"I have to say I'm LOVING your tone right now! Ready to have some more fun?! Below you will find a progressive set of exercises that you can apply your new knowledge of tone and intonation to. Our horn expert is here with us as well so you can listen to her play each exercise first, or even play along with her! Ready? Set? Let's gooooo!"
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First Low Notes are E, D, C
*** You should recognize these notes from the low part of the C Major scale! Keep actively listening to your tone and intonation as you play. And speaking of intonation, if you recall your knowledge on horn pitch tendencies you will notice that the E and D you are playing are both naturally flat on the instrument, so you may need to lip these notes up by slightly tightening your embouchure. Keep this in mind as you are practicing this exercise and the two that follow. ***
Catching the Lowest Moonlight
*** A phrase is a musical sentence. In this exercise, try to keep your air and sound going until you get to each rest. Then you will be playing 4-measure phrases! It may be a challenge at first, but through correct practice and repetition, it can be achieved! ***
Mary Had Just 3 Low Notes
*** Mary has the same low notes you do! You may notice the little 'comma' at the end of the 4th measure. In music, this is known as a breath mark. In addition to long rests, breath marks show where to breath so that you don't interrupt the phrases. ***
First High Notes are A, G, F
*** You should recognize these notes from the high part of the C Major scale! It's okay if these notes are harder to play than the low ones – remember that as your embouchure gets stronger and more used to vibrating, it will become easier and you will be more successful! If you are using a double horn and the trigger fingering for A, keep in mind that it is naturally flat on the instrument. You may need to lip this note up by slightly tightening your embouchure to play it in tune. Keep this in mind as you are practicing this exercise and those that follow. ***
Catching the Highest Moonlight
*** Just like when "catching the lowest moonlight", try to keep your air and sound going until you get to each rest, allowing you to play 4-measure phrases. ***
Mary Had Just 3 High Notes
*** Looks like Mary also has the same high notes you do! Don't forget to breathe at the breath mark, but not before then! ***
Mary's Reaching Higher Now
*** You will notice that 4 of the first 5 notes from the beginning method book are being used here. Time to reach higher! ***
Holidays with ExTon!
*** Whew, this is going to be a workout! Now we are using all 5 starting notes from the beginning method book! Some things to focus on with this longer exercise are the 4-measure phrases, the possible natural pitch tendency of A (flat if using the trigger fingering on a double horn), and of course great tone! ***
Flying Along! ...
Wasn't that fun?! Well we're not done yet! Before we bring things back down to earth, there are some clips of master hornists for your Listening pleasure we would like to make available so you can continue to train your ear in the pursuit of the perfect tone!