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Scales and Tuning Exercises for Superior Bands: Method Book

$12.50 USD
$12.50 USD
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Scales and Tuning Exercises for Superior Bands Cover Image
Scales and Tuning Exercises for Superior Bands: Method Book

Scales and Tuning Exercises for Superior Bands: Method Book

By Quincy C. Hilliard

Item: 98-BB209
$12.50
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Description
Scales and Tuning Exercises for Superior Bands is a great resource for those seeking to improve their development in scale studies, intonation, and balance through chorales and harmonized studies. This book can be used as a daily warm-up for intermediate or advanced ensembles. Included is an in-depth explanation of how major and minor key signatures and scales are constructed, as well as exercises for the students to complete. In addition to major and minor scales, the whole tone, blues, and pentatonic scales are included. Balance is also addressed in detail. The student will not only study band balance, but sectional balance as well. When playing the chorales and harmonized studies in this book, the student should understand the importance of tone quality, intonation, blend, and balance. Tips for playing chorales and harmonized studies are also included.

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Additional Details
Series: Superior Bands
Publisher: The FJH Music Company, Inc.
ISBN10: 1-56939-792-9
ISBN13: 978-1-56939-792-3
UPC: 674398227136
SKU: 98-BB209

More about this title

Why we love this

Hilliard understands that tuning and balance problems rarely solve themselves, and this book gives you a systematic way to address them every rehearsal. The inclusion of non-diatonic scales (whole tone, blues, pentatonic) alongside major and minor keeps the work fresh and prevents scales from becoming rote, while the detailed guidance on sectional versus full-band balance means your advanced players develop real listening skills, not just mechanical playing.

What to expect

Methodical and purposeful. Unlike general warm-up routines, this book demands active listening and reflection on how each section fits into the whole. The progression from diatonic to chromatic and modal scales, paired with structured chorale work, creates an environment where precision and musicality reinforce each other.

Who it's for

Intermediate and advanced concert bands that need a disciplined approach to intonation, blend, and balance. Directors will find this especially valuable if your ensemble struggles with pitch consistency across sections or lacks a common vocabulary for discussing tone quality and sectional weight.

How to get the most out of it

  • Treat each chorale and harmonized study as an intonation checkpoint. Pause frequently to listen for blend across sections, and have students identify who's pulling sharp or flat before moving forward.
  • Build sectional awareness by isolating each voice family on individual studies. This trains woodwinds and brass to hear their own part's role within the harmonic structure before combining forces.
  • Rotate who leads the tone quality conversation. Ask student principals to identify balance issues and tone problems in real time, not just the director.
  • Use the blues and pentatonic scales as ear training, not just technical exercises. Play them by section and by ensemble to explore how different voices contribute to overall color and pitch stability.

How to use it

Open every rehearsal with 10 to 15 minutes from this book, rotating through the scales and studies. The structured progressions work well as a foundation before diving into repertoire, allowing students to bring better intonation and ensemble awareness to their concert pieces.

Skills your students will build

  • Major and minor scale construction and performance across the full ensemble
  • Chromatic and modal scale facility (whole tone, blues, pentatonic)
  • Full-band balance and blend awareness
  • Sectional balance and voice independence within harmonic context
  • Intonation control through ear training and guided listening
  • Tone quality and pitch stability across dynamic and register changes

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