES!!! You will be amazed at how well students hear when they are instructed to listen, match and adjust.

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