Activities for Instruments of the Band & Orchestra
Bands and orchestras contain various types of instruments, all of which require technical exercises and activities in order to obtain proficiency. Although some exercises are applicable for all instruments, some activities are designed specifically for certain instruments. Usually these exercises consist of learning correct posture, building speed and strength, and ear training.
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Practicing Scales
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All melodic instrumentalists can benefit from practicing musical scales. This helps with learning keys, which will improve sight-reading sheet music, according to Essential-Music-Practice.com. Practicing scales also helps internalize tonality, which will help with memorization. Musical scales can help with improvisation skills that are important in many jazz band settings. Scales will not only help with playing music, they are also important for composing music. Practicing scales will help with finger strength and speed necessary for proficiency in many melodic instruments.
Cello
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Many cello exercises involve learning correct posture and playing position. One exercise that music teachers may use for student cello players is known as "grow an inch," according to Cello.org. In this activity the teacher places his or her hand just above a student's head and asks the student to "grow an inch," which promotes a lengthened and relaxed sitting posture. Another activity that teaches proper posture involves the teacher snapping his or her fingers. Students respond by standing up quickly without moving their feet. Students with correct balance will be able to stand up easily.
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Guitar
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Guitarists must practice activities and exercises that promote finger strength and speed. One finger strength building exercise consists of placing all four fingers on the sixth string on adjacent frets, states Guitar Lesson World. The guitarist then tries to lift two non-adjacent fingers up while keeping the other two on the fretboard. Various music publishers have created different drills for guitarists to improve their finger speed. There are also activities and exercises designed to improve a guitarist's picking hand.
Clarinet
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Clarinet players can benefit from practicing scales, arpeggios and various other technical exercises. Clarinet players may want to start with practicing low register scales before moving onto practicing upper register techniques, according to Clarinet Space. Eventually, clarinet players should proceed onto exercises involving playing scales over two octaves. Practicing chromatic scales and arpeggios is also important. Players should practice the exercises forward and backward.
Drums
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Playing drums can be physically demanding. Therefore, warm up and stretching exercises are important. Drummers should perform these exercises before practicing and playing, according to Steve Dow Drums. Warm up exercises should be performed 15 to 30 minutes before performing. Using a practice pad can help warm up fingers, wrists and forearms. Stretching should involve working arms, wrists, fingers and legs.
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References
- All Star Activities: Different Types of Bands and Instruments for Each
- Cello.org: Activities & Exercises
- Guitar Lesson World: Exercises
- Clarinet Space: Clarinet Scales, Arpeggios, and Technical Exercises
- Essential Music Practice: Is Scales Practice Really Important?
- Steve Dow Drums: Drum Warm Up Exercises
- Photo Credit S Dunn/Digital Vision/Getty Images
