10 Intonation Studies and Chorales: String Orchestra Conductor Score

Balmages built this collection on solid pedagogical thinking rather than generic exercises. The progression from scales harmonized against open strings through key-specific studies with drone accompaniment gives students concrete sonic reference points, making intonation work feel purposeful rather than repetitive. The conductor score includes detailed guidance for sequencing these throughout your year, so you're not left guessing which study serves which objective.

Clear and grounded. The chorales sit in a comfortable tonal center while the harmonization studies build ear training without flashiness. Each exercise has breathing room and logical harmonic movement, so students can focus on matching pitch rather than navigating technical complexity.

String orchestra directors at any level who want systematic, musically intelligent intonation work for their ensemble. This collection serves honor orchestras and festival-bound groups equally well, since the studies stand on their own merit rather than requiring advanced repertoire experience.

• Start with the open string drone exercises early in the season when students' ears are still forming their pitch center. Return to them regularly as a five-minute opener.
• Use bow distribution exercises to address intonation problems that stem from tension or uneven pressure rather than pitch awareness alone.
• Combine studies strategically across rehearsals. The guide suggests pairings that reinforce concepts without overwhelming students with too many new harmonic contexts at once.
• Record your ensemble working through these studies over the course of several weeks. Play back recordings to let students hear their own progress in tuning accuracy.

Thread these throughout your rehearsal calendar rather than using them as a single unit. The conductor notes suggest specific studies for different months and pedagogical objectives, making them ideal for filling the space between larger repertoire projects. Consider featuring a chorale or two in informal concerts or sectional warm-ups where the focus is explicitly on ensemble sound.

• Harmonic listening and matching pitch within chord changes
• Reading and responding to open string drones as pitch reference
• Intonation adjustments across multiple key centers
• Bow control and pressure management for even tone
• Recognition of harmonic function and how it affects tuning needs