As with the previous volumes, Book 4 contains 100 short sight reading pieces, slightly more difficult than those in Book 3 including more syncopated rhythms, more meter changes and more use of sixteenth note rhythms. The music for all four volumes is arranged in a manner so that it can be adapted to a wide range of ensemble sizes and instrumentation and is well suited for individual study. Book 4 makes it possible to use a different book each year so students will have new sight reading material from 9th to 12th grades. A convenient, effective and economical means to develop this very important aspect of musical performance.
Based on the best-selling series from Jerry West, this new volume presents 50 original exercises to challenge the wind band at a Grade 2-3 level. Longer etudes, 16th notes, minor keys and a few modes can be found in this more advanced collection. This is a fine way to prepare for upcoming adjudications and to build a sight-reading regimen into the curriculum for wind players, as it complies with the NAfME National Standards that define proficiency levels in grades 5-12. Creative, fun to play, and full of twists and surprises, it will keep your musicians on their toes as it teaches independence and musicianship through every section of the ensemble.
Here's an effective and efficient means to practice sight-reading on a regular basis without having to retrieve music from the library, hand the music out to the band, collect it after rehearsal, reassemble the music in score order, and file it back in the library. It provides one hundred short pieces (average length is 25 measures with a total of approximately ten hours of sight-reading practice) while saving valuable rehearsal time. For effective rehearsal planning, an index is provided in the score with key signatures, meters, and primary rhythmic figures to provide assistance in creating lesson plans. The music is arranged in a flexible manner so that it can be adapted to a wide range of ensemble sizes with varying instrumentation. The exercises feature various key signatures and meters, key changes, meter changes, accidentals, reversal of rhythms, repeats of various types, hemiola, and isolation of various sections of the ensemble. Emphasis has also been placed on dotted rhythms and counting of rests. An invaluable tool for the efficient preparation for sight-reading contests by allowing many opportunities to sight-read in class using the least amount of time possible!