Sound Fundamentals

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Sound Fundamentals - Conductor Score Sound Fundamentals - Trumpet

Sound Fundamentals - Flute Sound Fundamentals - Trombone
Sound Fundamentals - Clarinet Sound Fundamentals - Baritone
Sound Fundamentals - Bass Clarinet Sound Fundamentals - Tuba
Sound Fundamentals - Alto Saxophone Sound Fundamentals - Bass Guitar
Sound Fundamentals - Tenor Saxophone Sound Fundamentals - Mallet Percussion
Sound Fundamentals - Baritone Saxophone Sound Fundamentals - Percussion

By:
Tom Tucker
Tom Donaldson

Consultants/Instrument Specialists:
Jerry Frazier
Ron Judd
Lee Shook
Jeffrey T. Parthun, Sr.

Copyright © 2014 by PDF Band Music. All rights reserved worldwide. No part of this publication
may be replicated, redistributed, or given away in any form without the prior written consent of the
publisher or the terms relayed to you herein.
Tom Tucker, Owner, PDF Band Music, 11341 N Avondale Loop, Hayden Lake, ID, USA

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 Table of Contents

 Percussion Basics  Lessons 90 - 95

 Lessons 1 - 8  Lessons 96 - 113
 Lessons 9 - 16  Lessons 114 - 130
 Lessons 17 - 26  Lessons 131 - 137
 Lessons 27 - 39  Lessons 138 - 146
 Lessons 40 - 46  Songs to Play
 Lessons 47 - 54  Rhythm Studies
 Lessons 55 - 64  Snare Studies
 Lessons 65 - 77  Rudiments
 Lessons 78 - 89

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Percussion Basics

Start by watching these helpful videos.

If your device does not play the embedded videos, use the following YouTube links:
1. What equipment is needed
2. Gripping the sticks
3. Some music terms
4. Rebound Strokes

Playing the Bass Drum Playing the tambourine

Playing the Triangle Playing the Woodblock

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Staff - 5 lines used to Time Signature - The number of
read music. beats per measure and the kind of
note that receives one beat.

Neutral Clef Sign - Sign used

by percussion instruments to
read music

Measure - The
space between two
Measure (Bar) Line - A
measure (bar) lines.
vertical line which divides
the staff into measures.

Double Bar - The end of a section

of music.

The Rhythm Tree

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 Rudiments

Lessons 1 - 8 Link to mp3 Files

First Notes and Rests

Quarter Note - 1 beat in 4/4 Quarter Rest - 1 beat in 4/4 Whole note - 4 beats in
time time 4/4 time

Whole rest- 4 beats in

4/4 time

Tip: When counting quarter notes and rests, we often say “and” between the
numbers. We use the “+” to indicate “and.”

1. OUR FIRST NOTE

2. A NEW NOTE

3. UP AND DOWN

4. WATCH YOUR RESTS

5. LOTS OF BREATH
Same rest value

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 Rudiments

Turn to page 71 for fun snare drum warm-ups

Link to mp3 Files

6. DIVIDE AND CONQUER

1. Divide into part A or part B

2. At the end of the 1st line continue on to the next line

7. BRASS AND WOODWIND DEBATE

8. DRUMS TO THE FRONT

Quick Review

Measure (bar) Line Divides the staff into measures

Measure Space between two measure lines

How many measures in “DRUMS TO THE FRONT”?

What are the lines called at the end of a section?

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Lessons 9 - 16 Link to mp3 Files

Half Half
2 counts 2 counts
Note Rest

Attention: Rests are

important. Be sure to
count rests.

Clapping Practice

9. HOW ABOUT A HALF NOTE

10. DIVIDE AND COUNT

11. ALL BY YOURSELF

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Link to mp3 Files

12. MORE HALF NOTES

13. HALF NOTE TESTER

14. HALF AS MUCH

The Time Signature - At the beginning of every song you will find a time
signature. The time signature indicates the number of beats in each meas-
ure and what kind of note receives one beat. Every song you have played
to this point has 4 beats in each measure.

15. TAKE A BREATHER

16. HALF NOTE STOMP SYMPHONY

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 Rudiments

Lessons 17 - 26 Link to mp3 Files

Multiple Bounce
Allow stick to bounce freely on the drum head. This is the first step in learning the drum
roll.
When practicing multiple bounce keep a
= or = steady tempo.

Turn to page 71 for more buzz practice

Bass Drum
Usually notated on the bottom
space of the staff
Hold the bass drum mallet in your right hand just
like you hold a snare drum stick. The beating spot
is halfway below the center of the head and the rim.
Your left hand muffles the ring of the bass drum.
Place your open left hand on the same head that
you strike, about 6 inches below the top rim.

Snare Drum Multiple Bound and Bass Drum Practice

Rhythm Practice - Count Aloud and Clap

17. STAY IN LINE

18. WHOLE LOT OF BREATH

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Eighth Notes - receive 1/2 beat in 4/4/ time

Link to mp3 Files

19. THE COUNT IS IN - DUET

20. IT’S ALL ABOUT QUARTERS

21. ALMOST LIKE A MELODY

22. COUNT THOSE RESTS

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23. MINOR MOOD

24. UP AND DOWN DRUMMER

The Time Signature

Indicates how many beats in each measure and what kind of note receives one beat.

= 4 beats in each measure

= The quarter note receives one beat

25. LET’S MOVE IT

26. OFF TO THE RACES

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Review
Circle the note that will complete the measure
1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8

Music Math Quiz

+ - =

+ + =

M Whole rest
o o
A
T Time signature
C o o

H Staff
I o o

N Quarter rest
G o o

Check Your Answers

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 Rudiments

Lessons 27 - 39 Link to mp3 Files

Single Paradiddle Correct Sticking

Correct sticking is important!
Always alternate hands to develop great
technique.
Your 1st rudiment. A rudiment is
a special sticking combination for
snare drum. Practice slowly and
evenly.

Turn to page 74 for a cool paradiddle exercise

27. HEADIN’ DOWN

28. HOT CROSS BUNS

29. FIRESIDE MEETING

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Link to mp3 Files
30. JINGLE BELLS

31. FRENCH FOLK SONG

32. WALKIN’ IN SUNSHINE

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Link to mp3 Files

33. MARY’S MISSING NOTES 1. Sing ‘Mary Had a Little Lamb’

2. On a piece of paper, write out the
song with the missing rhythms
3. Play the song

34. LAP-CLAP RHYTHM RAP

The Accent Mark -

An accent mark above or below a note means to stress or place
emphasis on the note. The accent mark does not mean to play the note

35. SNAKE CHARMER

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Link to mp3 Files

36. SHOULD I PLAY?

37. MESS AROUND WITH BARS 1. Draw the missing bar lines
2. Play the song
3. Play the song backwards

38. SOME FOLKS DO

39. AU CLAIRE DE LA LUNE

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Lessons 40 - 46 Link to mp3 Files

New Rudiment - Flam

The Repeat Sign

The small note (grace note) has no rhythm value. To

play a flam, hold one stick 2” from drum head. Hold
the other stick in the normal play position. Move the
sticks at the same time to play. One stick will hit the
head before the other and create the flam.

40. GEE, IT’S A “G”

Variation - A variation is a change of rhythm, melody or harmony of a

theme.

41. VARIATION ON HOT CROSS BUNS

Variation— A different
version of a theme

42. VARIATION ON A FRENCH FOLK SONG

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Triangle - The triangle is played by striking the side opposite the open Link to mp3 Files
corner using a metal beater.

43. MOZART MELODY

44. LET’S PLAY IN HARMONY

BONUS LINE - Practice Slowly - Gradually Increase Speed

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Sheet Music Reading Basics Link to mp3 Files

Tempo - how fast to play - Tempo markings are usually in Italian and found above the
staff. The tempo marking for A Christmas Tune is Allegro which means to play a fast,
lively tempo.

Dynamics - how loud or soft to play - Usually written in Italian and located below the
staff. The beginning of A Christmas Tune is ‘f’ and should be played loudly.
Examples: f - forte-loud, mf - mezzo forte - medium loud, p - piano - soft

Tempo This is a rehearsal number. It

helps us practice together.

45. A CHRISTMAS TUNE – BAND ARRANGEMENT

Dynamic

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Link to mp3 Files

Dynamic Markings
f - forte (play loudly) mf - mezzo forte (play moderately loud)
mp - mezzo piano (play moderately soft) p - piano (play softly)

46.

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Lessons 47 - 54 Link to mp3 Files

A New Time Signature The Tie

A tie combines two or more

= 2 Beats per measure
notes.

Quarter note receives

= 1 beat

2/4 Rhythm Practice - clap and count aloud

47. SABRE MARCH

48. OLD MCDONALD

49. GOOD KING WENCESLAS

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50. UP, DOWN, IT’S A ROUND Link to mp3 Files

1. Play and repeat for practice
2. Divide band into 3 groups
a. Group 1 start at beginning
b. Group 2 start at beginning when group 1 reaches #1 in the music
c. Group 3 start at beginning when group 1 reaches #2 in the music

51. ANOTHER ROUND

52. BINGO ARRANGEMENT

Repeat Sign

Repeat back to #5

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Link to mp3 Files

Time signatures can Time Signature Reminder

be confusing. Look
at the exercises
below. Top
number
= Beats per measure

Bottom The type of note which receives

number = 1 beat

Fact: In many world cultures, time signatures with

5, 7 or even 11 beats per measure are common.

Clapping 5/4

53. COUNT TO FIVE

54. LUCKY SEVEN

Turn to page 74 for extra flam practice

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Review
Draw the missing bar lines

Enter the correct sticking:

Paradiddles Flams

Complete the measures with one note

Check Your Answers

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 Rudiments

Lessons 55 - 64 Link to mp3 Files

Pick Up Note(s)
Note or notes that come before the
first full measure of a song.

Clapping Compare #1

Clapping Compare #2

1. Is there a difference in rhythm between #1 and #2?

2. What do you think happened to the last beat of Clapping Compare #2?

Tip: Silently count the beats leading up to the pick up note(s). If the pick up note(s) is
on beat 4, silently count 1-2-3. If the pick up note(s) begins on beat 2 of a measure, it
is best to silently count an extra measure plus one beat. 1-2-3-4 | 1

Clapping Practice

55. OH SUSANNA

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Link to mp3 Files

56. WHEN THE SAINTS GO MARCHING IN— OOMPA STYLE

Counting Pick Up Notes - Find the bar line for the first full measure, and then count
backwards to the starting beat.

57. RED RIVER VALLEY

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Link to mp3 Files

1st and 2nd Endings

2nd time: Skip 1st ending, play 2nd

ending.

More Multiple Bounce Practice

58. JOLLY OLD SAINT NICK

59. PROCESSIONAL MARCH

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Sight Reading Reminder:
1. Tempo - how fast should the song be played?
2. Dynamics - how loud or soft should the song be played?
3. Time Signature - how many counts in each measure?

Internal Repeat

Repeat music between signs.

60. CUCKOO MARCH

61. SHOO, FLY

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62. ALL TIED UP

63. MARCH OF THE CZARS

64. SKIP TO MY LOU

New Rudiment - Flam Tap

Play flam - keep left hand
up and tap with right hand.
Alternate flam sticking.

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 Rudiments

Lessons 65 - 77 Link to mp3 Files

Dotted Half Note A New Time Signature

A dot following a note adds 1/2 of the value of
the note to itself. For example: a dotted half
= 3 beats per measure

note gets 3 beats - a half note is 2 beats, 1/2 of Quarter note receives 1
2 is 1, therefore, 1 + 2 = 3 = beat

Dotted half 3 beats

note

Clapping Practice

65. THE JUMPING BEANS SONG

Moderato - A tempo marking meaning a medium tempo.

66. SOUTHERN ROSES

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Multiple Bounce Eighth Notes Play evenly - Connect the notes Link to mp3 Files

67. WIND AND WILLOWS

68. TIME TO SAY GOODNIGHT

Turn to page 72 for important 8th note roll exercises.

69. WALTZ DUO

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Link to mp3 Files

Eighth Note Rest Sixteenth Notes

Receives a half (1/2) Receive 1/4 count in 2/4, 3/4, and

count in 2/4, 3/4, and 4/4 time.
4/4 time

Clapping Practice All

Drummers Only

70. EIGHTH NOTE RIDDLE

71. IT’S MARY AGAIN

72. SKIP TO MY LOU

73. POLLY WOLLY DOODLE RETURNS Name this rudiment

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Link to mp3 Files

74. LIGHTLY ROW

mp - medium soft f - loud

75. JOLLY OLD SAINT NICK RETURNS

76. STOMP-CLAP ETUDE Practice slowly - increase speed

77. CAMPTOWN RACES

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 Rudiments

Lessons 78 - 89 Link to mp3 Files

New Rudiment D.C. Al Fine

Double Paradiddle Go back to the begin-
ning and play until Fine.

Are you standing up

straight when you play?

Practice Good posture is important.

78 . NEW NOTE PRELUDE

Flam Tap

79. DOWN IN THE VALLEY

80. TWINKLE TWINKLE

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Link to mp3 Files

81. ODE TO JOY

82. BOOGIE BEAT

83. RHYTHM RAP 1. Divide into 3 groups

2. Clap, Hit, Stomp, or whatever you want
3. Repeat each 1-measure phrase until directed to
come in on your part
4. Have fun...make up your own rhythms

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 Rudiments

Terms and Symbols Link to mp3 Files

Fermata: Hold the note Staccato: A dot over or Legato: A style of

longer or until directed to under a note means to play playing. Play
release the note by the the note short or detached. smoothly and
conductor connected.

There is much to think about when you play music

Tempo Staccato Accent

84. THEME FROM ‘THE NUTCRACKER”

Fermata

85. THE CARNIVAL OF VENICE - OOMPAH STYLE

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 Rudiments

Link to mp3 Files

New Rudiment: Flam Accent Measure Repeat Sign

Repeat the preceding measure

86. THE SNAKE CHARMER - revisited

87. HYMN ‘OLD 100TH’

88. HOLE IN THE BUCKET

89. BRAHMS SYMPHONY THEME

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 Rudiments

Link to mp3 Files

Lessons 90 - 95
Woodblock (W.B.)
Play with stick or mallet near the center of the top part.

Woodblock Practice #1

Woodblock(s) and Snare #2

90. WIND THE CLOCK

91. TIE ME JACKAL UP

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 Rudiments

Sixteenth Notes Link to mp3 Files

Receives 1/4 beat in 2/4, 3/4, and 4/4 time.

The Orchestra Roll

Connect the notes and play evenly with buzzing sound.

=
=
=

92. ROCK IT Same rest value

93. HERE WE GO!

Turn to page 73 for more 16th note roll exercises

94. Experts Etude

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 Rudiments

Link to mp3 Files

95.

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 Rudiments

Link to mp3 Files

Lessons 96 - 113
Nine Stroke Roll

Rolls that use 5 alternations are very common and are called “9-stroke” rolls. The
video shows how a rudimental or a marching band drummer plays a 9-stroke roll.
Link to YouTube Example

9 Stroke Practice 1

9 Stroke Practice 2

96. THE KEY WALTZ

97. SYMPHONIC THEME

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Link to mp3 Files

98. ACCIDENTAL SPEED BUMP

99. LOTUS BLOSSOM

100. CZECH DANCE

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 Rudiments

Other Common Percussion Instruments Link to mp3 Files

Tambourine (Tamb.) - Play with fingertips, knuckles or heel of

hand.

Cowbell - Hold open end away from you and strike the open end with
a stick.

Percussion practice

101. AURA LEE

Cross-stick - play by clicking the drumstick,

which is laid on top of the drumhead, against
102. IT’S COOL TO BE NATURAL the rim of the snare drum.

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 Rudiments
Link to mp3 Files

103. BETTER BE BLUES

104. WALTZ MELODY

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 Rudiments

Link to mp3 Files

Five Stroke Roll

Rolls that use 3 alternations are very common and are called “5-stroke” rolls. The
video shows how a rudimental or a marching band drummer plays a 5-stroke roll.
Link to YouTube Example

Old Scout Drum Solo

105. NEW NOTE WALTZ

106. SLURRY WALTZ

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Link to mp3 Files

107. NEW NOTE STUDY

108. WATCH THE FLATS

109. STARVED FOR FLATS

110. GO TO THE CIRCUS

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 Rudiments

Terms that make music more musical Link to mp3 Files

Ritardando Caesura or Grand Pause

rit. - Means to This is a pause in
gradually slow the music. Watch
down the conductor.

Common Dynamic Markings Common Tempo Markings

mf mezzo forte medium loud Moderato A moderate tempo

f forte loud Andante Moderately slow tempo

mp mezzo piano medium soft Allegro Lively tempo

p piano soft Vivace A fast tempo

111. CHESTER

112. POLOVTSAIN DANCE

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 Rudiments

Multiple Measure Rest Link to mp3 Files

Rests which are longer than one measure

Count: 1 2 3 4 | 2 2 3 4

113.

49
Review
Name the following rudiments
1. 2. 3.

Name the following rudiments

4. 5. 6.

Music Math Quiz ( assuming 4/4 time)

+ x =

+ - =

M medium soft
o o
A
loud
T o o
C
staccato
H o o

I
fermata
N o o

G
soft
o o

medium loud
o o

Check Your Answers

50
 Rudiments

Lessons 114 - 130 Link to mp3 Files

On this page, clarinets will learn to ‘cross the break.’ This allows clarinets
to play high notes.

114. CLARINET CORNER

Internal Key Changes - Composers insert new key signatures into music to create
musical variety. In exercise 114. Clarinet Corner, the key signature changes two times.

115. MINOR CLARINET PROBLEM

116. LEAPS AND SLURS

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 Rudiments

Sixteenth note review Eighth note and two sixteenth Link to mp3 Files
notes review
In 4/4, 3/4 and 2/4 time
=
= 1 beat

117. LEOPARD LEAP

118. NEW NOTE WARM UP

119. MINOR PRELUDE - arrangement

120. HIGH AND STEADY

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 Rudiments
Link to mp3 Files

121. MINOR BREATH ISSUE

Tambourine Shake - Shake the tambourine with one hand. Stop the shake on the tied
note with the fist of the opposite hand.

122. SMOOTHLY FLOWING

123. WAVE GOODBYE

124. SLIDING DOWN THE ROAD

SNARE DRUM - STREET MARCH

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 Rudiments

Link to mp3 Files

125. HE FLEW-SHE’S BLUE

126. SHE FLEW-HE’S BLUE

127. Bb CONCERT SCALE - PARADIDDLE PRACTICE

128. Eb CONCERT SCALE - FLAM ACCENT PRACTICE

54
 Rudiments

Link to mp3 Files

129. LET’S WARM UP TOGETHER

130. UNCLE JOHN’S SHORT SHORTS

1. 1st time - all clap and stomp part B (drums as written)
2. 2nd time - divide parts
3. Have fun and experiment with parts

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 Rudiments

Lessons 131 - 136 Link to mp3 Files

Dotted Quarter Note

Dotted quarter notes can be
In 2/4, 3/4, 4/4 time, a dotted tricky. Be sure to count aloud
quarter note receives one and a and practice carefully.
half beats.

Practice 1

Practice 2 - with percussion

Practice 3

131. HONOR PATROL

56
 Rudiments

Link to mp3 Files

132. DOTTED WALTZ

133. HALF A SCALE

134. ALONE, BUT NOT AFRAID

135. THEME FROM THE ‘NEW WORLD SYMPHONY’

Watch the internal repeat

57
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Link to mp3 Files

136. HI-LO DUET

137.

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 Rudiments

Lessons 138 - 146 Link to mp3 Files

Syncopation Crescendo Diminuendo

A change in the rhythm or cresc. or Dim.
which accents the offbeat
or ‘+.’
Gradually get louder Gradually get softer

Practice 1

Practice 2

Practice 3

Practice 4

Practice 5

Practice 6

59
 Rudiments
Link to mp3 Files

138. SYNCOPATE THIS

139. SYNCOPATE THAT

140. SYNCO-AFTER-BEATS

141. RUSSIAN SAILOR’S DANCE

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D.S. al Fine Link to mp3 Files

Go back to the
sign. End at Fine

142. MY BONNY LIES OVER THE OCEAN

143. THE MARINE’S HYMN

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 Rudiments

Link to mp3 Files

144. AMERICA

145. EINE KLEINE NACHTMUSIK - MOZART

146. AMAZING GRACE

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Review

Check the facts

Diminuendo

This is a fermata This means to gradually This means to gradually get

get louder louder

A. True B. False A. True B. False A. True B. False

Music Math Quiz ( assuming 4/4 time)

- + =

X - =

M Crescendo
o o Majestically
A
Maestoso
T o o
C
H o o

I
Decrescendo
N o o

G
D.S.
o o

Check Your Answers

63
SONGS TO PLAY

Songs to Play selections are not available in the free edition of Sound
Fundamentals . You are encouraged to explore the large selection of
quality music for beginning and young bands available at
http://pdfbandmusic.com.

Recommended Beginning Band titles:

Fanfare on ‘Deck the Halls’

‘bout Time for Christmas
March Centaur
Holiday Spirit
Bingo Rocks
Banuwa
Hollow Penyo Hop
A Little Cha Cha
Acclaim
Deep Water Bridge
March Onward
Not Now Mama
Radiant Fanfare
Stick Men

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Drum Rudiments

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77
Answers
Circle the note that will complete the measure
1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8

Music Math Quiz

+ - = 5

+ + = 10

M Whole rest
o o
A
T Time signature
C o o

H Staff
I o o

N Quarter rest
G o o

Back to Quiz Page

78
Review
Draw the missing bar lines

Enter the correct sticking:

Paradiddles Flams

Complete the measures with one note

Back to Quiz

79
Review
Name the following rudiments
1. 2. 3.

Paradiddle Flam Tap Flam Accent

Name the following rudiments

4. 5. 6.

Nine stroke roll Double Paradiddle Flam

Music Math Quiz ( assuming 4/4 time)

+ x = 12

+ - = 2 1/2

M medium soft
o o
A
loud
T o o
C
staccato
H o o

I
fermata
N o o

G
soft
o o

medium loud
o o

Back to Quiz
80
Review

Check the facts

Diminuendo

This is a fermata This means to gradually This means to gradually get

get louder louder

A. True B. False A. True B. False A. True B. False

Music Math Quiz ( assuming 4/4 time)

- + = 6 1/2

X - = 2 1/2

M Crescendo
o o Majestically
A
Maestoso
T o o
C
H o o

I
Decrescendo
N o o

G
D.S.
o o

Back to Quiz
81