Tuning Chorales for Band Vol. 3: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Saucedo builds tuning into the fabric of the arrangement itself rather than treating it as a separate technical exercise. The embedded drone concept makes intonation tangible for students; they feel the acoustical relationships rather than just aiming for a pitch. Your band will develop genuine ear training while working on functional Grade 3 literature.

These chorales sit somewhere between warm-up and art music. The drones create a contemplative, focused atmosphere in the room, and students often describe the experience as calming yet deeply engaging. There is genuine satisfaction when the band hears itself lock into tune.

Concert bands working at Grade 3 level who want tuning instruction embedded in performance repertoire. This works especially well for programs preparing for festival or contest where clean, unified intonation is judged.

• Assign students in unison sections to tune against the drone first, then gradually reduce its prominence as confidence grows.
• Read the tuning hints aloud during sectionals before full band rehearsal; most students respond better when they understand the acoustic principle behind each adjustment.
• Record a full run-through and listen back as an ensemble, asking students to identify spots where the intonation felt locked versus loose.
• Work the three keys (Db Major, C Minor, C Major) across separate rehearsals rather than in sequence, so students transfer tuning strategies between tonal centers.

Rotate these throughout your season as opening pieces in rehearsal to establish a strong tuning baseline before tackling more complex repertoire. They also work well as contest selections where the clarity of intonation directly supports your adjudication score.

• Matching pitch against a sustained drone
• Recognizing and correcting sharp/flat tendencies within major and minor tonalities
• Adjusting intonation across three distinct key centers (Db Major, C Minor, C Major)
• Identifying the acoustic sensation of locked versus loose ensemble tuning
• Reading and interpreting tuning notation in both score and individual parts