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50 Two-Part Exercises (Pentatonic)
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This first set of two-part exercises covers all five pentatonic structures. Exercises in this collection start with simple examples and gradually progress as you make your way through the book. All five pentatones are included, as are key signatures up to three sharps and three flats. There is information on the structure of the pentatones. This book is aimed at supporting Kodály musicianship training levels 1-4 and is suitable for both classroom and instrumental use.
60 Two-Part Exercises (Diatonic)
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This second set of two-part exercises is diatonic and includes scales on each degree of the major scale thereby supporting all the modes. Spanish Phrygian and Flamenco Phrygian are also included. At least one compound time signature is included in each section and there are examples of irregular time. There is information on the structure of the modal scales. There are also easy to find practical examples of all modes in a list going back as far as the twelfth century, as well as including some contemporary examples. This book is aimed at supporting Kodály musicianship levels 5-8.
70 Two-Part Exercises (Advanced)
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This third set of two-part exercises are more advanced and include all basic chromatics. There are also exercises in the acoustic key and its relative minor (Neapolitan Dorian) as well as exercises in various equal distance key structures. There are exercises in irregular time signatures as well as simple and compound time signatures. There is information and practical examples of all key structures and a section on the function of Fi and Ta and how these can be used to highlight the relationship between modes. This book is aimed at supporting Kodály musicianship levels 9-10.
222 Part-1 Exercises
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This first set of reading exercises (1-72) covers the basic pentatone to high Do. The exercises are laid out in sections starting with So-Mi, followed by a La-So-Mi section then a So-Mi-Do section. The progression continues until the pentatonic structure to high Do is completed. All exercises in this book are in simple time and every exercise is in both staff and stick notation. There is information on the structure of the five pentatones. This book is aimed at supporting Kodály musicianship training levels 1-4 and is suitable for both classroom and instrumental use.
222 Part-2 Exercises
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These exercises continue to develop the pentatonic scales by adding and focussing on the lower extensions (Low La, So, Mi) and upper extension (High Mi, Re, Do). Key signatures to four sharps and four flats are included. There is information on the structure of the pentatones included in the introduction. These exercises are suitable for both classroom and instrumental use.
222 Part-3 Exercises
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This book is diatonic and covers the pentachord, hexachord and full scale structures with reference to the modes. The fourth (Fa) and seventh (Ti) degrees of the major scale are included adding the acoustic scale to the full range of diatonic scales. These exercises are suitable for both classroom and instrumental use.
222 Articles Combined
222 Reading Exercises (combined volume) is a comprehensive set of music reading exercises written in three sections. Starting with simple two or three notes exercises (35 in total) the combined volume develops out to include the full pentatone, followed in the second section by the pentatone with extensions. The third section is diatonic and covers seven pentachords, seven hexachords and full octave structures with reference to modes and the acoustic key structure. There are 12 pages of text with descriptions and explanations of all the technical structures in the book along with the 222 reading exercises over 73 pages. Each exercise is in both staff and stick notation. This combined volume is a must for anyone serious about improving music reading at virtually any level.
12 Articles on Early Years & Primary Music Education
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12 Articles on Early Years & Primary Education is contained in two books with six articles in each. The articles are laid out in tone sets with each tone set being covered with suitable material. There are a total of 45 children’s songs and rhymes with ideas for developing out, not just for early years and primary but also for instrumental teaching. There are lots of games and musical activities that make the learning of music fun and enjoyable for all. There are also many examples showing how to develop simple material for more advanced students, choirs and ensemble teaching, both in a one-to-one or group situation.
The articles in part 1 cover the following:
1 So-Mi, 2 La-So-Mi, 3 Mi-Re-Do, 4 Language and Rhyme, 5 Do, La and So Pentatones, 6 Do Pentatone (with lower extensions)
The articles in part 2 cover the following:
7 Do Pentatone (including high Do), 8 Do Pentachord (includes Fa), 9 Do Hexachord, 10, La Pentachord (includes Ti), 11, Full Scale songs (Major-Minor-Aeolian-Dorian), 12 Supplementary songs and Rhymes (10 items)
(There is no sound file available for this book)
Brass Quintet
Lillibulero Variations
First used by the BBC as the signature tune to the BBC World News Service in 1955, Lillibulero traces its roots back to 1686 when it was attributed to Henry Purcel. Such was the popularity of this tune that it was chosen as a regimental march by the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME). Movements are:
1. Original Theme – an Irish Jig
2. Latin – A light hearted movement encapsulating the rhythms and sounds of Latin America
3. Barcarolle – Written in the key of Eb Acoustic with its characteristic raised fourth and lowered seventh this melody moves effortlessly from one player to another and includes a canon like section for the trumpets
4. Vigoroso – Played as the title suggests this variation condenses the melodic figure into a single beat of 3/4 time leaving the lower instruments to complete the bar with a simple tonic and dominant figure
5. Choral – Starting from a unison note then cascading outwards the movement develops gradually adding tension until reaching its climax (bar 139). There then follows a more relaxing section until the movement comes to a final and peaceful close
6. Finale – Rhythm is everything in this movement. Establishing the 7/8 feel in the first two bars is key to creating the excitement in this final movement. The melody is featured in all parts. The key changes up a gear as does the tempo at the Piu Mosso. The repeated notes from the opening bars return, this time in the two lower parts to bring us back to our home key of Eb Major.
Suite in F
This original suite in F explores three versions of this key structure; F major, F dorian and F minor.
1. Shanty for Brass – This movement in the style of a sea shanty tells the story of five sailors out on the town having been granted shore leave. Each instrument takes a turn with the melody and you could gather from the music that all are having a good time. Thing become somewhat busy (letter D) and you could imagine from the music that the five experience some ‘heavy weather’, but when the main tune returns later (letter E) all is well and they make their way back to ship.
2. Dorian Song – This movement explores the Dorian mode with the opening melody being introduced in a legato style by the Tuba. As the melody passes from the original key of F Dorian to A Dorian the style changes as the melody passes to the trumpet. A further key change to F# Dorian finds the horn and trombone playing in a more marked style and in canon. The final key change back to F Dorian signals the return of the opening legato style with notes cascading up and down taking this movement to its logical conclusion.
3. March – Fortitude – Here we find ourselves exploring the key of F minor with this strident march somewhat in the style of a brass band march. Opening sections and bass subject are somewhat forceful in nature. The trio section in Db major has a sunnier feel. Following a short bridge passage the trio theme returns with an added countermelody and some interesting accompaniment features to bring this movement and the whole suite to a positive conclusion.